Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a numeric pin, you can renew with the 24 hour automated line. Call 1-888-672-8983. Have your library card and the barcode number (item id number) for the items you would like to renew ready.

If you prefer to speak to a staff member, call the number on your checkout receipt during regular library hours. Remember, you will need both your library card number and the barcode number from the books -- the item id on your checkout receipt.

Use Access My Account to renew materials and check your holds and currently checked out items. You can also see if you owe any fines on this page.

A PIN was automatically assigned to you when you first got your library card. If you got your card prior to 4/1/07, your pin is "changeme" (all one word with no quotation marks). If you got your card after 4/1/07, your pin is "1234". You will be able to change your pin to whatever you like once you have logged in to your account.

Call the library at 734-466-2491 or stop by the circulation desk during regular library hours and we will look it up for you. You may also email us using the email reference form. Please note, allow up to 24-48 hours for an email reply.

You can apply for a card in person at the ciculation desk of any of the Livonia Libraries. Be sure to bring ID with you that shows your Livonia address (driver's license, Michigan ID, voter's registration card, property tax receipt, utility bill, real estate purchase agreement, rental agreement, or checkbook ).
You can expedite the process by filling out our online application form.

The Livonia Libraries are members of The Library Network. Most public libraries in Metro Detroit belong to this co-operative. If you have a library card from a community that is a member of the Library Network it is most likely your card will be accepted at our library. Exceptions are communities who have chosen not share resources across the co-op (Dearborn, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti).

Residents of other communities may check out items from our library with certain restrictions if their library participates in the Michicard program. Ask at the circulation desk of your home library for a "Michicard sticker". A sticker will be added to your card that will be recognized at participating libraries around the state.

All hiring is handled through Civil Service at Livonia City Hall. Applications for the page position are accepted on a regular basis. Applications for all other positions are accepted when positions come available. Check with the Civil Service Job Openings web page for current openings.

The group, The Friends of the Library, is our main volunteer arm. The Friends staff the book shop in the atrium at Civic Center, sort books for the used book sales, and work at the used book sales. Contact the Friends via the City Librarian’s Office staff at (734) 466-2452.

If you are at teen, volunteers are needed to help out with one on one computer instruction and other tasks. Contact Teen Librarian, Jack Visnaw at 734-466-2482.

The Vest Pocket Library is staffed by volunteers. If you would like to volunteer your time at this small branch, contact Toni LaPorte at (248) 893-4010.

The next Friends of the Library Book Sale is May 14-16, 2010.

Yes. Drop off your gently used items (books, cds dvds, vhs tapes, audio books) at the donation bin located in the atrium of the Civic Center Library. If you have a large number of items, notify the staff at the Circulation Desk and they will instruct you on where to park your car and a staff member will help you unload them. Be sure to pick up a receipt from either the Browsing or Circulation desks. Your donation is tax deductible. The library adds needed items to our collection. Other donated items go to the Friends of Livonia Public Library Book Sale.

Alfred Noble Library has a study room that can accommodate up to 6 people. It is available on a first come, first served basis at no charge.

Carl Sandburg Library has a meeting room that can accommodate up to 40 people that may be used for group study free of charge.

Civic Center Library does not have a group study "room". There are designated areas on the first and second floors where tables are set up for group study.

This is a bug that is forcing the right two columns to the bottom of the page. There is a small incidence of this happing with some browsers. Setting your screen resolution to a higher setting than 1024 by 768 sometimes corrects the problem. We are working on finding a fix for this bug,k but like many computer issues, it is possible that it is not within our control.

Everyone's computer is set up differently so you may see the site differently than others. With larger computer screens and higher screen resolutions being the current norm, this site is best viewed at a minimum screen resolution of 1024 by 768. If your screen resolution is set at 800 by 600, you will need to scroll in order to see the features in the right column. If you find the print is too small at 1024 by 768, try increasing the text size from the "view" tab in your web browser.