Library accounts must be set up in person at the Library. A valid photo ID showing a local address is required.

A parent or guardian must accompany and authorize an account for anyone under 18 years of age. The Library does not set a minimum age for a Library account but leaves the determination of when the juvenile is responsible enough to receive a card and borrow materials on their own to the parent.

Library cards must be renewed every four years at the cardholder’s anniversary date.

The MichiCard Program is a statewide library card as a method for improving access for Michigan's citizens to all of the resources and information housed in Michigan's libraries.

The Potterville Benton Township District Library does follow the rules formulated by the Library of Michigan. We will provide MichiCards to patrons that are in the city of Potterville and Benton Township that have an account with us. The MichiCard allows use of the Potterville Benton Township District Library card at all participating libraries across the state, subject to local rules governing each library.

Loan Periods

Certain materials may not be removed from the library.

• Adult new books
• Items on hold
• Interlibrary loan materials
• Any item which has been previously renewed

Materials are expected to be returned by the due date. Renewal periods are available for most items as explained in the Renewals segment above.

As of January 1989, the Library Board of Trustees put into effect the following policy:

Library privileges will be revoked when a patron is billed for overdue books, tapes, records, etc. Privileges will be returned to the patron when the property is returned to the Library or when restitution has been made.

Patrons shall be responsible for fees and other charges in accordance with the library's standard schedule. Failure to pay these fees may result in the suspension of borrowing and computer use privileges.

• For local or toll free numbers
  • $1 per page for sending
  • $1 per page for receiving
• For long distance numbers
  • $3 for the first page
  • $1 per page after that

Overdue books on the waiting list will be charged 25 cents per day.

DVD rental is $2 per week. Late fees of $1 per day (for each DVD) after the 7-day rental period will be charged.

VHS Tapes are free, but a Late Fee of $1 per day (for each video) after the 7-day rental period will apply.

Format	Size	Cost
Single-faced Double-faced Single-faced Double-faced	8 1/2 by 11 8 1/2 by 11 8 1/2 by 14 8 1/2 by 14	20 cents each 25 cents each 25 cents each 30 cents each

Format	Size	Cost
Single-faced	8 1/2 x 11	50 cents each

Access to the Internet is available to all library patrons free of charge. Minors must have a parent of legal guardian come in to the library to sign the Internet Use Agreement Consent Form before using the computer for the first time. Adults will, also, have to agree and sign the Internet Use Agreement Consent Form before using the computer.

Patrons are encouraged to use the computers with the following restrictions:

1. The copying of copyright protected software is prohibited.
2. Patrons may only use library owned software.
3. Computers are available on a walk-in basis. If another patron is waiting to use the computer, access must be relinquished after 30 minutes. A patron may use the computer for a maximum of one hour per day.
4. Patrons are prohibited to use the computer for illegal or criminal purposes.
5. Violation of the Internet Use Policy will result in the patron losing his/her computer privileges.

If the item you wish to borrow is not on the shelf, you may reserve it by placing a hold. This can be done in person, on the phone or using the online catalog. You will be asked to enter your library card number and PIN to access your library account. The library staff will notify you when your item is available.

The materials must be claimed within a week. If the materials are not picked up, the materials will be offered to the next person on the waiting list. If no one is waiting, the materials will be returned to the circulating collection. New books on order may be placed on reserve pending their arrival at the Library.

• Charges for items returned damaged will depend upon the extent of the damage.


• Lost-item charges will be billed at cost of replacement.


• If the original or replacement price is not available the following costs will apply:

Adult Fiction	$30
Adult Reference	$50
Children's Fiction	$20
Children's Reference	$35
Books on Tape/CD	$35
VHS Tapes or DVDs	$25
Paperback (Adult)	$15
Paperback (Children's)	$10

The patron may have the option of replacing the lost or damaged article with the same item in lieu of the above fee.

• Lost Library Cards will cost $5 for a replacement.


• The first replacement is no charge.


• Worn cards are replaced without charge.

The Potterville Benton Township District Library does accept material donations. We would ask that the materials are clean and in general good shape. These materials will be evaluated and placed within the library or collected for the Friends of the Library annual book sale. Materials that are processed to be added to the collection will have notification of donor (if the person or persons involved) are in agreement.

Other memorial and honor gifts forms are available at the library. Acknowledgement plates are placed in the front of both honor and memorial materials.