Library Card FAQ | Novi Library

Novi Resident Adult
Residents of Novi may present a valid picture ID and proof of Novi residency, which includes a valid driver's license or a current (dated within last three months) piece of mail showing the resident's name with a current Novi address or address that pays Novi taxes. All documentation must show resident's name to be used as proof of residency.

If a resident cannot produce a valid piece of mail as proof of residency, the Library will mail a verification postcard to the resident's Novi address, which can be returned in person to the Library as proof of residency.

Novi Resident Youth
For those under age 18, a parent or legal guardian (guardianship papers required) must bring the above identification and/or documentation to the Library.

If the parent or legal guardian has a valid library card, it must be in good standing to register their child for a card. Parents or legal guardians who sign the child's card will have access to account information and are responsible for materials.

Novi Resident Sponsor
Residents of Novi who are affected by special circumstances (i.e. temporarily or permanently homebound, exchange student or temporary resident residing in a host household of a Novi resident, etc.) may be eligible for library cards when an approved sponsor will be added to their account.

The sponsor must be a Novi resident with a picture ID and proof of residency within Novi. The sponsor can apply at the Library for the sponsored resident’s library card by presenting the sponsored resident’s valid picture ID and proof of Novi residency.

To obtain a card for the sponsored resident, for which they’ll be responsible, the sponsor’s library account must be in good standing with the Library (i.e. all fines and fees are paid in full). The sponsor must co-sign for the library card and they
will be held responsible for all debts/obligations/fines incurred by the sponsored resident and for the return (or loss) of materials borrowed by the sponsored resident. Under the Novi Code of Ordinances, Section 19-5(d), the sponsor who has borrowed property from the Library shall be deemed to be the person to whom the property was lent.

Novi Business or Employed in Novi
If you work or own a business in the City of Novi, you may also be eligible for a Novi Public Library Card. Please visit the Library for more information.

Purchasing a Novi Library Card
Non-Residents With Another TLN Library Card
Non-residents whose home library is a member of The Library Network (TLN) may choose to relinquish their home library card and purchase a Novi Public Library card for an annual fee instead, as stated in the Borrowing Periods & Fees.

Non-Residents With a Library Card from a Non-TLN Library
Non-residents whose home libraries are not part of the TLN network may purchase a Novi Public Library card for an annual fee as stated in the Borrowing Periods & Fees.

See Our Brochures For More Information
“Using Your New Novi Public Library Card” Brochure

“Library Card Options & Privileges” Brochure.

Novi Public Library's Policy on the Confidentiality of Guest Records
The purpose of this policy is to preserve the confidentiality and privacy of the registration and circulation records of its guests to the fullest extent permitted by law. Read more at Confidentiality of Guest Records

Yes, click here to apply online.

If your home library is in The Library Network (TLN) shared system and is valid, your library card is already in our system and available for use at Novi Public Library.
If your home library is a TLN standalone library, you can be registered as a Shared Automation System Guest (SAS Guest) in our system. You will need to register your home library card with the Novi Public Library the first time you use it here by presenting:
- Your home library card
- Your valid Michigan driver's license or picture identification (state-issued ID or passport) showing your current address
- Guests under the age of 18 need to have a parent present who must also present their home library card to register their child’s card.
You can verify if your home library is a TLN shared system or standalone library by checking the TLN Library Phone Directory.

Novi Resident/Novi Resident Sponsor/Novi Business Owner/City of Novi Employee
Card Privileges:
- Card valid for 1 year
- Charge Limit: 100 items
- Holds Limit: 25 items
- $14.99 in fines suspends service
- 1 or more lost items suspends service
Access To:
- Books, A/V Items, Kits, Lending Laptops, HotSpots
- Use of Public Computers
- Digital Library
- Online Databases & Resources
- Programming
- Lakeshore Lending Library

Shared Automation System Guest (SAS Guest)/Employed in Novi
Card Privileges:
- Card valid for 1 year
- Checkout Limit: 10 items
- Holds Limit: 3 items
- $4.99 in fines suspends service
- 1 or more lost items suspends service
Access To:
- Books, A/V Items, Kits, Lending Laptops
- Use of Public Computers
- Programming
- NOT ELIGIBLE FOR: Digital Library, Online Databases & Resources, Hotspots, Lakeshore Lending Library

Yes. A valid Novi Library card or other valid TLN library card is required for all services in the Library. Make sure to always have with you either the physical wallet or keychain version you received at registration or download a digital copy to your smartphone.
We recommend using a loyalty card app like mobile-pocket to save a digital copy of yours and any family member’s library cards to your smartphone and always have them on hand.
Click here to view video instructions for saving a digital copy of your library card.

Your PIN is the password for your account. Your new library card is set with a default PIN of the last four digits of the phone number on your account. You may change it to something personalized after you log in to your My Account.
If you forgot your PIN, you can enter your library card number here and your PIN will be sent to the email address on your account.

Once you have registered for a Novi Public Library card, you may use it at any TLN shared system library without further requirements. For standalone libraries in TLN, please contact each individual library to inquire about their policy for reciprocal borrowing.
The Library Network Phone Directory
Novi Public Library cardholders/residents may also use their library card at the Lakeshore Lending Library located in Lakeshore Park (601 S Lake Dr, Novi, MI). Lakeshore Lending Library is a self-service kiosk with three rotating carousels holding 235 items that you can browse through and check out with your Novi Public Library card. Click here for more information.

Novi resident library cards in good standing automatically renew annually one month before expiration after our system confirms your Novi residency. A confirmation email is sent to let you know your card is valid for another year.
If your card is not in good standing, blocked, or residency can’t be verified, you will receive email notifications to renew in person. These email reminders will be sent 30 days before, 7 days before, 7 days after, and 30 days after your card’s expiration date.
If your Novi resident card cannot automatically renew, or for all other types of library cards, you must renew annually in person with valid picture ID and proof of Novi residency, business ownership, or employment in Novi. All fines and fees must be paid in full prior to renewal. Prior to renewing a child's card, the parent’s card's fines/fees must be paid in full as well.
TLN Shared System library cards must be renewed at the home library where they were registered. Each library will follow its own renewal schedule.

Click here to view video instructions for accessing your “My Account” on your mobile device
Your My Account
When you register for a Novi Public Library card, an account is automatically set up for you and can be accessed via the My Account link on our website. In order to keep up to date, you should regularly check your account to:
- See current and overdue materials checked out
- Renew materials
- Place and cancel holds
- Pay fines
- Change your PIN
- Setup EZ Login credentials
- Opt-in to text notifications and email receipts
To Access Your My Account
- Visit www.NoviLibrary.org
- Click on the Login to My Account icon near the bottom of the page.
- Enter your library card number without spaces and your PIN.
  - Your new library card is set with a default PIN of the last four digits of the phone number you provided at registration.
  - You may change it to something personalized after you log in to your My Account.
- Click on the Log In button.
- From there, click on each header (i.e. Account Summary, Account Activity, etc.) for different options.
If You Forgot your PIN
- If you forgot your PIN, you can enter your library card number here and your PIN will be sent to the email address on your account.
- You can also come in to the Library in person, present your Driver’s License and library card, and a staff member can reset it manually for you.

It is best to regularly check your account via the My Account link on our website. Additionally, you will receive courtesy notifications by email, and text if you opted in.
Be sure to add the email addresses notifications@novilibrary.org and librarynotices@tlnnotices.org to your contact list to receive the following courtesy notification emails:

Notification	Available as Email	Available as Text
New Cardholder Welcome Emails	X
Checkout and Renewal Receipts	X
Hold Notice When Your Hold is Available for Pick Up Hold is Available for 7 Days from Notice	X	X
Coming Due Notice 3 Days Before an Item is Due	X	X
Overdue Notice 7 Days After an Item is Due	X
Lost Notice 21 Days After an Item is Due Item Status is Changed to “LOST” Guest is Billed for Replacement Cost of Item	X
Library Card Renewal Notice 30 Days Before Your Card Expiration Date	X
Birthday Promotion Notice	X
Monthly eNewsletters	X
Urgent Library Updates Emergency/Unexpected Library Closures Building & Technology Issues	X

If you do not receive notifications and your email and phone number are correct, check your spam folder and email provider settings. At any time, if you have questions, contact the Support Services Team at 248-349-0720.

What collections are on each floor?
Our first floor contains Youth and Tween books and audio/visual items, our periodical collection, and our “What’s New” section. The second floor contains our Adult and Young Adult books and audiobooks.

What if the item I want is checked out? How do I place a hold?
You can get on the waiting list for the item, so when the item is returned, we will hold it for you and notify you that the hold is available.

To place a request for an item, you can use our online catalog to search for the item and then click the Place Hold button. You will need a valid library card and PIN to complete the hold. Or you can contact us, and a Librarian will be happy to assist you.

If you send another person to pick up your available hold, that person must bring the library card in the name of person who has the available hold in order to check out the item.

Non-Holdable Library Items:
- 7-Day Books
- Be Active Bags
- Holiday Picture Books
- Local History
- Lucky Day
- Magazines (Adult, Young Adult, & Youth)
- Magnifiers
- Reference Books
- Special Needs Kits
- STEAM Kits
- Story Time Backpacks

What if the item I want is not owned by the Novi Library but is owned by another library?
You may request that a library that owns the item and is willing to lend it, send it to the Novi Public Library for you. When the item arrives here, we will hold it for you and notify you that the hold is available.

To place a request for an item, you can use our online catalog to search for the item and then click the Place Hold button. You will need a valid library card and PIN to complete the hold. Or you can contact us, and a Librarian will be happy to assist you.

Keep in mind that not all materials can be interloaned from other libraries. If you have questions, feel free to contact us.

If you send another person to pick up your available hold, that person must bring the library card in the name of person who has the available hold in order to check out the item.

What if I can't find the item I want in the Catalog?
We might be able to get the item from another library outside our local shared catalog system by searching the MeLCat database.

Policy on Fees for Damaged, Destroyed or Lost Materials
Fines are charged on overdue materials to ensure the timely return of items for other members of the community to enjoy. If your account exceeds the maximum fine amount, library privileges will be suspended until materials are returned and fines are paid.

You are responsible for all materials checked out on your card. Keep library items in good condition for the next guest. The Library will notify you of charges for lost or damaged items. Substitute materials cannot be accepted in lieu of payment. No refunds will be made.

Fees for Damaged, Destroyed or Lost Materials

Novi Public Library offers several types of kits:
- Be Active Bags
- Special Needs Kits
- STEAM Kits
- Story Time Backpacks
Kits can be checked out for 7 days and are not renewable. The kit must be returned to the NPL Circulation Desk only. Due to the valuable and breakable components of the kits, a $10.00 fine will be assessed if these items are returned in the automated 24-hour drive-up return slot, in the manual return slot or the lobby return slots, or to a library other than NPL.

Only Novi Public Library cardholders/residents 18 or older are able to checkout a Mobile Hotspot for one week to share unlimited data with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices. The mobile hotspots use the T-Mobile network, provide 1GB high speed 4G LTE coverage, are PC-friendly and play nicely with your Mac or Linux computer. The device does filter content, however, parents and caregivers are responsible for monitoring children's online activity. Use the hotspot to conduct research, complete homework, view entertainment or stay connected with family and friends.

Novi Public Library cardholders/residents must have and present a valid Novi Public Library card that is not blocked in order to check out a Mobile Hotspot. Due to the high demand and usage of the Mobile Hotspots, a hold may be placed to reserve the next available hotspot. You may place a hold directly using our catalog or by contacting us to place the hold for you.

Guests 18 or older are able to checkout a Lending Laptop for use in the Library or on the Library’s gated back patio during for that day. The laptop must be returned to the Circulation Desk at least 30 minutes prior to the Library’s close of business on the day of check-out.

Guests must have and present a valid TLN shared system library card that is not blocked and a driver’s license or state-issued photo ID (which will be held at the Circulation Desk until the laptop is returned) in order to check out a laptop.

For more information, click here.

Download Destination (Powered By Overdrive) & the Libby App
Checkout ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and stream video on your computer, eReader, Tablet, MP3 player, smartphone or other mobile devices with Download Destination (Powered By Overdrive)! Download the Libby app to read or listen to them on your mobile device.

Libby Checkout Limit:
6 at a time

Hoopla
Access digital comics, movies, TV shows, eBooks, audiobooks and music to enjoy on your computer, tablet, smartphone – and even your TV with the Hoopla Digital app.

Hoopla Checkout Limit:
10 per month

To Check Out Using a Self-Check Station
We have three self-check stations with touchscreens available for guests in the main lobby.
- Press the Start button.
- Check your materials for any damage and verify all discs/parts are present prior to checkout.
- Scan your library card barcode into the designated box.
- On the summary screen, press the Checkout button.
- For Novi materials, place items one at a time on the pad and wait for the item to appear in green on the screen.
- For holds from other libraries, scan the item’s barcode sticker (may be located either on the front outside or inside cover or the back inside or outside cover) then place the item on the pad and wait for it to appear in green on the screen.
- Repeat for each item to be checked out.
- Press the Done button when finished.
- Press the Print button to print a due date receipt.
- Come to the circulation desk if you encounter any issues or if any items turn red.

Click here to view a video showing how to use a Self-Check Station.

Self-Service Holds Shelf
You will receive a notification once your hold is here at NPL and available to be picked up. Holds are located in the lobby on the Self-Service Holds shelf and are arranged alphabetically by the guest’s last name. You must check out your hold prior to leaving the Library.

If you send another person to pick up your available hold, that person must bring the library card in the name of person who has the available hold in order to check out the item.

Can I pick up my hold from the drive-up window?
For fast, convenient service, call the Library at least one (1) hour in advance to schedule an appointment to pick up your available hold at either the drive-up window or from a lobby locker. Appointments are available Monday – Thursday 10:30am – 8:00pm, Friday and Saturday 10:30am – 5:00pm, and Sunday 12:30pm – 5:00pm.

For Novi Public Library items see Borrowing Periods & Fees for detailed information about circulating Library materials and consumable supplies available.

For items from other TLN shared system libraries or for MeLCat items, refer to the due dates listed on your checkout receipt and in your My Account. These due dates vary by each owning library.

Automatic Item Renewal
Eligible items will auto-renew if:
- The item does not have holds
- The item has not reached its limit of 2 renewals
- Your account does not have blocks preventing renewals
- The item is not a MeLCat interloaned item

How do I renew my items?
All eligible items are set to auto-renew. However, you may manually renew library materials by phone after providing your Library card number or by logging into your My Account page.

When do auto-renewals occur?
Auto-renewals will occur 3 days before an item's due date. You will still receive your full loan period, as the renewal period is added at the end of the original loan period.

Will I get a notification if an item has auto-renewed?
No, you will not receive a notification of the successful auto-renewal of items; items that can be renewed will be renewed with no notification. However, if you have opted in to receive checkout and renewal receipts via email, then you will be sent an email renewal receipt when items are auto-renewed.

I already returned my item. Why did the item auto-renew?
If you already returned the item, you may disregard the notice.

What if an item doesn’t auto-renew?
If an item cannot be renewed, you will receive a due date reminder by your chosen notification method (email, text or phone). Please return items by the due date so that other library guests can enjoy them and to avoid accruing late fees.

The following items cannot be renewed:
- 7-Day Books
- Adult Book Discussion Kits
- Be Active Bags
- Bi-Folkal Kits
- Bike Locks
- Holiday Picture Books
- Kill-A-Watt Meters
- Lending Laptops
- Lucky Day
- Magazines (Adult, Young Adult, & Youth)
- Mobile Hotspots
- Reference Books
- Special Needs Kits
- STEAM Kits
- Story Time Backpack Kits

Books and audiovisual materials (other than MeLCat items) may be returned to any TLN library whether they belong to NPL or another TLN library.

MeLCat items MUST be returned only to the Novi Public Library.

The specialty items listed below must ONLY be returned to NPL’s main circulation desk. A fine will be assessed if these items are returned in the automated 24-hour drive-up return slot, in the lobby return slots or to a library other than NPL.
- Be Active Bags
- Lending Laptops
- Magnifiers
- Mobile Hotspots
- Special Needs Kits
- STEAM Kits
- Story Time Backpack Kits

Books and audiovisual materials (other than MeLCat items) may be returned to any TLN library whether they belong to NPL or another TLN library.

MeLCat items MUST be returned only to the Novi Public Library.

The specialty items listed below must ONLY be returned to NPL’s main circulation desk. A fine will be assessed if these items are returned in the automated 24-hour drive-up return slot, in the lobby return slots or to a library other than NPL.
- Be Active Bags
- Lending Laptops
- Magnifiers
- Mobile Hotspots
- Special Needs Kits
- STEAM Kits
- Story Time Backpack Kits