DEARBORN PUBLIC LIBRARY

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1.             Where are the libraries located? 

Henry Ford Centennial Library (HFCL), our main library, is at 16301 Michigan Avenue between the Southfield Freeway and Greenfield Road, on the south side of Michigan Avenue.  Click here for directions.

Bryant Branch Library is located at 22100 Michigan Avenue at the northwest corner of Michigan and Mason.  Click here for directions.

Esper Branch Library is located at 12929 West Warren Avenue between Oakman Boulevard and Schaefer Road, on the south side of Warren.  Click here for directions.

2.             What are the library hours?

Please see our home page for library hours.

3.             How do I get a library card?

To get a library card, go to any Dearborn Public Library.  Please bring proof of address (driver’s license or state identification card).  You will be asked to complete an application form.  If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must give their written consent on the application form before a new card is issued.  If a child does not have proof of address, the parent or legal guardian must provide proof of address. 

Free cards are issued to:

4.             If I do not qualify for a free card, how much does a non-resident card cost?

The cost is $80.00 per year.  With proof of address, family members residing at the same address  receive a free card.

5.             What happens if my library card is lost or stolen?

Report loss or theft of the library card to any Dearborn Public Library immediately.  This will prevent the card from being used.  Until a library card is reported lost or stolen, you are financially responsible for all materials checked out with your card.

6.            Does the library have Internet access for the public?

Internet access is available to the public at all Dearborn Public Libraries.  Access is on a first come, first served basis with a 30 minute time limit if others are waiting.  All Internet users must have either a Dearborn Public Library card, a Dearborn Internet User card ($20.00 annual fee) or a Limited Internet Pass ($2.00).  Printing is available and there is a per sheet charge.  

7.             Does the library have a web site?

Yes.  You can find the library web site at  http://dearbornlibrary.org  Our web site includes information about library programs as well as access to the library catalog and to selected reference databases. You will need your library card number and PIN to access the reference databases from your home computer.   Additionally, the library web site contains links to various search engines and other recommended Internet sites covering a wide variety of topics.

8.            What if I am unable to remember the PIN that was assigned to me when I received my library card?

Please call any Dearborn Public Library and the staff will be happy to assist you.

9.            Does the library have typewriters, word processors or computers for public use?

There is one typewriter available at the Henry Ford Centennial Library.  It is available for free, but only on a first-come, first-served basis.  You must supply your own paper.   Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) is available on all public Internet computers at Henry Ford Centennial Library.  We recommend you bring a floppy disk or USB memory device to save your work, although we sell floppy disks for $1.00 and USB flash drives for $10.00.  Ask at the HFCL Reference Desk for assistance.

10.        Can I pick up or return materials at any branch?

Any Dearborn Public Library material can be returned to any Dearborn Public Library.  The material will be returned to the home agency via the Library messenger.  You may request material from one Dearborn Public Library to be sent to another Dearborn Public Library for you to pick up.

11.      Do the libraries have copy machines?  

All the Dearborn Public Libraries have copy machines and the fee for printing is 15 cents per page.  HFCL also has a color copier that costs $1.00 per page, as well as microfilm/fiche reader/printers for 15 cents per page. 

12.        Does the library have tax forms?

All libraries have copies of most forms for Federal and Michigan taxes as well as for the city of Detroit.  Additionally, all libraries have current reproducible forms that you may photocopy.  HFCL has reproducible sets for the last seven years.  Tax forms are also available online through the library’s Internet connection.

13.        Can the library give me a used car price?

Yes.  The N.A.D.A. Official Car Guide for cars (updated monthly) is available at any Reference Desk.  HFCL and Snow Branch Library also have the Official Older Car Guide.

14.         Does the library have information on a certain company?

Yes.  Several excellent sources are available to research local and national companies, either in print form or online.

15.        Can the library provide a stock price for a certain company on a particular date?

Yes.  The Daily Stock Price Index for stocks on the New York Stock Exchange is available.

16.        Does the library have a genealogy collection?

The library has a core collection.  However, the library refers serious researchers to the Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library.

17.        Where can I get recycle stickers for yard waste?

Stickers are available at the HFCL Adult Reference Desk, the HFCL Circulation Desk and at all branch libraries.

18.        Does the library have a notary public in the building?

There is no notary public in the Dearborn Public Library.  Contact the City Clerk’s office (943-2010) at the Dearborn City Hall.

19.       What types of material may I borrow from the library?

All Dearborn Public libraries carry a variety of material for both adult and children:  Fiction and nonfiction books, entertainment videos and DVD’s, educational videos and DVD’s, books on tape and CD, music CD’s, and magazines.

20.        Must I visit the library to renew my material?

You do not need to visit the library to renew your material.  However, material may only be renewed if there is no waiting list for them.  You may call our automated renewal computer, TLC, by dialing 313-943-3091.  You will need your library card number and your PIN in order to use TLC.  Additionally, material may be renewed through the library catalog on our web site at http://dearbornlibrary.org , using your library card number and PIN.  You may also call the Circulation Desk of any Dearborn Public Library to renew your material.

Items can only be renewed two (2) times and overdue material or late charges may prevent renewal.  If material is renewed after the due date, appropriate overdue fines will be assessed.  

21.        Does the library have material to help me learn English?

Yes.  The library has books, books on CD, books on tape, and videocassettes to help patrons learn English as a second language.  In addition, the library has literature in a variety of foreign languages.

22.        Does the library have a printout of all the titles in the video collection?

Printouts of the entertainment and education videos are available to use in the library or to photocopy.

23.        How many videos may I check out?

You may check out five (5) entertainment videos and nine (9) information videos per visit.  

25.        Does the library have DVD’s?

Yes. You may check out five (5) entertainment DVD’s and nine (9) informational DVD’s per visit.

26.        Is there a charge to check out  videos or DVD’s?

No, we do not charge for video or DVD checkout.  However, there are overdue charges if the material is not returned on time. 

27.        Can I leave my children at the library?

The Dearborn Public Library welcomes all children and their families to the library.  As we want to offer the safest possible environment for your children, we ask that young children be accompanied by an adult at all times when visiting the library.  Older children should not be left alone at the library for extended periods of time.  Remember that the library staff cannot accept responsibility for the welfare of children left at the library.  When you remain with your child you are better able to protect them from possible harm by strangers, as well as from accidents or injuries.  Click HERE for more information on safety and to see the Library's Unattended Children policy.

28.        What children’s programs are offered by the library?

The library offers pre-school story times, tot story times, summer reading programs, craft workshops, entertainment and special programs at the Henry Ford Centennial Library and the three branches.  See our homepage and click on the children's link from the left panel for current programming.

29.        Does the library have a group study area?

HFCL has several group study rooms.  Please sign in at the Adult Reference Desk.  Availability is on a first come, first served basis. At least two members of the group need to be present when the room is signed out and ID will need to be left at the Adult Reference Desk.

30.        Will anything change the normal loan period on material I check out?

Materials that have a waiting list (requests) may have reduced loan periods.

31.        Who manages the displays in your Rotunda?

Located on the first floor of the Henry Ford Centennial Library, the Rotunda is a free, public gallery, and is open during regular library hours. The exhibit space is managed cooperatively by the Dearborn Library Commission and the Dearborn Community Arts Council. Exhibits and installations are overseen by the Padzieski Art Gallery Coordinator.  Artists are invited to submit proposals for art exhibitions.  Click HERE for a Rotunda Gallery Exhibit Proposal Form.

31.        Do you perform obituary and/or death notice searches?

Yes, and there is no fee. Please include with your request the name of the individual, the exact death date, and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE)  and mail to:

Adult Services
Henry Ford Centennial Library
16301 Michigan Avenue
Dearborn, MI 48126

Requests are processed in the order in which they are received. If you would like a PDF scan of the obituary or death notice, please include an email address with your request.

Our collection includes microfilm of local Dearborn papers  as far back as 1918, the Detroit News back to 1955, and the Detroit Free Press back to 1970.

32.        Do you offer fax services?

         Yes.  Our fax machine is located at Henry Ford Centennial Library.  Domestic faxes are $1.50 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page. International faxes are $4.95 for the first page, $3.45 for each additional page. The machine only sends outgoing faxes and accepts payment via credit card.