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How to get a library card

Who may get a card?
Cards are free to children and adults who live in our service area. Our service area includes the city of Buchanan, Buchanan Township, Bertrand Township, and the Buchanan School District (excluding the old Galien School District). 

All Buchanan Community Schools staff members are also eligible, as well as students attending Buchanan Community Schools through school of choice and their families.

Click here to see our Patron Behavior Policy.

Click here to see our full policy manual.


How to apply
To qualify for borrowing library materials, a person is required to fill out a registration card. The following information is required: name, address, contact telephone number and email address when available. A verification of residency must be provided; residency may be confirmed with any of the following:
       1. Michigan driver’s license with current address
       2. State identification card with current address
       3. Statement from a major company or utility mailed to current address
       4. Lease or rent receipt or bill showing current address
Children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and be linked to their library account.
Report any Lost or Stolen Cards to 269-695-3681.
Card Replacement cost is $2.00  

Don't wish to come into the library at this time? You can fill out the form below to apply for a temporary digital access card, which can be used to download eBooks and audiobooks from Libby or hoopla.

Not from Buchanan?
Patrons of Andrews University, Benton Harbor, Berrien Springs, Eau Claire, Galien, New Buffalo, Sodus, St. Joseph (Michigan), Three Oaks, and Watervliet  libraries and any other library participating in the MeLCat Visiting Patron Service may use their library cards at the Buchanan District Library.

You also may purchase a library card subscription for $25 a year. This entitles you to the full rights and privileges of Buchanan cardholders including interlibrary loan, Libby and hoopla.


Updating your card
Library cards need to be updated once every two years. This can be done at the library, by phone, or online through your library account

Youth Digital Access Cards
Buchanan Middle and High School students or juvenile residents age 10 to 17 years without a standard library card may be issued a Youth Digital Access Card. The Youth Digital Access Card grants the cardholder access to the library’s digital media collection, including eBooks and audiobooks through Libby or hoopla. It does not grant access to library computers or checking out circulating items. Those wishing to apply for a Youth Digital Access Card must present a Buchanan School ID, driver’s license, or other ID.