Services

 Ask a Librarian

Use the online contact form to send your questions, comments or suggestions.  To talk to a librarian directly, call 248-437-6431 during library hours.  If you are calling to renew a book, you may call our automated toll free hotline at 888-672-8983.  This service is available 24/7 but you must know your library card number and PIN.

Books, Movies, Music and More...

General Collection

The general collection in the library consists of thousands of fiction and non-fiction items for adults, teens and kids.  In order to check-out items from the library you must first apply for a library card (see: lending information).  To search all items in our collection, go to our catalogs page and click on library catalog.  Once you have a library card you may use it at any of the 53 participating libraries in our network.

Audiobooks and Music CD's

For those that would like to listen to a book, the library offers books on CD and Playaway for kids, teens and adults.  Music CD's are also available in the youth and adult section of the library - ranging from classical to pop/rock.

Book Club Kits

Check out the library’s collection of Book Club Kits. Each kit can be checked out for 6 weeks and includes 10 copies of a title selected by one of our librarians, as well as a discussion guide filled with resources to spark conversation. The kits were made possible through a generous donation by the Friends of the Salem-South Lyon District Library. Their continued support will allow the library to purchase additional titles throughout the year. Our librarians can also help your group locate author interviews and discussion questions, recommend titles, and assist with getting multiple copies of a book.

Digital Media Collection (e-books and downloadable audiobooks)

Our online digital media collection allows you to download e-books and audiobooks.  To search all items in our digital media collection, go to our catalogs page and click on digital media catalog.

E-Reader Lending 

If you are considering purchasing an e-reader, the library offers the nook Simple Touch and Kindle Touch to be checked out for one week.  Both devices are loaded with some of the hottest new releases - click here for full list.  Just ask a reference librarian to place one on hold the next time you are at the library or use the link below to place a hold.

Related information:

• Place hold: nook Simple Touch
• Place hold: Kindle Touch

Early Literacy

SSLDL has dedicated a corner of the youth area to early learning resources and activities. It includes a listening station and early learning kits. The listening station enables children to read along with a story as they listen to it through a sound dome. Early learning kits include a variety of books, audiovisual aids, and fun activities centered on different themes. These themes include colors, shapes, time and more.   

Energy Audit Collection

The library provides "green kits" containing a Kill-A-Watt and Thermal Leak Detector.  A Kill-A-Watt is used to measure the amount of electricity a device or appliance uses.  The Thermal Leak Detector is used to locate areas where hot/cold air is leaking in from outside.  The kits may be checked-out for 2 weeks. To place a hold on our energy audit kit, click here.

Genealogy

SSLDL has a variety of resources to help you with your genealogical research. You can access thousands of census and other historical records using Ancestry Library Edition on any library computer (or laptops using our public Wi-Fi connection). Our Local History and Michigan Collection contain South Lyon High School yearbooks dating back to 1948, as well as books on the history of South Lyon, the surrounding counties and the state of Michigan.  For resource databases you can access online, go to our research page to access information For Genealogists / Historians.

Learn a Language

The library provides a number of different resources to help you learn a new language.  Come in to the library to view our selection of foreign language dictionaries and audiobooks that guide you through leaning a new language.  If you don't feel like leaving home you can try our online service, Rocket Languages, and choose from 11 different languages to learn at your own pace.

Low Vision Patrons

The library has over 2,000 large print titles available for check-out at the library. In addition, we have books on CD and Playaways which allow you to listen to a book on the go. If you want to check out a book that isn't large print there are magnifiers that can be checked out for the duration that you have your book.

Related information:

• Oakland Talking Book Service
• Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled 

Movies

The library has a wide range of DVD's and Blu-ray Discs located in the adult and youth areas. Categories include; Movie, TV Series, Foreign Film and Non-Fiction (documentary, travel, exercise, etc.). 

Newspapers and Magazines

The library has over 100 newspaper and magazine titles for adults, teens and kids.  Past issues of magazines are kept for approximately one year and may be checked out for 7 days.  For those looking for product information from Consumer Reports, the library carries a subscription to access reviews online while at the library.

Video Games

The library provides video games check-out for the following consoles; Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, PS3 and PS2.

Computers & Technology

Computer Stations

There are forty-eight computers throughout the library with high-speed Internet and Microsoft Office 2013 Suite (includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Access) available on all stations.  All stations are first-come-first-serve and allow for unlimited use.  Computer availability is limited only during scheduled computer classes that are held in the computer lab.  Printing is $.10 per page in black & white and $.40 for color.

Copy Machine

Our copy machine has a number of features for patrons use:

• Make black & white copies (single side - $.10 letter/$.15 legal, double-sided - $.40 letter/$.60 legal)
• Make color copies (single side - $.40 letter/$.60 legal, double-sided - $.60 letter/$1.00 legal)
• Scan documents and pictures to USB drive or email (no cost)

Diskfree - Online File Storage

Diskfree allows users to upload up to 100 MB worth of files for online storage - great for students working on projects and looking for a location to store and retrieve assignments. 

E-Reader Display

In addition to the library's e-reader lending service (see section above), the library maintains a permanent e-reader display that allows anyone to test some of the most popular e-reader devices on the market.  Current e-readers on display include; Barnes & Noble Simple Touch nook, Sony Reader Wi-Fi and Kindle Touch.

Faxing

You can send and receive faxes through our public fax service at the circulation desk.  The fax number to receive documents is 248-437-6593.  Fees for the service are as follows:

• Sending: US & Canada $1.00 / page
• Sending: International $3.00 / page
• Receiving: $.50 / page

Free Long Distance - "Keep in Touch" Program (Skype PC) (Skype vb

Come on in to the library to use our “Keep in Touch” service that allows you to make a free call to a friend or family member located in over 42 different countries from the library.  Please make a reservation in advance to use this service.  For a full list of countries available, click here.

Wireless Internet and Printing

Wireless Internet is available for laptops and other mobile devices. To access the wireless network, connect to the "public" access point while in the library. To print a document from your computer, go to our online printing portal. This service can be used by laptop users in the library, PC users at home and smart phone users. Documents can be released to a printer from any library computer.

Display Cases

Do you have a really cool collection that you want to show off?  Sign up to display it in one of our locking display cases for a month.  If you are interested in bringing in your collection, use our contact form (category display case) or call Caryn Bartone at 248-437-6431 ext. 204.

For Purchase

Books, Movies, Music and More...

Purchase used books, movies, music and more in our Friends of the Library Book Sale Room where most items are priced between $.25 - $4.00.  This room is made possible by Friends of the Library volunteers and book donations from local residents.

Headphones

While all library computers have ports for headphones, the library does not lend headphones for patron use.  Headphones may be purchased at the library vending machine for $1.25.

Tote Bags

Go green and purchase a tote bag to transport your library books home.  Purchase one on your way out at the circulation desk for $4.00.

USB Flash Drives

USB flash drives can be purchased at the library vending machine for $8.50 - they store 4 GB worth of documents and can be used at any computer and/or when using the scanning function on our copy machine.

Mobile / Tablet Apps

Mobile Library Catalog

Browse the library catalog, place items on hold and renew items from your mobile phone on an Apple or Android device. Click on the appropriate link below from your mobile phone or search for the “LibraryAnywhere” app from your phone's marketplace.

Related information:

• LibraryAnywhere for Android Devices
• LibraryAnywhere for Apple Devices

Digital Media Collection App

Browse the library’s digital media catalog and download e-books and audiobooks to your Apple, Android, Blackberry or Windows Phone 7 device. Click here from your device or search for the “OverDrive Media Console” app from your phones marketplace. 

Programs

The library hosts a number of programs for adults, teens and kids, ranging from computer programs to storytimes.  All programs are open to the public at no charge (unless noted in the program description).  To view and RSVP for upcoming programs, go to our calendar page.

Recycling

Cell Phones

Cell phones may be dropped off, during library hours, in our cell phone bin. This bin is located in our copy machine room. Please dispose of your charger and any accessories prior to dropping off your phone.

Eye Glasses

The library is a collection point for the Lions Club International Eyeglass Recycling Program. Lions clubs collect millions of eyeglasses each year, to help those that cannot afford eye glasses. Glasses may be dropped off, during library hours, in our eyeglass bin. This bin is located in our copy machine room.

Ink Cartridges

Ink cartridges may be dropped off, during library hours, in our ink cartridge bin. This bin is located in our copy machine room.

Paper

Bring your old newspapers, magazines, catalogs, mail, and paper at any time and recycle it in the large green and yellow bins in our parking lot. The library receives money for every ton collected. Since 2008, we’ve earned over $900 from this program. Please, no books, food boxes or cardboard. 

Seasonal Programs, Events & Services

Book'n Trilogy

The Book’n Trilogy is an annual race hosted by the library in May. Proceeds collected from the race help fund library projects. For more information on the next race, visit the Book’n Trilogy website. 

Community Reads

In cooperation with neighboring libraries, Salem-South Lyon District Library offers a Community Reads Program that brings community members together to read and discuss the same literary work, and take part in events hosted by various libraries.  In addition, a teen focused program is offered every year in the spring.  For more details, visit the Neighborhood Library Association website.

Park and Read Program

Park & Read allows library cardholders to "check-out" a one-day pass that waives the Recreation Passport entry fee into any Michigan state park or recreation area. This $10 savings also provides a one-time, free access to more than 500 events taking place in state parks throughout the summer.  This program runs from mid-June through October 1st.  For more information on the 2012 Park & Read Program, click here.

Summer Reading Program

Our annual Summer Reading Program is open to all ages with registration beginning at the end of June. Adults, teens and kids receive prizes for reading and/or trying different services within the library. A final party for active participants is held in August.

Tax Forms

Tax forms are available at the library from late-January through April.  Tax booklets and forms provided by the state and federal government can be picked up in our tax form area at no cost.  If you require a form to be printed out, there is a $.10 per page charge.  For our tax form resource center, click here.

Voter Information

The library is a polling place for Salem Township's 2nd Precinct.  To access our voting resource center, click here.

Study Rooms

Four study rooms are available within the library. They consist of one multi-person room and three rooms that may be reserved in advance. Rooms can hold between four and twelve occupants and may be reserved reserved up to seven days in advance for one hour.  To reserve a room, call 248-437-6431 during library hours.

Test Proctoring

As a service to our community, the Salem-South Lyon District Library offers proctoring services free of charge to students in our area.  These services are available during library hours and test appointments should be made in advance, either by phone, 248.437.6431, or contact form.  The Library can accommodate both paper and online examinations.  For paper examinations needing to be mailed back by the library, there is a $5.00 postage fee.