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Get a Library Card

Library Cards and Use Policy

Who is eligible for a library card from Cass District Library?

Persons who reside in Cass District Library’s legal service area may apply for a library card at no charge. The legal service area includes the following Cass County townships:

  • Calvin
  • Howard
  • Jefferson
  • LaGrange
  • Mason
  • Milton
  • Newberg
  • Ontwa
  • Penn
  • Porter
  • Pokagon
  • Volinia

Cass District Library has reciprocal borrowing agreements with Wood Memorial-Marcellus Township Library, Dowagiac District Library and Van Buren District Library. If you have a valid library card from either of these libraries, you are eligible to borrow books from Cass District Library and its branches at no charge. All students who attend school in Cass County are eligible for an Education Card.

How can I apply for a library card?

To register for a card, you must provide the library with the following information:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Business address (if any)
  • Telephone number (preferably more than one)
  • Birth date

Consent from a parent or legal guardian will be required for a minor. Registration forms may be sent home with minors for adult signature.

One of the following documents will be accepted as proof of residency:

  • Driver’s license
  • Tax receipt
  • Voter registration card
  • Michigan identification card
  • Property deed
  • Utility bill
  • Bank checks with imprint of name and address or mortgage/lease agreement

Library cards are valid for three years; out-of-district cards are valid for one year. Proof of current residency will be required at the time of renewal. A library card that has expired or has not been claimed for 6 months shall be withdrawn. Library cards will not be issued or renewed for customers or institutions with outstanding fines, fees or bills.

How can I renew my library card?

To renew your library card, you may visit any branch location, call the Main Branch circulation desk at (269) 357-7822 ext. 107 or email nmchugh@cass.lib.mi.us. If any of your information has changed, such as name or address, the renewal will be valid for three months, after which time you must provide valid proof of residency in person at any branch location.

What if I am not eligible, but still would like a card?

Persons who are not eligible (i.e., those who live outside of the library’s legal service area) may register for a library card by paying an annual $25.00 registration fee. This “non-resident” card will expire one year from the date of activation and may be renewed for another year at a cost of $25.00. Out-of-state residents may register by paying an annual registration fee of $40.00. The same activation and expiration stipulations apply.

Applying for a Digital Card

If you are a Cass County resident who resides in our service area, CDL is happy to remotely sign you up for a library card so you can access thousands of free downloadable books, audiobooks, and movies through OverDrive and Hoopla. Please allow 24 hours for processing. Send us a message here or email the following information to cwilliams@cass.lib.mi.us:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Township
  • Phone Number
  • Date of Birth 
  • School District

Please note that cards issued electronically are valid for three months, after which time you must provide proof of residency in person at any branch location. 

Fine Free Borrowing FAQ

  • Why is Cass District Library going fine free?

    This change is in response to the American Library Association’s Resolution on Monetary Library Fines as a Form of Social Inequity which “urges libraries to scrutinize their practices of imposing fines on library patrons and actively move towards eliminating them”. This policy change follows a national trend of public libraries adopting fine free policies to remove barriers to access.

    Historically fines were imposed on library materials as a means to encourage their return. Recent studies have proven however, that fines are not effective and removing fines positively impacts the return of materials. Most importantly, studies have determined that eliminating fines increases library usage. CDL believes that eliminating fines will better connect the community to our resources, materials, and social services.

  • How can the library afford not to collect fines?

    For the past several years, fine revenue has accounted for less than 1% of Cass District Library’s operating income and in fact, the expenses associated with collecting fines now outweigh the revenue.

  • If I already have fines, will they be eliminated?

    Yes, as long as all overdue materials have been returned. However, patrons are still responsible for the replacement costs of lost or damaged items.

  • How does this process work for patrons?
    • Patrons will be notified by phone, mail, or email when items become 7 days overdue.
    • After 14 days overdue, patrons will be notified again and borrowing privileges will be suspended.
    • Patrons are mailed a final notice at 28 days overdue. Final notices serve as a bill, detailing the replacement costs of all overdue items, which are subsequently charged to the account.
    • Delinquent accounts $30.00 and over will be submitted to collections and assessed a nonrefundable $5.00 charge.
    • Returning overdue items at any time will remove replacement charges from a patron’s account and will reinstate borrowing. If a $5.00 collections fee has been added to an account, the fee must be paid prior to reinstatement of borrowing privileges.

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Upcoming Events

Mar 27 2023

Infant Storytime

Mason/Union Branch
Mar 27 2023

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Mason/Union Branch
Mar 28 2023

Preschool Storytime

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Preschool Storytime

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Mar 28 2023

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Preschool Storytime

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Phone | (866) 808-7323

Fax | (269) 357-7824

Main Branch

319 M 62
Cassopolis, MI 49031

Locations

  • Main Branch
  • Edwardsburg Branch
  • Howard Branch
  • Local History Branch
  • Mason/Union Branch

Additional Resources

  • Career Center
  • Government and Legal Information
  • Educational Resources
  • Materials Suggestion Form
  • What do I read next?

Community

  • Cass County
  • Cass County Resource Guide
  • Council on Aging
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Cass District Library
  • My Account
  • Events & Programs
    • 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
  • Services
    • Get A Library Card
  • Library Collection
    • Libby App
    • Local History Resources
  • About
    • Locations
    • Edwardsburg Build
    • Contact
    • Library Board
    • Careers
    • Staff Directory