Library Cards FAQs

  • General Questions

    To activate, or register, your library card for use with the library's catalog, click or touch the blue and white Log In/My ELPL button located in the top right corner of every page of elpl.org:

    Log In to your library account by clicking/touching this button.

    A drop-down menu will appear.  Click or touch the green and white Log In/Register button:

    A login page will appear.  In the Username or Library Card Number field, enter your entire 14 digit library card number, with no spaces.
    In the PIN or Password field enter your PIN.  If you have not been assigned a PIN call the Service Desk at 517-351-2420 or Contact the Library to create a PIN.

    login_dialog

    After you successfully log in the system will walk you through a few more steps, including:

    • Creating a username 
    • Confirming your email address and date of birth
    • Determining if you would like to keep track of your reading history

    Once those steps are finished you will be taken to Your Library Dashboard, where you can:

    • View and renew checked out items
    • View and manage holds
    • Submit a Suggestion for items not owned by the library
    • Create Lists of library items for yourself or to share with others
    • Add items to your Completed, In Progress, and For Later shelves to help you keep track of what you've checked out and what you would like to check out.

    ELPL--One World, One Card Library Card
    ELPL--One World, One Card

    This can happen for many reasons.  It may be a simple database error or perhaps you already have an entry in our database but our verification software can't quite match up your application to the old entry. 

    Regardless, feel free to contact the Service Desk to inquire about your application:

    elplcirc@cityofeastlansing.com
    (517) 351-2420

    If you are able to log in to your library account you can change your PIN/password from Your Library Dashboard.  From the Dashboard, click or touch the Settings icon:

    Settings icon located in the Library Dashboard

    From the settings page you can update your:

    • Email address
    • Username
    • PIN/Password
    • Saved Searches
    • Suggested Purchases
    • Community Content Defaults
    • Borrowing History
    • Shelves settings
    • Feeds settings
    • Ignored Users
    • Child Account Permissions
    • Community Credits

    If you are not able to log in to your library account you can reset your PIN/Password online as long as there is a valid email address in your library account.  To reset online:

    1.  Click or touch the blue and white Log In/My ELPL button located in the top right hand corner of any page of elpl.org:

    Log In to your library account by clicking/touching this button.

    2.  Click or touch the green and white Log In/Register button:

    3.  A Log In page will appear.  Click or touch the Forgot your PIN or Password? link and follow the prompts:

    PIN/Password reset form on elpl.org

    If you have never created a PIN and don't have an email address in your library account, call the Service Desk at 517-351-2420 or Contact the Library for technical assistance via email.  During open hours we can reset your PIN/Password.

    Yes.

    Persons eligible for an Educator Card are certified public, private, charter, online and parochial school teachers (K-12) and preschool or daycare center instructors who live or work in the City of East Lansing.  The cost of an Educator Card is $10 per year and it expires annually (12 months after issue or renewal).

    Advantages of the Educator Card:

    • Borrow materials for classroom without using personal library card
    • Usable at the East Lansing Public Library
    • Borrow up to 50 items
    • $25 in fine forgiveness per school year (August-July).  Does not carry over to the next school year
    • Special consideration for one (1) lost/damaged item per school year
    • Valid for one (1) year

    Patrons who CAN get an educator card include:

    • Daycare and preschool instructors of licensed daycare centers (may be verified at http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/brs_cdc/sr_lfl.asp)
    • K-12 teachers, substitute teachers, teachers aides, school administrators, school librarians, school library assistants, school media specialists
    • Student teachers in the East Lansing school district

    School and personal addresses must be listed on card application.

    Yes.  Haven House residents are welcome to use the library's public computers, wifi, maker studio and to attend library programs.  Haven House residents wanting a library card should bring picture ID and documentation from Haven House to the Service Desk where they can get a library card good for 12 months from the date issued.

    Our library cards expire every five years (if you got a free card) or annually (if you paid for a card). This happens so we can make sure that we always have your current information in order to get a hold of you. If we don't have an updated email address, for example, then you'll never get any hold or overdue notices.

    In the event that your card has, or is about to, expire, stop by the library and confirm the information we have on file. If you initially paid to get your card, you will need to pay again for another year.

    Did you know that teens (ages 12-17) who attend MacDonald Middle School or East Lansing High can get a FREE library card, even without a parent/guardian’s accompaniment or signature? It’s true! Apply online, opens a new window and bring your student ID the next time you come in, or ask at the Service Desk!

    You can update your email address on the Library Dashboard, opens a new window.

    1. Log in, opens a new window to your account
    2. Click the Settings icon on the right side of the screen, or from the My Account drop-down.
    3. Under Account Information click Email Address.
    4. Enter your new Email Address.

     

     

    You can authorize other people to pick up your holds by visiting the Service Desk or giving us a call and providing your library card number.

    If you are logging in with your barcode number check to make sure that the number is correct.  If you have recently received a new library card you will need to use the barcode number on that card.  Your old barcode number might be saved in your browser so try typing in the new number - don't rely on the number that your browser might have saved.

    If you think your PIN/Password is at fault you can click the Forgot your PIN or Password? link on the catalog login page.

    Still having trouble?  Call the Service Desk at 517-351-2420 or email elplcirc@cityofeastlansing.com

    If you've lost your card stop by our Service Desk with your picture ID and we'll get you a free new one.

    If you think you've dropped it in public and are worried it'll get used, call us and we can freeze your account until you have time to come in and get a replacement.

    If you are under 18 years old, you will need to come in with a parent/legal guardian and they need to show us their ID.

    Yes. As long as you have a picture ID with you (driver's license, school ID, passport, etc.) we can look up your account.

    Also, if you happen to have your library card number memorized, you can enter it into our self-checkout machines.

    Ultimately, getting a free card has less to do with how your address is listed, and more to do with where your property taxes are going. If your address is listed as being in East Lansing, MI, but you still need to pay, it means you actually live in either Meridian Township or Bath Township and not the actual City of East Lansing.

    If you aren't sure, head on over to the U.S. Census Bureau's FactFinder, opens a new window and enter your address. Then, look at the "County Subdivision" line. If it says anything other than East Lansing city you will need to pay a fee.

    Of course! However, there will be a non-residency charge:

    Individual Card

    • $18.00 for six months
    • $30.00 for one year

    Family Cards

    • $40.00 for each family member at the same address to receive their own card

    During the library reduced services due to COVID-19, anyone can apply online for a library card without proof of residency.  

    Residents
    Driver's License with current address or a Photo ID along with proof of current address (lease agreement or bill)

    Minors
    A parent or guardian who has a Driver's License with current address or a Photo ID along with proof of current address

    MSU/LCC Students
    Driver's License and/or School ID

    COEL Employees
    City ID Badge

    COEL Property Owners who live outside the City
    A current tax bill if your name does not appear on the City Assessor's Property Search

    Getting a library card is easy.  Stop by the library anytime during open hours or start the process now by applying online!

    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic anyone may apply for a library card online.

    Library cards are free to:

    • Everyone who lives in, and pays property taxes to, the City of East Lansing.
    • Minors (under 18) who reside in East Lansing.
    • East Lansing property owners who are listed by name on the City Assessor's Property Search or can present a current tax bill.
    • All current City of East Lansing employees.
    • Non-resident students attending a school located in the City of East Lansing.
    • All current Michigan State University (MSU) students.
    • All current LCC (Lansing Community College) students.
    • Institutions within the City of East Lansing with a letter on the business/organization letterhead signed by the person fiscally responsible for the business/organization.
    • Haven House residents with picture ID and documentation from Haven House are able to receive a library card that expires one (1) year from the date issued.

    Have more questions about library cards?  Call the Service Desk at (517) 351-2420 ext. 0.