1. How do I get a library card?
To be eligible for a Southfield Public Library card, you must live, work, attend school, or own property in Southfield or Lathrup Village. Stop by the Circulation Desk on the first floor to fill out a short application and present valid ID to get your card.
2. How many items can I check out?
You may check out as many as you can carry! Oak Park Public Library cardholders are limited to two items per card, per day.
3. Does the library have a list of DVDs or audio books?
All DVDs, video tapes, and audio books are listed in the library's online catalog, just like books. There is no printed list.
4. If an item is out, can I be put on a waiting list? How does that work?
As long as you have a valid Southfield Library card, you may be put on a waiting list for items that are checked out. You can either ask a librarian to do it or do it yourself through the Library catalog.
5. If the Library does not have a book, can it be delivered to the Southfield Library from another library?
If you have a valid Southfield Library card, books that are checked out or that the library does not own can be requested through our inter-library loan service. The item will be delivered to the Southfield Library for you to pick up. You can either ask a librarian to do it, or do it yourself via MelCat, a statewide library catalog and delivery service. This service is available to Southfield Library card holders only. Audio/Visual (DVDs, video cassettes, etc.) materials can’t be requested.
6. Does the library have a fax machine, a scanner, or a typewriter?
The library has a fax machine on every floor. Faxes are $1.00 per page to send or receive. To receive a fax, have it sent to (248) 945-5101 and pick it up at Guest Services. Please note that this fax machine is located in a public area of the Library. Faxes may sit unattended at this fax machine before being moved to the Guest Services desk. Faxes are retained at the Guest Services desk for 30 days.
The library offers scanning in the first and third floor computer lab; documents up to 11" x 17" may be scanned, saved as .pdf files, printed, or converted into Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. Note that the labs containing the scanner are open for general use only when no computer classes are being taught. The library does not have a typewriter.7. Does the library offer wi-fi (wireless Internet access)?
Yes, wi-fi is available throughout the building. Nearly every notebook or handheld PC is able to connect wirelessly very easily. In addition, the library offers hundreds of locations throughout the building where one may physically connect to the library’s network and reach the Internet.
8. May I donate old magazines to the Library? How do I donate items?
Donations of books, magazines (up to three months old), video tapes, DVDs and audio books are gratefully accepted. Please place book and magazine donations in the drop box by the Circulation Desk on the first level of the library. All large boxes of donations should be dropped off at the loading dock on the north side of the library. Ring the delivery button for assistance. Donations from the public are accepted at the library throughout the year. Proceeds from the Friends Book Sales are used to fund library programs and other special projects that otherwise might not be possible.
9. Can I get something notarized at the library?
The Library has two notary publics. Please call (248) 796-4200 for an appointment. The service costs $1.00 per signature.
10. Does the library sell stamps, discs, or envelopes?
Yes, the library sells paper, pencils, pens, computer diskettes, CD-RWs, highlighters, envelopes, stamps and other supplies at the Friends Library Store. Go to Guest Services to make purchases.
11. Does the library have a homebound service?
The Southfield Public Library provides a FREE Books by Mail service for homebound visually and/or physically impaired residents of Southfield and Lathrup Village. Eligible patrons may call to request books which are then delivered to the home and returned to the library by the U. S. Postal Service. Residents interested in learning about this service may call the library for further information.
12. Does the library have video tapes of the Southfield City Council meetings?
No, the library does not have video tapes of City Council meetings. To request a tape of a City Council meeting, contact Cable 15 at (248) 796-4500, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
13. Where can I type a paper?
You can type a paper using Microsoft Word in our computer labs on both the first and third floors. Note that the library DOES NOT have typewriters.
14. Where do I get tax forms?
Tax forms are available on the third floor early in January. There are now many tax forms available online at www.irs.gov and www.michigan.gov/treasury.
15. What if I have a library card from a different library?
The Southfield Public Library is a member of The Library Network (TLN). Many of the libraries in TLN offer borrowing privileges to Southfield Public Library cardholders.
16. Who can recommend a good book?
Librarians are specially trained to assist you with recreational reading choices. Call or stop by the Fiction or Youth Desk any time and our librarians will be happy to make suggestions. Also, see Reading & Listening Recommendations under Ask Us for a newsletter of new books and videos available at your library.
17. Does the library have an ATM?
No. The nearest ATM is in the Southfield Pavilion.
18. How do I print from the computers?
To print in black and white or color from our computers, users must purchase a print debit card. Black and white prints are $0.15, color prints are $1.00. Print debit cards are available for purchase on each floor of the library. The initial card purchase is $1.00 (.50 for the card itself and .50 worth of credit). Keep your library print card as additional value can be added to the card.
19. Does the library provide tax preparation assistance?
Representatives from the AARP are on site during tax season to provide tax preparation assistance. See the calendar of events or call the Reference Desk at (248) 796-4280 for more details.
20. Can I use the subscription research sources from home?
Southfield library card holders can use these resources from any Internet connected computer. When initially connecting to a source, you will need to enter your library card barcode number. If you have trouble, call (248) 796-4344 for assistance.
21. Does the Library have a mail box?
Yes, a U.S. Mail box is located on the east side of the building near the drive thru item returns and service window.
Monday - Thursday: 9:30 a.m.—9:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 9:30 a.m.—5:30 p.m.
Sunday (School Year Only): 1:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m.