Expired Library Cards Surprise Patrons

Manistee County Library website

If you're having trouble using the library's e-services, such as Kindle downloads or patron-only web pages, you're not alone. This morning, many tried to log in and were told that their cards had expired. And that's true. Technically, everyone's library card expired today--but only temporarily.

Today is the first day of a new library card system. The new system is meant to help library staff get rid of old and outdated paper records, and also to make sure Manistee County residents are guaranteed access.

The new library card system, however, means starting over and re-verifying residency or property ownership status. That just means a brief visit to any branch location (with driver's license/state ID, and/or local tax bill, if ID shows a different county of permanent residence). 

Manistee County Library Facebook page

   

Anyone unable to visit a branch in person soon, but needing access, can call the main branch, at (231) 723-2519, to have services extended for an extra 2 weeks. 

Under a new policy approved in September, non-residents will be required to pay $45 per year for basic library checkout services (including books, movies, music, and computer terminal use). For electronic, off-site services (including eBooks), non-residents of Manistee County will have to pay an additional $30 per year.

The library had hoped to notify its patrons of the change sooner, and staff apologized for the sudden termination of accounts without more warning. They expected to have more details, published and more widely available, soon.