Benzie Shores District  Library


Library Services


 

LIBRARY CARDS
Easy to get, easy to use, and free to everyone. Free cards providing limited borrowing privileges are available to anyone wishing to borrow the library’s physical materials. Proof of residency within the library district is required to access the library's digital services (Overdrive, Hoopla, etc.). The library district includes the following members: the City of Frankfort, Blaine Township, Crystal Lake Township, the Village of Elberta,Gilmore Township, and a portion of Lake Township (homes located in the FEAS school district).

Cards are issued at the library. Photo ID is required.

Cards are only needed to check materials out of the library. You do not need a card to browse or read in the library, or to use computers and wi-fi. Library programs are open to the public and a card is not required.

 

BOOKS & SO MUCH MORE!
There is something for everyone at the Library!

Books for Everyone
The Library has over 20,000 books in a wide variety of subjects and genres from which to choose. We have an extensive & diverse children's collection, with materials for all ages and reading ability.

DVD and Blu-ray
Hundreds of titles to choose from. Several of our DVDs contain Audio Description, a narration service that attempts to describe imagery that a person who is blind or visually impaired may not see. Visit https://acb.org for more information.

Audiobooks
We have a variety of audiobooks on CD with even more titles are available through our digital services Libby and Hoopla.

Digital Downloads
Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, music, movies, magazines and more with our digital download services, Libby and Hoopla.

Large Print Books
Hundreds of large print books are available and the collection is updated regularly.

Magazines and Newspapers
We have over 40 magazines and newspapers. Back issues of magazines may be checked out for for one week. Digital magazines are available with the Libby app.

Interlibrary Loans and MelCat
If you need a book or information not available at the Library, we can borrow almost anything from another library. You can even request materials from all over the state using the Michigan Electronic Library's MeLCat service.

 

AFTER HOURS PICK-UP
We have 10 Outdoor Lockers for for 24/7 materials access. To get started, place items on reserve from our catalog and set your pick up method to "lockers". Please give us at least 4 business hours to get your items ready for you. You will be notified once your materials are ready. Not sure what you want or need help placing a reserve? Call us at 231-352-4671 and we are happy to help! Or use our handy INSTRUCTION sheet to get started. 


LIBRARY ROOM RESERVATIONS
The Library Meeting and Program rooms are available to reserve. To reserve a room, you must complete an APPLICATION TO USE A LIBRARY ROOM. Please read the full MEETING ROOM USE POLICY prior to completing the application.


COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS & WiFi
The Library has 5 computer workstations for use, free of charge. Time restrictions may apply if there is a wait list. Wireless access is available for free, 24/7. Wi-Fi may be accessed after hours in the library parking lot or patio.


PRINTING & SCANNING
Black and White prints/photo copies are $0.25 per page. Color & legal prints/photo copies are $0.50 per page. (cash only) Wireless printing is available with compatible devices. Self serve scanning to a personal USB drive is free. Scanning service by staff is available for $3 per page (cash only) and your scans will be emailed to you as an attachment. NO FAX


PROGRAMS

A variety of programs for all ages are held throughout the year. Visit the EVENTS page for a current list of programs.

 

REFERENCE SERVICES
Our professional staff are happy to help with any reference question you may have. All library information inquiries are confidential. If we don't have the answer, we will find someone who will.

 

READERS ADVISORY
Having trouble finding a good book? We love to make suggestions.



SERVICES TO PATRONS WITH DISABILITIES
The Library affirms its support of equal access for persons with disabilities and of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  The Library seeks to make its services, facilities and programs as accessible as possible to the public, including those who have disabilities.

No individual with a disability shall be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefits of, the services, programs, or materials of the Library, or be subjected to discrimination by the Library. A written copy of this policy may be requested, and if a person with visual impairment inquires about the Library’s service, staff will offer to read this policy or any other Library policy requested.

Services and assistance include the following:

  • The Library attempts to select appropriate materials which may be in audio or print format.
  • The Library selects, when available, DVDs that are closed-captioned.
  • The staff reaches and retrieves any and all materials which are inaccessible to wheelchair users or others with mobility impairments. Staff will not touch or move wheelchairs without permission from the patron.
  • The Library attempts to select materials which are understood at appropriate levels of comprehension.  Youth oriented materials are available in the same formats.
  • Staff is available to communicate online or in the Library via writing and to assist with the online catalog.
  • The staff makes every effort to inform patrons and their families about the services offered by the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

Despite our best efforts, not all Library materials may be available in accessible formats, and not every Library program can be made accessible to every disabled patron without fundamentally altering the nature of the activity or program. Please contact the library to request ADA accommodations for library programs.

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990, with additional amendments in 2009. This landmark civil rights law prohibits discrimination based on disability and imposes accessibility requirements on public accommodations, including libraries.The primary government resource on the ADA is www.ada.gov.

TALKING BOOK LIBRARY
Located at the Traverse Area District Library's main branch, provides free audio and Braille materials to visually and physically impaired patrons in Grand Traverse, Antrim, Benzie, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford Counties. Call (231) 932-8558, or email tbl@tadl.org for more information. Or visit https://www.tadl.org/tbl/