Who can get a card

The Bridgeport Public Library directly serves all residents in Bridgeport Township and Spaulding Township, a contractual service area, and residents may receive a library card with full services. A person owning property in the Bridgeport & Spaulding townships qualifies for a full service card.

A person residing in Saginaw County, or residing in the service area of another White Pine Library Coop member library (see list below) may qualify for a limited service card. A person working in the Bridgeport or Spaulding township, or attending school in the Bridgeport & Spaulding school district may qualify for a limited service card.

If a person or household resides outside of the Bridgeport & Spaulding Townships, and does not qualify for the limited service card may pay an annual membership fee of $50 per household or $25 per individual to receive a limited service card.

How to get a card

Applicants must provide a form of identification with proof of current residential address. Any of the following forms of identification will be accepted as proof of residency:

·                     Valid driver’s license

·                     Michigan State Identification card

·                     Voter registration card

·                     Current tax

·                     Current lease or rental agreement

·                     Current telephone or utility bill

·                     Mail with current address

An existing library card holder in good standing may vouch for a library card for a new potential member.

A child under the age of 16 may register for his/her own card in the presence of a parent or guardian who shows proof of residency and who assumes financial responsibility for the child. Children 16 years old may register without a parent or guardian's signature, providing the child can provide the appropriate proof of identification and residency.

A child under the age of 18 without a parent/guardian present may present their school identification card and register for a student library card, which allows for computer use and limits the holder to 10 book checkouts.

Borrowing Limits

Borrowers may have up to twenty five items books out at a time.  Magazines and audiobooks are each limited to ten of each type. Videos and special collections are limited to five.

Placing Holds

Holds may be placed either online, in person, or over the phone.  Borrowers will be notified when their requests have arrived, and will have one week to pick them up.  After a week, items will be sent back to their home library or released to the next person on the hold list. 

Interlibrary Loans

Borrowers may request material from other libraries if our library does not have the material needed.  These loans may be placed online, in person, or over the phone.  Borrowers will be notified when their requests have arrived, and will have one week to pick them up.  After a week, items will be sent back to their home library or released to the next person on the hold list. 

Downloading Audiobooks and E-Books

Borrowers who are residents of Bridgeport and Spaulding Townships may download audiobooks and E-books onto their own devices.  Borrowers will use the link on our home page or use the Libby App.  The link will take them to Overdrive.  The log-in is the borrowers library card number and the password is the last four digits of their phone number.  Items may be checked out for 1-3 weeks, and sometimes may be renewed.   

Renewing Your Borrowed Items

Renewal is automatic.  Items will be automatically renewed two times unless the item is requested by another patron or the item is borrowed from another library.  Renewals are for an additional three week period.  New items may be renewed if no one is waiting for the item.   

Library Fines

Bridgeport Public Library is a fine free library.  If the items are returned, there is no fine.  However, if an item is kept, the borrower will be charged for the lost item(s).