Library Cards
Easy to get, easy to use, and free to everyone. Library cards are available to full or part-time residents, and to property owners within the Benzie Shores Library district boundaries as well as students enrolled in Frankfort-Elberta Area schools. Free cards providing limited borrowing privileges are available to anyone else wishing to borrow the library’s physical materials but does not provide access to the library's digital services (Overdrive, Hoopla & HotSpots). 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.
Circulating Materials
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 children's collection, which includes easy readers, audiobooks, Newbery Medal winners, Spanish language books, chapter books, and reference books.
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. 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.
Computer and WiFi Services
Computer Workstations
The Library has 5 computer workstations for use, free of charge. Access time is limited to 45 minutes per person. Time extensions are available if no one is waiting.
Printing
Black and White prints/photo copies are $0.25 per page. Color and legal are $0.50. Wireless printing is available with compatible devices. Cash only.
Scanning
Scanning is available for $3 per page (cash only). Documents will be emailed to you as an attachment. Self serve scanning to a personal USB drive is free.
Wireless Internet Access
Available for free, 24/7. Wi-Fi may be accessed after hours in the library parking lot or patio.
Mobile HotSpot and Chromebook Lending
The library has a limited amount of mobile hotspots and Chromebooks available for check out for in-district cards only. Guidelines for Borrowing and Use:
• Borrowers must be at least 18 years of age and have an in-district Library Card for at least 90 days and be in good standing with the Library (with a current address/phone on file and no outstanding fines, or overdue materials.)
• Devices may only be checked out and returned at the Circulation desk. There will be a $10 fine if the unit is returned in the book drop, plus any book drop related damage to the device. Patrons who return a device in the book drop will be blocked from checking a device out in the future.
• Borrowers must read, understand, and sign the hotspot/Chromebook lending agreement at the Circulation Desk in the presence of a library staff member every time a hotspot is checked out.
• Devices may be loaned for up to 3 days. They may not be renewed and must be available to others for at least 48 hours before the same household can check a hotspot out again.
• Patrons are responsible for verifying network coverage for Hotspots.
• Borrowers, along with a library staff member, will verify that all accessories are present at the time of checkout and check-in.
• Devices circulate on a first come, first serve basis. Holds may not be placed on devices.
• If the device is not returned on the due date, the item will be deactivated, making the device unusable.
• Geographic limitations: HotSpot devices may only be used in the continental United States.
• An overdue fine of $10.00 per day will be charged for a device that is not returned, up to the replacement cost of the device. Patrons are responsible for full replacement cost if the device or any parts are lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise not returned.
The Library is not responsible for information accessed library devices or for personal information that is shared over the Internet. Internet content filtering is NOT provided through the Wireless HotSpot. Parents/Guardians are responsible for monitoring what their children access via the Wireless HotSpot. The Library is not responsible for any computer viruses that may be transferred to user storage devices. Patrons using the library devices must abide by the Library's Acceptable Use Policy.
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:
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.
The 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/
Programs
A variety of programs for all ages are held throughout the year. Visit the EVENTS page for a current list of programs.
Reference and Reader's Advisory Services
The Library has access to the MeL databases and many fine reference materials. 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.