Library Card & Account FAQs

  • Get a Library Card

    Yes! You can sign up for a card online if you live in Canton, MI. Please complete this form. 

    You will receive your new library card number when you successfully complete the form, and can use it immediately. It will show on the screen, and be emailed to you if you include an email address on the form. 

    When you are issued a Canton Public Library card number, you agree to abide by Canton Public Library policies.

    If you would like a physical library card, you may pick one up at the Check Out Desk. A physical library card is not required; you can type your card number and PIN at the self-checks to check out, or simply show your photo ID at the Check Out Desk.

    Go to our Card & Account page for the most up-to-date information on getting a library card.

    State law requires that we keep the items you check out on your library card private, even from your family members. That means we can’t talk about what you have checked out with anyone other than yourself, and family members can’t pick up your holds, pay your fees, or use your card… unless you give them authorized access. 

    If you give someone authorized access to your card, you are giving us permission to talk to them about what you have checked out, access to pick up your hold items, and the ability to check out items in your name (as long as they have proper photo ID—school IDs count).

    The people you give access to don’t necessarily have to be family members. You can give access to anyone you trust to borrow from the library on your behalf: that can include significant others, best friends, roommates, neighbors, etc. You do not need to tell us their relationship to you, simply provide their first and last name.

    For children under the age of 18, parents are automatically given authorized access since they are liable for any lost or damaged items on those accounts. If your child often comes to the library with an older sibling, a grandparent, or a nanny, you might want to consider giving those individuals access to your child’s account. That would allow them to check out materials if your child forgot their card or you weren’t able to provide them with it.

    Deciding who you trust with your account requires some thought. That’s why we’ve made adding and removing access to your account easy. All you need to do is come into the library and tell one of our Check Out Desk staff which people you’d like to add or remove from the authorized access portion of your account. If you are a Canton or Plymouth cardholder, you can also edit authorized access through the renew option in the online portal.

    Library cards are available to residents of Canton, MI, and those who work or attend school in Canton. 

    Canton Public Library also has a reciprocal relationship with many nearby libraries. This means that residents of other TLN communities may use their local library cards at Canton (some restrictions apply). Bring the library card issued to you at your home library to the Canton Public Library along with photo ID to be entered into our system.

    Non-residents can purchase Canton Public Library Card(s) for $200 annually per household. This card has all the same benefits as a resident card. $200 is Canton's average annual household tax contribution for library services.

    Yes!

    For minors (under 18), a parent or guardian must complete the application and take responsibility for any items/fees. The parent or guardian is responsible for the use of the card per the library’s policies and is legally responsible for all materials borrowed on the card.

    Parents and guardians may complete the application online, or come to the Check Out Desk with photo ID and proof of address.

  • Update or Renew Your Card

    Library cards must be renewed periodically to ensure we have your up-to-date address and contact information on file and verify your residency.

    If you live in Canton, MI or if you have registered your Plymouth District Library Card with us, you can renew your card online. To verify/update your address and renew your card, please click the second link on this form. If your address remains the same, simply click next on that screen to advance.

    For all others, please come in person to the Check Out Desk with your photo ID.

    If your ID does not show a Canton, MI address, please bring proof that you live, work or go to school in Canton.

    You can update your phone number and email directly from your library account.

    Select Log In / My CPL in the top right corner of your screen, and then select My Settings at the very bottom of the dropdown list.

    On the My Settings page, under Account Information, you have the option to change your email address, username, PIN and phone number.

    To update your physical address, you can use the Card Application and Renewal Form. Select the bottom button, and follow the prompts. If your address can be verified, this will also renew your card. If your address can’t be verified or is no longer in Canton, the card portal will still accept the update—so that we have your correct address on record—but your expiration date will not be extended.

    If you prefer, we can update your personal information for you through the following ways:

    Your library card is active for three years if you live in Canton. For non-resident card holders who work or go to school in Canton, reciprocal library card holders, and non-resident paid card holders, your card is active for one year. We will send you a notice when it is time to renew your card. 

    If your Canton Public Library card account has passed its expiration date without being renewed, has no outstanding fees, and has not been used to check out physical materials for more than three years, it will be removed from our system. If you haven’t used your card in more than three years, don't worry. You can visit the library any time to receive a brand new card, or apply online.

    If you have registered your account, you can check your expiration date online by logging in and going to "My Settings."

  • PIN Questions

    Your default PIN is the 8-digit birthdate (MMDDYYYY) associated with your account. For example, if your birthday is May 15, 1991, your PIN is 05151991. 

    Once you log into your account, you can change your PIN to a number of your choice. Your PIN must be at least 7 digits and no longer than 13 digits, and can only be numbers.

    When you sign up for a library card, you are automatically provided with a default PIN (Personal Identification Number). Your default PIN is the 8-digit birthdate (MMDDYYYY) associated with your account. For example, if your birthday is May 15, 1991, your PIN is 05151991. Your PIN will be used when you manage your account online or to check out materials in the library.

    If you want to change your PIN, log in to your library account and go to My Settings. 

    When attempting to log in to your library account, click on "Forgot my PIN" and follow the prompts. This will send an email to the address listed in your library account with instructions for resetting your PIN. You can also call 734-397-0999 for assistance.

    Please note: The "Forgot your PIN?" link only works if you have registered your account. If you have not registered, you will not get a reply.

    Unless Canton Public Library (CPL) IS your home library, the short answer is: Probably not.

    Your default Canton PIN is your 8-digit date of birth (DDMMYYYY).

    CPL is part of the The Library Network (TLN), a cooperative of libraries in Southeast Michigan. Each library sets its own parameters for patron account safety and security, including the use of PINs. 

    So, for instance, if your home library is Plymouth District Library, your default PIN to log in or check out materials through Plymouth is the last four digits of your phone number. But when you're using your Plymouth card to log in or check out materials at Canton Public Library, your default Canton PIN is still your 8-digit date of birth (DDMMYYYY).

    Not all TLN libraries require PINs, but most that do--including Canton Public Library--allow you to change them to your own customized PIN. For more about how to change your Canton PIN, click here.

    If you requested a PIN reset online and can't find the email, use the tips below to locate it. However, unless you've changed the PIN on your library account, your PIN is your 8-digit birthdate (MMDDYYYY). Simply log in to your account by entering your library card number and PIN, and you're in. 

    PIN reset: If you requested a PIN reset and you're having trouble finding the email, check your email spam or junk folders. The subject line will read: Canton Public Library Password reset - please confirm. (Note: Your 'password' is your PIN.) The sender is do-not-reply@bibliocommons.com.

    If you're still unable to find the email, check any other email accounts you may have. The email message is sent to the email address associated with your library account, which may be out of date if you haven't notified us of a change. Another option: Give us a call during our hours of operation; we'll reset your PIN on the spot--back to your 8-digit birthdate. 

    Please note: The online PIN reset option only works if you have registered your account and included an email address. 

    No. 

    You are welcome to change it, and it is a good best practice to update PINs and passwords regularly, but you are not required to.

    Log in to your library account if you would like to change your PIN. Go to "My Settings." Under "Account Information" there is a link to change your account PIN.

    Your PIN must be at least 7 digits and no longer than 13 digits, and can only be numbers. Numbers with three repeating digits, for example, 1114570, or repeating number pairs like 12121212, are not valid. 

    A few other easy-to-remember PIN options, if you’re looking for ideas:

    • 7 digit phone number,
    • 9 digit phone number,
    • 10 digit phone number,
    • Library barcode minus the first or last digit,
    • 13 digit ISBN of your favorite book.

    If you need help, please call us at 734-397-0999, ext 3.

  • Holds

    A hold is a request for an item at the library.

    If you are a Canton or Plymouth cardholder and have registered your account online, opens a new window, you can place a “hold” by clicking the green “place hold” button next to the item you want in the catalog. If the item is available, we will get it off the shelf for you and put it on the hold shelf; if it is checked out, placing a hold saves your spot in line.

    We typically pull available holds a few times a day. You can have up to 50 holds at a time, and you can check your place in line by viewing the “on hold” section of your account.

    When your hold is ready for you to pick up, you will get a notification that we have placed it on the hold shelf for you. 

    Held items have not yet been checked out to you, so please remember to check them out at one of the self-checkout stations or the Check Out Desk before leaving the library.

    Patrons with a Canton or Plymouth library card can request specific items from our collection by clicking the green “Place Hold” button on the item record in the online catalog, or by calling us. When the item is ready for pick up, you will be notified via the notification method you selected for your account. Please pick up your item within four days or your hold will be cancelled.

    There are three options for picking up your holds:

    1. Hold Shelf: The Hold Shelf is just past the Check Out Desk, on the right side, and is available any time the library is open. Items are shelved in alphabetical order by your last name. After locating your held item(s), you can check them out at a self-check station or at the Check Out Desk.
    2. Curbside: There are designated curbside parking spots in the east lot (the parking lot to the left as you drive in, or to the right as you exit the building). When you are notified that your holds are available, come to the library and call the number on the sign. We will check out all of your current holds and bring them directly to your vehicle.
    3. Delivery: If you are a Canton resident, you can have your holds delivered to your doorstep, for free. Deliveries take place on Tuesdays and Fridays.

    If you are a reciprocal card holder, not from Canton or Plymouth, you cannot place a hold in the catalog. You can however call 734-397-0999 ext 4 to request an item be placed on the hold shelf for you. If you have not yet registered your card with CPL, you will need to bring your home library card and ID to set up an account. 

    To use Canton Public Library’s curbside pickup service:

    • Put items on hold.
    • We will notify you when the items are ready for pickup.
    • When you arrive, park in one of the designated spots, and call the number on the sign.
    • Your items will be brought directly to you in your vehicle.

    Curbside service is available all days we are open, from the time we open until 30 minutes prior to close. Check for closures and hours here.

    There are designated curbside parking spots in the east lot (the parking lot to the left as you drive in, or to the right as you exit the building). 

    You can also return items at curbside, and renew your library card. To renew, please make sure you have your photo ID and relevant information; see this FAQ for more details.

    Only patrons with Canton or Plymouth library cards can place holds. 

    Some materials, for example movies and e-books provided through hoopla, don’t allow holds because they are available to borrow for instant streaming or temporary download. A hold is not needed for these items since you can access them at any time.

    Other reasons you may not be able to place a hold:

    • You may have exceeded the maximum number of holds for your account.
    • Your card may have expired, or been blocked due to overdue items or outstanding fees.

    If you have a reciprocal library card and would like an available item pulled for you to pick up today, please call us at 734-397-0999, ext 4. 

    Holds are kept on the Hold Shelf for you for five days.

    We’re unable to extend the amount of time an individual hold is held; this ensures everyone receives their holds in a timely manner.

    Sometimes you find an item in the catalog you are interested in, but don't want right now. One option is to place a hold and then "pause" it. Pausing your hold means letting others behind you in line get the item before you do. When you are ready, you can "resume" your hold and rejoin the line where you were originally.

    If you would like to pause a hold, select the "Pause Hold" button next to the item in your holds list. It will drop to the bottom of your hold list, and you can press "Resume Hold" when you are ready for the item.

    If the item you're interested in is currently on the shelf and available, you will not be able to pause your hold and you will get an error message that says your suspension request failed. For items like these, consider using your "For Later" shelf. Items on your "For Later" shelf are visible on your My CPL dashboard, and can be easily selected when you are ready for the item.

    The total number of physical items that can be placed on hold is 50.

    The total number of Overdrive/Libby items that can be placed on hold is 10.

    Yes, a person you authorize may pick up your holds for you. The person will need your library card or you will need to list them in the authorized access section of your account. If you do not provide any names, we will not let anyone but you pick up your holds unless they have your physical library card.

  • Notifications

    You can choose to be notified by email, phone call or text. 

    Email Notifications

    If you have an email address in your Patron Record, we'll send you:

    • A notice when you have holds that are ready to pick up.
    • A courtesy notice two days before an item is due.
      • If an item has auto-renewed, you will still receive this notice and it will alert you to the item's new due date.
      • If your item has not auto-renewed, you will need to return it by the listed due date.
    • An overdue notice at four, seven, 10, and 14 days after the due date
    • A billing notice for materials not returned after 21 days

    You'll also receive the CPL newsletter and information regarding upcoming events.

    Please add cplemail@cantonpl.org to your email address book to assist delivery of notifications.

    Phone Notifications

    If you do not have an email associated with your library card, we will call you:

    • When you have items ready to pick up
    • Two days before an item is due. You will not receive a phone notification when items auto-renew.
    • An overdue notice at four and 10 days after the due date
    • A billing notice for materials not returned after 21 days

    Automated phone notifications are made two times a day, around 10:00 AM and around 4:00 PM. 

    Text Notifications

    You can also sign up for the library's Shoutbomb text messaging service.

    • Get alerts about holds, items due soon, and overdue items
    • Renew eligible items via text message
    • Continue to receive your standard email or telephone notice as usual

    Canton Public Library sends three types of automated notices about borrowing activity: Courtesy Notices (reminders about upcoming due dates, automatic renewals, and/or items that cannot be renewed), Overdue Notices and Billing Notices. To stop receiving these notices via email, please call or stop by the Check Out Desk. (Note that when you're logged into your online account, you can change your email address in your Settings, but you won't be able to remove the email address on your own.) 

    If we remove your email from your patron account, it will also be removed from your online account. If you add it back to your online account, you will start receiving these notices again.

    All patrons are also automatically signed up for our Newsletter. If you would like to stop receiving the newsletter, go to the bottom of the newsletter email and click the unsubscribe link. If you want to receive it in the future, you can visit the newsletter section of our website to update your preferences.

    There's a good chance you're already receiving one of Canton Public Library's email newsletters. News and Events is emailed monthly to everyone with a library account that contains an email address (unless you've unsubscribed). If you're not getting this newsletter and would like to, first check your spam/junk email folder. If it's not there, you can sign up here. 

    We also offer three other email newsletters to match more specialized interests of our patrons:

    • All About Books is, well, all about books. It's geared toward--you guessed it--people who like to read. 
    • Connect Your Way newsletter gives you timely information and tips about our digital media offerings, including e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, online databases, and streaming movies and music. 
    • Raising Readers is designed for parents, teachers and caretakers of budding readers.
    • Connecting Canton features some of the good things happening in Canton and the region including events, spotlights on local organizations and fun things to do. 

    Sign up for any or all of these email newsletters, change your email preferences, or unsubscribe at any time here. Be sure to click on the Save Preferences button at the bottom of the page.

    Please note: Patrons must be 13 in order to receive email newsletters. Patrons under 13 will only receive circulation notices, such as due date reminders.

    If you requested a PIN reset online and can't find the email, use the tips below to locate it. However, unless you've changed the PIN on your library account, your PIN is your 8-digit birthdate (MMDDYYYY). Simply log in to your account by entering your library card number and PIN, and you're in. 

    PIN reset: If you requested a PIN reset and you're having trouble finding the email, check your email spam or junk folders. The subject line will read: Canton Public Library Password reset - please confirm. (Note: Your 'password' is your PIN.) The sender is do-not-reply@bibliocommons.com.

    If you're still unable to find the email, check any other email accounts you may have. The email message is sent to the email address associated with your library account, which may be out of date if you haven't notified us of a change. Another option: Give us a call during our hours of operation; we'll reset your PIN on the spot--back to your 8-digit birthdate. 

    Please note: The online PIN reset option only works if you have registered your account and included an email address. 

    If you receive email notifications, you will receive a courtesy notice with a list of items that have auto-renewed and of items that can't be renewed.

    If you have signed up for our text message service or have set your notification preference as phone, you will receive notice that you have items checked out that are overdue. You can use the Shoutbomb key words to request more information or take action.

    If you have more questions or would like to change your notification preference, please call 734-397-0999, ext 3 and a staff member can assist you.

    Yes! Stay up-to-date on your account with the library's Shoutbomb text messaging service. You can:

    • Get alerts about holds, items due soon, and overdue items
    • Renew eligible items via text message
    • Continue to receive your standard email or telephone notice as usual

    Sign up for Shoutbomb by texting the word signup to 833-568-7876. Canton Public Library does not charge for this service, but your mobile plan's regular text messaging rates apply.

  • Fees

    We no longer charge late fees for overdue items. Instead, if you have an item that is 10 days or more overdue, you can't use your library card until you bring the item in question back. Once you return the item, you are back in action.

    The library hasn’t totally eliminated fees though. If you lose or damage an item there will be a replacement charge. And if you have an item that is 45 days late there will be an additional, non-waivable collection agency charge.

    In September 2022 the library eliminated late fees, which means we no longer charge for items that are overdue. The fees we do still charge help us recoup costs and maintain our collection if an item is lost or damaged.

    If an item is ever lost or becomes “un-shelfworthy” because of damage it received while in your care, you will be charged a replacement fee. That fee is the cost of the item plus a $3 processing charge, which represents the library’s cost for putting a new copy back into circulation.

    You will also be charged a replacement fee if you have a checked-out item that is 21 days overdue, because we assume if an item is this late it has been lost. If that happens and you do still have the item, please return it. Once it is checked in, the replacement fee will be removed from your account and you will be back in good standing.

    If an item you’ve checked out is 45 days overdue, and you have not yet paid for its replacement, you will be charged a collection agency fee of $10 in addition to the replacement cost. The collection fee cannot be waived, but if you return the item at this point, we can still waive the replacement cost so that you only owe the $10. Pay that fee and your account will be back in good standing.

    If you’re sure an item is lost, let us know and you can go ahead and pay any replacement fees and collection agency fees you may already have accrued. However, if you find that item within three months of paying for a replacement you can return it to the library for a refund. 

    You will get a reminder from the library two days before your item is due if you have an email address in your account or if you have opted in to text message alerts. If you have not yet returned the item, you will also get a reminder on the day it is due, and at regular intervals until the item is returned or you are billed for its replacement.

    If you have an item that is 10 days overdue, your borrowing privileges will be blocked until you return the item. We will call you on day 10, in addition to sending you an email, to ensure that you receive the message.

    We assume materials kept more than 21 days past the due date are lost, and we will bill you for replacement of the materials. If the billed item is returned in good condition, the replacement cost will be waived.

    If you have $20 or more in billed items, your account will be blocked. If you have a balance of $35 and you have material 45 days past due, your balance will be sent to collections and a $10 collections fee will be added to the account. If you return an item after it has been billed and sent to collections, we will waive the replacement fee, but you will still owe the non-refundable $10 collections fee.

    For patrons under 18, the parent or guardian who signed for the card is responsible for the use of the card and any related charges.

    We will assess the damage to the item, and if the item is no longer in good enough condition to circulate, you will be charged a fee for replacement. Once paid, the item belongs to you. Damaged items are only held for patron review/pickup for a limited period of time, per our policy.

    Due to cataloging and processing requirements, we typically do not accept replacement items for lost or damaged material. 

    Fees can be paid by cash, check or credit card at the library (Check our current hours to ensure we are open).

    If you owe more than $1, you can also pay by credit card online through your account. To pay online, log in and under "My Borrowing" click on "Fees." Please call us at 734-397-0999 if you need help.

    Unfortunately, we cannot accept replacement copies of lost materials. Learn more about fees.

    If you get an overdue notice, can’t find the item, and think you may have returned it, ask for a shelf check.

    We always prefer to have items returned, so if an item is overdue and you’re looking for it, call us and we may be able to extend the due date to give you more time to find it. If you left it on a plane, or are otherwise positive it’s lost, please do call us at 734-397-0999 option 3 and let us know. This helps expedite our process for replacing the item so that others may enjoy it.

    We assume materials kept more than 21 days past the due date are lost, and we will bill you for replacement of the materials. If the billed item is returned in good condition, the replacement cost will be waived. If you return an item after it has been billed and sent to collections, we will waive the replacement fee, but you will still owe the non-refundable $10 collections fee. More info on fees can be found here.

    For patrons under 18, the parent or guardian who signed for the card is responsible for the use of the card and any related charges.

    Due to cataloging and processing requirements, we typically do not accept replacement items for lost or damaged material. Parents/guardians of children under the age of 18 are responsible for any items that may be damaged or lost by their child.