Policies

Library Cards

Our libraries will issue cards to anyone who can prove they live, work, attend school, or own property in Dearborn Heights. A current driver's license is preferred, however, we will accept other forms of identification as proof of residency. We also honor library cards from other The Library Network (TLN) member libraries.

Dearborn Heights Residents Applying for a Library Card

A resident borrower must present picture identification with proof of current Dearborn Heights address such as a driver's license or State ID to get a card.  If the address on either of these pieces of identification is incorrect, a piece of mail or another official document will be accepted at the discretion of the Branch Librarian.

Non-Residents Applying for a Library Card

In order to apply for a card, a non-resident patron must live, work, own property, or go to school in the city of Dearborn Heights.

Minors Applying for a Library Card

A child under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to obtain a library card.  The parent must provide a valid driver's license or State ID and proof of current Dearborn Heights address.

Non-Resident Cards for Purchase

Michigan residents from non-TLN member areas or from non-reciprocating TLN member libraries are eligible to purchase a library card at $70 for an individual user for one year.

Patrons From Other The Library Network Member Libraries

Patrons who wish to use their library card from another TLN member library must have a card from their home library and be in good standing to access library services.

Additional Questions

If you have any questions about your eligibility for a library card or what types of documentation the library will accept for proof of eligibility, please contact us at 313-791-3800.

With a valid library card, a patron can borrow materials from the library as follows:

Books & Audiobooks

Books & Audiobooks may be checked out for 3 weeks at a time. You may borrow up to 100 titles at a time.

DVDs & Blu-rays

• Most DVDs & Blu-rays may be checked out for 1 week at a time.
• Newly-released TV Series may be checked out for 1 week at a time.
• Older TV Series may be checked out for 3 weeks at a time.
• You may borrow up to 5 titles at a time.

Magazines & Newspapers

• Newspapers may not be removed from the library.
• Current issues of magazines may not be removed from the library.
• Back issues of magazines may be checked out for 1 week at a time.
• You may borrow up to 10 titles at a time.

Music CDs

• Music CDs may be checked out for 1 week at a time.
• You may borrow up to 5 titles at a time.

Video Games

• Video games may be checked out for 1 week at a time.
• You may borrow up to 2 titles at a time.

Wireless Hotspots

• Wireless hotspots may be checked out for 1 week at a time.
• After a hotspot is returned, you must wait 30 days before you can check out another hotspot.
• Only one hotspot can be checked out to a household at a time, and the 30-day waiting period applies to all members of the same household.
• You may borrow only 1 hotspot at a time.

Placing Holds

Our library card is honored at over 70 other The Library Network (TLN) member libraries.  If an item is not present in our collection, we can often borrow it from another library and have it delivered to one of our branches for you to pick up.

Auto-Renewal

Most materials you borrow will automatically renew on their due date if:

• The item does not have a pending hold from another patron
• The item has not already been renewed twice
• Your account is in good standing
• It is an item that is eligible for renewal

If an item cannot be renewed, you will receive an automated reminder. Please return items by the due date so that other library patrons can enjoy the item.

Library Fines

Dearborn Heights City Libraries are fine-free with the exception of Wireless Hotspots at $5.00 per day late. Most library materials have a check-out period of three weeks with the exception of DVDs, CDs, Hotspots, and Magazines which check out for one week. As mentioned in the renewal portion of the policy page and with the exception of Hotspots, library materials can be renewed twice to extend your due date out three to nine weeks. However, if you still have not returned your library items within that extended time period an item is considered lost 21 days after the last due date. If an item is considered lost or returned damaged and deemed unusable by the library the full replacement price plus a $3 processing fee will be assessed. However, if you have a lost item and are afraid to return it for fear of getting charged fear not once the item is returned the lost item fee and processing fee will be waived.

• The internet workstations at the Dearborn Heights Libraries are to help patrons obtain information to meet their personal, educational, and professional needs.
• The library reserves the right to block sites for bandwidth and/or content considerations.
• The library does not have the right or responsibility to act as a substitute parent. Supervision or restriction of a child's access to the internet is the responsibility of the child's parent or legal guardian.
• Email is allowed. However, users must have an email address. The library does not supply email accounts.
• Users must show consideration for computer equipment. Users must not damage hardware or software or alter the software components or use personal software.
• To use the internet, users must have a valid library card, read and agree to the policy agreement. All internet users under 18 must have parental permission.
• Internet computers are available during regular library hours. Sessions are for one hour and a patron may be asked to give up their workstation at any point after one hour has elapsed.
• Two users are allowed per workstation maximum. Both users must have a valid library card. Both users must agree to the internet use policy.
• Staff cannot provide in-depth training on the Internet. Staff may offer search suggestions and answer questions.
• Printing up to 10 pages is free of charge. After 10 pages, the cost is $0.10, per page, for black and white and $0.50, per page, for color.
• Use of the internet is for legal purposes only. Illegal uses, including software piracy, are not permitted. The library is not responsible for the content of networked information via this service. The use of this service to engage in any activity which constitutes a violation of local, state, and/or federal laws is strictly prohibited.
• The library filters the children's computers. Users of the library internet terminals must conform to our community standards of strictly prohibiting access to "obscene or sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors" as stated in Michigan Law 212 of 2000.
• The library is a public place. Although we try to protect the confidentiality, we cannot be responsible for other users viewing content on a computer station or printer. Please act accordingly.

It is expressly prohibited to use library equipment to:

1. Access material that is obscene, including child pornography or material that is "harmful to minors," consistent with all applicable federal, state, or local laws.
2. Threaten, libel, harass, or sexually harass others.
3. Alter, destroy, or damage equipment, software, or data.
4. Disrupt or participate in the unauthorized monitoring of electronic communications.
5. Make unauthorized copies of copyright-protected materials.
6. Participate in the unauthorized use of computer accounts, using access codes and/or network identification assigned to others.
7. Use computer communications facilities in ways that unnecessarily impede the computing activities of others.
8. Tamper with the computer system security.
9. Intentionally violate software agreements.
10. Intentionally violate network use policies.

Dearborn Heights City Libraries provide quality services that support the use and enjoyment of library resources. The Patron Conduct Policy is a set of standards for acceptable behavior established to maintain a positive and safe environment that promotes respect for library patrons, property, and staff.

• The use of cellular phones is restricted to the library's entrance hall.
• Running, pushing, shoving, and throwing objects are prohibited.
• Do not disturb patrons by talking loudly.
• No more than two people at a time are allowed to sit at the computers.
• Entering the library without wearing a shirt and shoes is not allowed.
• No bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, or hoverboards are allowed inside the building.
• No food or drink inside the building.
• Being under the influence of illegal drugs and alcohol is prohibited.
• Smoking, chewing, and other tobacco use are not permitted.
• Damaging library property is prohibited.
• No lying down or sleeping on the floor or on any library furniture.
• No unauthorized solicitation.
• No, using restrooms for bathing, washing, or changing clothes.
• Carrying and displaying firearms or dangerous weapons of any kind, except as permitted by law.
• Harassing library staff, volunteers, or patrons by using offensive language with an abusive tone, verbal or physical threats, or other methods of intimidation, such as stalking, touching, and grabbing is strictly prohibited.
• No fighting or engaging in any altercation.
• No pets or animals are allowed with the exception of service animals.
• No playing music without the use of headphones.
• Leaving the library with materials that are not checked out at the circulation desk is not allowed.
• Inappropriate displays of affection, such as kissing, touching, or hugging with any implication of sexual conduct, including indecent exposure is strictly prohibited.
• No entering or remaining on library premises after business hours.
• Patrons must use the Internet in accordance with the Internet Use Policy.
• Patrons will comply with federal, state, and local laws.

If there are any questions or concerns about the Patron Conduct Policy, please contact the Library Director, Dearborn Heights City Libraries by mail or phone:  24590
George Street
Dearborn Heights
MI  48127
313-791-3804.

Patrons refusing to conduct themselves in accordance with Patron Conduct Policy may be subject to the following:

• Loss of privileges such as borrowing materials and computer use.
• Temporary or permanent expulsion.
• For minors, contact a guardian, parent, or school.
• Contact the police department for egregious violations.

Study Group Rooms are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis at the Circulation Desk. Meeting Rooms are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis at the Reference Desk.  The rooms are available during regular service hours:

• 10 am to 9 pm
  Monday through Thursday
• 10 am to 5 pm
  Friday and Saturday
• Closed on Sundays

Reservations for Meeting Rooms must be made by an officer of the organization and they may be asked to show proof of residency or non-profit status. Two reservations per month are the maximum for all rooms. There is a three-month maximum advance booking.  When school is in session, students in K-12 will be limited to a one-hour time block for a reservation during the busiest times

• 3:30 pm to 6 pm
  Monday through Thursday
• 12:30 pm to 3 pm
  Friday.

Fees

• City residents using the room for a civic purpose (ex., Home Owners Association. Union, Sorority): FREE
• City businesses needing a meeting room: $35 per hour.
• All other groups: $50 per hour.
• All fees are due one week before the meeting date and time. Unless a catastrophe prohibits the use of the room, fees are non-refundable.

Available Rooms

Our two Program Rooms are intended for use by Dearborn Heights residents and to be used for City programs and meetings hosted by the library. Business and civic meetings are also welcome. Please ask our staff if you have any questions or want to reserve a room.

Group Study Rooms are intended for individuals or for small groups to study or meet.

There are six rooms available for reservation at Caroline Kennedy Library:

• Full Program Room:
  Seats 80 can be split into two rooms 50 (room A) and 30 (room B).
  Food and drink are allowed.
   No excessive noise.
• Youth Program Room:
  Seats 10 to 20
  Food and drink are allowed
  No excessive noise.
• Group Study 1
  Seats 8 to 10
  No food; however, lidded/capped drinks are allowed.
  No excessive noise.
• Group Study 2
  Seats 8 to 10
  No food; however, lidded/capped drinks are allowed
  No excessive noise.
• Group Study 1 and 3
  Seats 1 to 3
  No food; however, lidded/capped drinks are allowed
• No excessive noise.

Meeting Room Conditions and Rules

The following rules and regulations apply when using a meeting room. Abuse of these rules could jeopardize a reservation and/or lead to disciplinary action against the group:

• No smoking
• No alcohol
• Meeting rooms must be cleaned after use
• Do not vandalize the room or any other part of the library
• The person reserving the room will be held responsible for any damages
• Groups should be courteous to other library patrons and library staff
• The library is not responsible for theft or loss of items left on the premises
• All parties using the room are expected to abide by local, state, and federal law
• Additional rules may apply.
• Ejection from the library for abuse of the above rules does not merit a refund
• If it is a large gathering please allow time to set up and take down a room.
• If you have any questions please call Caroline Kennedy Library at 313-791-3800.

The Library accepts monetary donations without conditions of use. A prospective donor may suggest a use consistent with the objectives outlined in the materials selection policy. This suggestion will be strongly considered; however, the library is not required to adhere to the suggestion. Public acknowledgment of monetary gifts is at the discretion of the Library Board.

The Library gladly accepts the donation of books and other items with the understanding that the Library may do with them as it sees fit.

Gift materials will be added to the collection if they are needed and meet the selection standards that are applied to all materials added to the collection. Gifts accepted for the collection become the property of the City of Dearborn Heights. Gifts not added to the collection will be disposed of in a way that will be most advantageous to the Library.

Upon receipt of gift materials, a receipt is given to the donor acknowledging the gift items. Due to Internal Revenue Service regulations, the Library is prohibited from providing an estimate of the monetary value of the donation.

Donation of Self-Published Materials Library will consider self-published titles for inclusion within the library’s collection, Self-published titles must meet a subject need of the collection, represent the Dearborn Heights community, or provide a point of view that does not exist within the collection. The inclusion of self-published titles will be left to the discretion of the librarian who collects in that area are well as to the Library Director.

Donation of Religious Materials The library will leave the inclusion of religious materials to the discretion of the librarian who collects in that area.

Materials Sought by the Libraries

• Hardbound current novels
• Information/Non-fiction books
• Music CDs, DVDs
• Children’s Books
• Fine bindings
• Paperback books, particularly Romance, Mystery, and Science Fiction
• Biographies and Autobiographies
• Books of local interest
• Books on CD
• Classic Literature, hardbound or paperback
• Gifts or printed or manuscript materials on the history of the community and the region
• Paperback books published within the last five years

All books and audiovisual materials must be in good condition. We will not accept books with torn pages or items that have notes or highlighting on the pages. We will not accept books that are damaged or mildewed. We accept only the original versions of audiovisual materials, nothing that has been copied or burned onto a blank CD or DVD.