Getting a Library Card
Residents of Benton Harbor City and Township
Residents of the City of Benton Harbor and Benton Charter Township are eligible for a free Benton Harbor Public Library Account. Residents outside of the City or Township may request a MILibrary sticker to be placed on their card.*
Residents wishing to apply for a Library Card must present both a Michigan photo ID and proof of permanent residence in the City of Benton Harbor or Benton Charter Township.
Accepted Photo IDs:
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State-Issued License
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State-Issued ID Card
Accepted Proofs of Residence:
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Mail Postmarked within the last week
*MILibrary Card participating libraries:
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Benton Harbor
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Berrien Springs
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Coloma
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Eau Claire
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New Buffalo
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Sodus
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Three Oaks
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Watervliet
Library Card Responsibilities
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You are responsible for all materials checked out on your library card. The person signing for a minor is financially responsible for all fines and fees.
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Materials are to be returned by the stated due date.
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There are no overdue FINES. Materials must still be renewed and returned on time.
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You are blocked from borrowing when your overdue or unreturned items.
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After 4 months, materials that have not been returned are assumed lost and charged to your account.
Non-Residents and Visitors
Adult patrons who have a valid library card from another MILibrary Card participating library are eligible for a free visitor account through the MILibrary Card Program. St. Joseph City and Township residents are also eligible for a free visitor card due to our current reciprocal borrowing agreement with their home library.
Also eligible are those who own a business or part-time home in, but are not residents of, the City of Benton Harbor or Benton Charter Township.
Required Documents for Visitors:
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Visiting MILibrary Card Patrons or St. Joseph City and St. Joseph Twp residents wishing to apply for a BHPL Account must present both a License or ID Card issued by the State of Michigan and a valid Library Card issued by their home library with a MILibrary Card sticker. St. Joseph Library patrons’ accounts will be verified.
Nonresidents who wish to apply for a BHPL Card must present both a Photo ID and a Proof of Ownership of property in the City of Benton Harbor or Benton Charter Township.
Accepted Proofs of Ownership:
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Property Tax Statement
Pay Cards
Patrons from the following libraries must purchase a 6 or 12 month pay card to borrow materials:
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Bridgman
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Buchanan
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Lincoln Twp
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Niles
These represent local libraries and are not all inclusive.
6 month pay card = $25 12 month pay card = $50