WWW.MICHIGAN.GOV/LIBRARYCARD

The Library of Michigan is transitioning to a new catalog system. To learn more information, please see our FAQ page.

All Michigan residents are eligible for Library of Michigan (LM) library cards. Out-of-state students enrolled in a Michigan college or university are also eligible. Employees of the State of Michigan, please scroll down to Notes section.

This library card is your key to:

• LM Collections - Check out materials from the Library of Michigan's circulating collections at its facility in Lansing.
• MeLCat - Borrow materials from other Michigan libraries through MeLCat, for pickup at the Library of Michigan.*
• LM Databases - Access the Library of Michigan's specialized subscription databases from home as well as while visiting the library.

Michigan residents may apply for a LM library card one of two ways:

1. Apply in person at the Library's 2nd floor Reference Desk. The Library building is open Monday - Friday, 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. Applicants are required to show a valid Michigan driver's license or state ID card with current address. Out-of-state college students enrolled in a Michigan college or university may use their valid driver's license from their home states in combination with their current student ID card from a Michigan institution.

2. Residents age 18 and over may apply online by completing the form below. We will email the card information to you. You can then use it to access our Family History e-resources here: www.Michigan.gov/LMdatabases. If you wish to check out items at the Library of Michigan and receive a physical library card, you will need to present your Michigan driver's license or state ID card at that time for verification, to complete your registration.

Notes:

• *Want to borrow items from our collections without coming to Lansing? Request the items via MeLCat, using the library card from your community's public library. Go to https://elibrary.mel.org/screens/participating.html to see if your library participates in MeLCat, Michigan's statewide library catalog and borrowing service.
• Many e-Resources are available to Michigan residents even before getting a library card. Find those at the Michigan eLibrary site! https://mel.org/az.php
• Trying to obtain a Michigan Activity Pass? You need a library card from your local public library.  Not sure where your local public library is? Look for it on the Michigan Library Directory at https://www.michigan.gov/librarydirectory.

Questions?  Please email the Circulation Department at Circulation@michigan.gov or a Reference Librarian at Librarian@michigan.gov.

Employees of the State of Michigan, please apply for your library card using the Application Form for State Employees.

The Library of Michigan complies with the guidelines set forth by PA 455 of 1982 (Michigan Compiled Laws 397.601- 397.605: The Library Privacy Act), regarding confidentiality of patron records and circulation transactions.

Updated 6/18/2022