Residents and employees of Bloomfield Township have special privileges, which require the use of a Bloomfield Township library card. These include the following:
Accessing library databases outside the Library
Using study rooms
Using your library card to load money for the Library copy machines
Placing holds on checked out and on shelf items at BTPL
Bloomfield Township residents and employees are eligible to place holds.
Go to the library catalog and locate the specific record for the item you want held. Click on the "request" button, then enter your name and the barcode from your library card.
The library catalog will place the hold immediately if the item is eligible for holds. The catalog will give you a message if the item cannot be held.
If you plan to place holds on several items, sign on to your account and then click on "search the catalog." When you locate the items you want held, click on "request," and the system will remember your name and barcode number so you won't have to type it over and over again. Be sure to click on the "Log Out" button when you are finished.
Items that can NOT be held
Reference materials, rental books, rental DVDs, and current issue magazines.
Not a resident of Bloomfield Township? If you live within The Library Network (TLN) service area, you may register for a card at your home library first and then bring your home library card and a photo ID to register here.
A nonresident with a library card for a library that is located in his or her community, is a current member of The Library Network and offers reciprocal borrowing of privileges to Bloomfield Township Public Library cardholders may use his or her home library card to register at BTPL to borrow books and other materials, subject ot BTPL policies and procedures.
Nonresidents who are not covered by a reciprocal borrowing agreement or a resident of The Library Network member library are welcome to visit and browse BTPL's collections, attend certain public events or programs and use BTPL guest computers for a limited amount of time subject to BTPL policies and procedures but may not borrow books or other materials or be entitled to other limited or restricted library services.
Faculty, staff and students of the Cranbrook Educational Community
(CEC) are eligible to receive a blue and white key tag from the Bloomfield Township Public Library giving them borrowing privileges whether they reside on campus or not.
For CEC who reside on campus, their family members also are eligible for a blue and white key tag. Employees and staff must present either an ID badge or a pay check stub from CEC at the time of registration. Students must present either a current student ID or a class schedule. Family of faculty and staff must present the faculty or staff member's ID at the time of registration.
If you are a resident of Bloomfield Township or work in or for Bloomfield Township, apply for a library card either online or at the Circulation desk. A nonresident with a library card for a library that is located in his or her community, is a current member of The Library Network and offers reciprocal borrowing privileges to Bloomfield Township Public Library cardholders may use his or her home library card to register at BTPL to borrow books and other materials, subject to BTPL policies and procedures.
Library staff can check out the items you would like to borrow at the Circulation desk. You MUST present your library card or a current and valid photo ID in order for us to access your account.
If you placed a hold on an item, you MUST present the library card on which the hold was placed.
If you have your library card, you can also try our self check-out system. It's easy - give it a try! Just touch the screen to start the process and follow the prompts on the screen. Please see the Circulation staff to check out items borrowed from another library. You MUST present your library card upon checking out interlibrary loan items.
Rental DVDs
Rental DVDs are available for patrons who would like the newest titles without having to wait on a hold list. The first day is free! Return on the due date before the Library closes and there is no charge.
Only Bloomfield Township cardholders and residents of Birmingham may renew materials in our collection. There are NO RENEWALS FOR OTHER NON-RESIDENTS.
With the exception of magazines and interlibrary loan material, items borrowed may be renewed a total of three times as long as no one else is waiting to borrow the same item.
When you borrow from the Library, you will receive a list of the items you have borrowed showing the date these are due back to the Library. If you keep Library items beyond the due date, a late fee will be accessed. Please click here to see our current Fines and Fees Schedule.
Michigan law protects the confidentiality of Library users' records. The records and record of Library items you request or borrow can't be shared with anyone without your consent, unless ordered by a court of law. Copies of the Michigan Library Privacy Act are available upon request at the Circulation desk. A valid Library card must be presented for access to any Library records and record of a person - minor or adult - named on the card.
