Show All Answers

1. Can I donate to the library?

Thank you for considering a donation to the library!  Transform your gently used books into library programs and other services by donating them to the library.  

Items we can accept:

• Materials in good physical condition and free from mildew
• Books published within the last 20 years
• Movies or TV shows on DVD
• Audiobooks on CD

Please note that we cannot accept magazines, textbooks, dictionaries, technical manuals, VHS tapes, cassette tapes or any materials that have a strong mildew smell or actual mildew on the items.  If you have these items, check with a local thrift shop or consider recycling them.

How to donate: 

• Bring items in clean boxes or bags into the library
• If you need assistance carrying items, please call 616-772-0874 

We will provide you with a receipt for your donation. Staff will review the materials and will determine what we can sell in our book nook.

Thank you again! 

Updated on 3/24/2022

2. How can I get a library card at Howard Miller Public Library?

In order to obtain a library card, you must currently be a resident of Zeeland City, Zeeland Township, Olive Township, or Blendon Township. We can also create cards for Herrick District Library in Holland. The requirements for children and adults are listed below: 

Adults: Adults may obtain a library card if they present a valid Michigan Driver’s License,  Michigan ID or Resident Alien Card displaying their current address. Other forms of photo ID are acceptable if the current address is listed.  They will need to present a piece of official mail/form showing current address if the ID does not have it.  Official mail/forms would include a tax bill, a recent utility bill, voter registration, or printed check. Individuals must be over 18 to obtain an adult card.  

Children: Parent or legal guardian of the child must meet the above requirements. The parent or guardian must be present to sign for the library card. People aged 16-17 still require a parent or guardian’s signature. 

Student Cards: Children living in the Howard Miller Public Library service area who do not currently have a standard library card with a co-signer are eligible to apply for a limited use, student card without a co-signer provided. Child must be able to provide full home address, birthdate and phone number or email address. These cards only allow 3 print youth material checkouts. They have full access to Howard Miller Public Library’s digital collection. They can be upgraded to a full-use card with all privileges given to standard card holders with a co-signer signature at any time.  The co-signer must provide the ID requirements as listed in the Adults category above. 

Non-residents: Non-residents may obtain a library card with a current Michigan Driver’s license/Michigan ID or proof of Michigan temporary residence. The fee for a non-resident is $50.00 per year (cash or check only). These non-resident cards are only valid through and can only be used at the Howard Miller Public Library.

Zeeland City, Zeeland Township, Olive Township, or Blendon Township Residents:  If you do not already have a card, you can apply for a library card through our app.  For more information, follow My Library App link.

Updated on 03/11/2022

3. My library card expired? What does that mean?

Every three years library cards "expire". This just means that the library wants to verify your information (phone number, address, emails, etc.). When the library is open you may come in with your drivers license and staff will renew your card. If you are out of town and trying to check out digital material you can call the library at 616-772-0874 if no information has changed. 

Zeeland City, Zeeland Township, Olive Township, or Blendon Township Residents:  You can renew your library card through our app.  For more information, follow My Library App link.

 

Updated on 3/11/2022

4. Is there a library app?

There are multiple apps associated with the library:

MyLibrary: This app is your ticket to the library in your pocket!  You can:

• Search for Materials
• Reserve Items
• Manage Your Account
• Renew Items
• Cancel Holds
• Have a Digital Copy of Your and Your Family's Cards
• Apply For a Library Card
• Renew Your Library Card
• And more!

Libby: Libby is one of our digital resources apps.  You can check out ebooks, comic books, downloadable audiobooks, and magazines.  You can borrow from libraries across the state using Libby too!  Watch tutorials on using Libby here.

hoopla: hoopla is another digital resource app.  With your Howard Miller library card you can check out 3 items a month.  The types of downloadables available on hoopla include television shows, movies, music albums, audiobooks, ebooks, and comic books!  Watch tutorials on using hoopla here.

Beanstack: Beanstack allows you to keep track of the books you've read and participate in various challenges.  This is a fun and laid-back way to safely participate in library programs throughout the year!  Beanstack is also a website, you do not need the app to participate.

Updated 3/11/2022

5. Can I get text notifications from the library?

Here at the Howard Miller Public Library we use a service called Shoutbomb for library alerts. Shoutbomb allows patrons to see when their holds are ready, which holds are ready, and where to pick up the holds! You can also see which items are due in 3 days and which are overdue. This system also allows for renewal of books that are due in 3 days or less. Renewals might not always work for various reasons. If this happens please check the catalog or call us.  

It’s so easy to sign up!

• Save this phone number (844) 225-9466 as a contact in your phone. It can be Library or Howard Miller Public Library or whatever you want.
• Text SIGNUP+[Your library card number]+[Your 4 digit PIN]
• You’re ready to go!

To add a family member's card just text ADDCARD+[Your library card number]+[Your 4 digit PIN]. To add multiple cards you need to send multiple messages. 

Change your PIN? You need to update it on Shoutbomb! Text NEWPASS+[Your library card number]+[NEW PIN].

Here are the commands Shoutbomb uses:

Updated 3/11/2022

6. How do I sign up for email notifications or change my email address?

To Change Email:

NOTE:  Follow the same steps to sign up for email notifications.

1.   Log into our catalog.  Follow this link to the Card catalog.
2. Click on the down arrow next to the user name.
3. Click on the gear icon.
   
4. Find "Email Address" under "Account Information" and click the word "Change".
   
5. Enter new email address.  NOTE:  Digital email address is optional.
6. Click "Save Changes".

The Michigan Library Privacy Act and the Lakeland Library Cooperative Privacy Policy prohibit the disclosure of a cardholder's library records without the written consent of the cardholder or a court order.  Since e-mail is not secure and others might have access to your e-mail, you consent to any inadvertent disclosure of your e-mail notifications to others and waive your rights to privacy under the Michigan Library Privacy Act and the Lakeland Library Cooperative Privacy Policy in order to receive e-mail notifications at your email address. 

Updated 3/11/2022

7. How can I renew my items?

There are many ways to renew your items! 

• You can check your account online and renew your items there. Here is the link for your online account. 
• You can call us at (616)772-0874.
• You can come into the library and renew your items at the front desk or using the self checkout computers.
• You can use the MyLibrary App.  Here is the link to learn more about the App.
• You can wait until 3 days before the item is due and see if your item automatically renews.

Automatic Renewals

Automatic renewal happens 3 days before your item is due. If your item is renewed it will show the new due date based on the original due date. So if your movie is due on April 4 and is automatically renewed it will now be due on April 11! If it is a book, it will be due on April 25. See below for an email example of an automatic renewal notification. 

Most items can be renewed, but some, like our feature film DVDs and Express books, cannot.  

Updated 3/11/2022

8. Can I check out materials through the Howard Miller Public Library?

To check out materials at Howard Miller Library, there are two options.

1. Come into the library with either your library card or your photo ID.
2. Use the MyLibrary App (your digital card or mobile checkout function).

The Howard Miller Public Library is a member of the Lakeland Library Cooperative. Borrowing privileges of your card extend beyond walls of this library to 82 area libraries. This means that you may visit other libraries within the cooperative to check out materials, or request that materials be sent to the Howard Miller Public Library for pick up. Names and addresses of libraries within the cooperative can be found at the Lakeland Library Cooperative website. PIN number is required to place items on hold.

Updated on 03/11/2022

9. Why can't I check out materials from the library?

There are a few reasons that you might not be able check out materials from our library (physical or digital).  These include: 

• Library card needs to be renewed or updated.
• If the library card is a student card there are limitations, but if the cardholder brings their guardian to the library they can get a full access card. 
• "No member library [includes Howard Miller] shall circulate materials to a patron who owes more than $10.00 or has been sent to the collection agency." (ILS Circulation Policies, 2017, CIRC 2.6)
• If a juvenile card is unable to check out it may be due to the above issues with the cosigner’s library card. 

To see the Lakeland Library Cooperative Circulation Policies (Revised February 2020) click here. 

Updated: 03/11/2022