Apply for a Library Card

1. Royal Oak Public Library cards are issued without discrimination to Royal Oak residents and to residents of communities that contract with Royal Oak for library services. Royal Oak Public Library (ROPL) cards are issued to individuals and are non-transferable.
2. Requirements for a full-service Royal Oak Public Library card are:
   1. Official identification showing the patron's name and permanent address. The following will be accepted: (These documents need to be shown as proof of residency, but the library does not retain or make copies of these documents.)
      1. Michigan driver’s license or State of Michigan ID card with current residential address. (Post Office boxes are not accepted as valid addresses.) or
      2. Picture ID with proof of residency shown by one of the following items: utility bill; copy of lease or mortgage; copy of property tax statement; rent receipt showing address; car registration; postmarked mail.
   2. Patrons under 18 years of age must either have a parent or legal guardian present when applying for a card in person or have the signature of a parent or guardian on the online school library card application to be issued a card.
      1. When applying in-person, if the parent or guardian is not a current ROPL library card holder, they must show the same proof of residency as required above.
      2. The online application requires the parent/guardian driver’s license number or valid state ID to be entered.
      3. Students who live outside of the City of Royal Oak yet attend Royal Oak Schools can receive a Royal Oak Library Card, valid through July 31 of that school year, using the criteria above. MeLCat Loans and video games are not available with this card.  They are also not valid with the MI Library Card and MeLCat Visiting Patron card programs.
   3. Patrons who live in Royal Oak but who do not have proof of address yet may register for a library card either online or in person that will be sent via the USPS.  Successful receipt of the card will serve as proof of address.
   4. Patrons who do not have a permanent address can obtain a temporary card and must show a photo ID. They must also provide a mailing address (general delivery is acceptable) in order to receive notices. An email address is preferred.
   5. If they do not have a photo ID, 2 forms of valid government identification will be accepted.
3. Company/School Library Cards
   The library will issue cards to employees of companies or schools that are located in the City of Royal Oak. The registered user is personally responsible for materials borrowed on this card or for other uses of this card.
4. Teachers working in K-12 schools located in the City of Royal Oak will be issued cards allowing 45-day borrowing privileges for print materials from the Royal Oak Public Library’s collection that are to be used for their curriculum needs. The card will expire on July 31 of the current school year. Teachers must use the form on our website to apply and will be notified that their card is available for pick-up. When picking up, they will need to show photo ID, proof of address and a valid school ID. Teacher cards must be renewed annually using the form on our website. MeLCat loans and video games are not available with a teacher card. They are also not valid with the MI Library Card ore MeLCat Visiting Patron card programs.
5. Non-Resident Fees
   The fee for a non-resident library card is $125 per person for one year. Non-resident cards are non-transferable and allow borrowing privileges, computer, and database usage of Royal Oak Public Library materials, but do not guarantee access to other libraries in The Library Network. They do not include MelCat interloan privileges.
6. Instant Digital Cards
   Residents of Royal Oak who are 18 years and older may use the online form to receive a digital library card that can be used to check out eMaterials and use databases from our online resources page immediately. The cards will expire in 3 months and cannot be renewed automatically. Patrons wishing to upgrade their card to one with full privileges must bring their photo ID and proof of Royal Oak address to the Royal Oak Public Library.
7. Temporary Cards
   Temporary cards are intended for people who do not have a permanent address. The following limits apply:
   1. 30 day card life
   2. 3 item checkout limit
   3. No holds filled from other TLN Libraries
   4. No checkouts are allowed from other TLN Libraries.
8. Refusal
   The Royal Oak Public Library reserves the right to refuse a card to a patron for failure to meet the above requirements.

See also Policy 5.30 for reciprocal borrowing arrangements.