For many kids, getting a library card is a first taste of independence, and Karen Smith has seen that pride firsthand in her 13 years at the Livonia Public Library.
“We’ll have kids come in here and they’ve got their wallet with like a dollar and their library card in it,” says Smith, who’s head of children’s services. “It’s great. It makes the kids feel a little bit more responsible and a little more grown up.”
Getting a library card is a big deal for kids — not just because of what it unlocks, but because it’s theirs. And these days, it gives families access to so much more than books. At libraries across metro Detroit, a card can open the door to board games, educational tablets, streaming services, digital books and even Wi-Fi hotspots. All for free.
Here’s a look at how to get a library card for your child, using Livonia’s process as a guide — and why it’s worth doing.
How to get a library card in Livonia (as just one local example)
“It’s pretty easy,” says Smith. “They just come in with a current picture ID or a picture ID with their current Livonia address on it, or a piece of mail if they don’t have their license changed.” In under five minutes, families can walk out with their cards — and a welcome packet full of tips and resources.
Here’s how to get started:
- Bring ID: A photo ID with your Livonia address (or a piece of mail if the address isn’t updated yet).
- Head to the circulation desk: Friendly staff will guide you through a quick application.
- For kids: A parent must be present with valid ID. Kids are encouraged to be able to write their first and last names (usually by age 5).
- Get your card (and key fob): You’ll receive both, and either can be used for checkouts.
- Take home a welcome packet: Includes a guide to online resources and a list of partner libraries.
Prefer to start online? There’s a temporary digital-only application that works for 3-6 months, Smith says, but in-person verification is required for full access.
This process may vary slightly across southeast Michigan, but, Smith says, “If you go to your home library, you’re going to be able to get a library card.”
Check with your local branch for exact details.
What families can use their library cards for
A library card unlocks extensive access for metro Detroit families.
“People still think that libraries are just books,” Smith says, “and they don’t realize all of the other services and resources that they can get here.”
A sampling of what families can access through Livonia (may vary for other libraries):
- Books: Up to 100 items per card
- Movies: Limit of 10 DVDs
- Playaway Launchpads: Kid-friendly education tablets loaded with games and learning apps for ages 3-10 (limit 2 per family)
- Board games: Great for try-before-you-buy family fun
- Library of Things: Games, tools and other useful items
- Hotspots: Portable Wi-Fi for camping trips or travel (2-week loan)
Beyond physical items, families can tap into a full digital library, including:
- Libby and Hoopla: Ebooks, audiobooks and music
- Kanopy: Streaming movies and kids’ content
- Tumblebooks and Teen Book Cloud: Digital books for younger and older kids
- Universal Class and LinkedIn Learning: Online courses (best for teens and adults)
- Newspaper access: New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Detroit Free Press — no paywall
And come September, which is Library Card Sign-Up Month, Livonia sweetens the deal. “Any kid who gets a library card gets a free book,” says Smith.
A library card also makes you part of a network
Livonia is part of The Library Network, a cooperative of 100+ libraries across Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, Livingston, Genesee and St. Clair counties — which means its cardholders can check out materials from a wide regional system.
Another 27 libraries in Macomb County participate in the Suburban Library Cooperative, with similar shared access.
Why library cards matter for kids
“They get very excited about having a library card,” Smith says. “A lot of kids know how to put holds on stuff by themselves. It gives them a little bit of independence.”
That sense of ownership is powerful. Kids are able to:
- Check out their own books
- Earn summer reading incentives
- Place holds and navigate the system independently
Livonia, like many libraries across the region, has eliminated late fees to make access easier. “
“It really boosts circulation and breaks down barriers,” Smith says. “We do automatic renewals, unless the item’s on hold for somebody else.”
And most children’s programs, from reading logs to events, don’t require a card or residency. “We will welcome anybody,” she says.
As Smith puts it, “smartest card in your wallet” — a longtime tagline from the American Library Association — still holds true.
This content is sponsored by Wayne County Community College District. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Raising Kids Who Love to Read.
