Top Questions

To log in to your library account, 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

Once those steps are finished you will be taken to your My 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.

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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.

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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.

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You can search the library's catalog from any page of elpl.org.  At the top of every page, look for a magnifying glass near the top right:

Magnifying glass icon for library catalog search

Click (or touch if you are using a touchscreen) the icon and a catalog search box will appear:

Catalog search box on elpl.org

Click the drop down menus to change where you are searching (catalog, FAQs, website) and how you are searching (keyword, title, series, author, etc.).

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Yes.  There is a drive-up book return on the south-west side of the building.  Pull in the half circle drive on the south-west side of the library.

 

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A MAP Pass or Michigan Activity Pass, allows you to use your library card to check out a pass for one of Michigan's cultural attractions, state parks or recreation areas.

To find and check out a pass visit:

https://miactivitypass.org

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Items placed on hold can be picked up inside the library at the Self-Pickup Hold Shelves.

Holds are shelved in order, using a secret code, comprised of:

  • The first three letters of your last name
  • The first three letters of your first name
  • The last 4 digits of your library card number

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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

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The Friend Shop accepts gently used books, DVDs, puzzles, and audiobooks. We ask that you bring in no more than 2 boxes a day. Bring your donations to the Service Desk and a staff member will assist you. If you would like to contact the Friends you can email them at elplfriendshop@gmail.com, or leave a voice message at (517) 292-4046.

The MSU Surplus and Recycling Center (468 Green Way, East Lansing, MI 48824) also accepts books for recycling.

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Requests for items not owned by the library may be submitted via the library's Submit a Suggestion form if:

  • They have been released in the last 5 years
  • The author is not already acquired by the library via an automatic standing order plan.

To submit a suggestion for purchase, log in to your library account , opens a new windowand visit your Library Dashboard to locate the Submit a Suggestion form and track the status of your submissions.  Once you are logged into your library account the link to the Submit a Suggestion form is on the left side of your Library Dashboard.  It looks like this:Screenshot of the Submit a Suggestion form, located in every patron online record

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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

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WiFi is available throughout the entire library and in the gardens in front of the building.  It is available even when the library building is closed to the public.  The WiFi is not turned off at night or on weekends.  Look for the network named:

East Lansing Public WiFi

Limitations and Disclaimers

The Library's wireless network is not secure. Information sent from or to your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software, within three hundred feet.

The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment, or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library's network.  The East Lansing Public Library is not responsible for any changes you make to your computer's settings and cannot guarantee your hardware will work with our wireless connection.

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.

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