Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone has at least a few questions about the library! Read on for answers to some of the queries we hear most:
Location - View Map
300 W. Merrill St.
Birmingham, MI 48009
Library Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Upcoming Closures
December 24: Closed
December 25: Closed
December 31: Closed
January 1, 2025: Closed
Where can I park and how much does it cost?
Can I get change?
What is your food and drink policy? Where can we eat our lunch?
around public computers or in the Idea Lab. You are welcome to eat your lunch on the benches in the
lower level, on the front steps of the Library or in neighboring Shain Park.
Do you have vending machines?
Do you provide notary services?
How do I find out what my Library PIN is?
Can someone else pick up my holds?
Yes. If a person is holding your library card, they can use it to check out materials. If you would like to authorize a family member to pick up your holds, you must contact the Circulation Department.
Why is a toy still on my account even though I returned it?
We examine, clean and check-in toys Monday through Friday, but it may take us a few days to review everything. Your item will be checked in on the date it was returned.
If my child goes to a Birmingham Public School, can we get a library card? What if they attend private school in Baldwin's service area?
Students who attend K-12 school, public or private, in Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms and the City of Bloomfield Hills are eligible for a library card. Learn more here. All BPS students are encouraged to use their library cards at Baldwin during our Battle of the Books, Birbery and Summer Reading programs!
Can I use my card at another library?
Your Baldwin card isn’t welcome in just Birmingham, you have check-out privileges at other local libraries, too! Most of the 100+ libraries in The Library Network allow Baldwin card holders to borrow materials directly, as does the Troy Public Library. And don’t forget: almost all of the libraries in Michigan share part or all of their collection – at no charge – through the state-wide MeL lending service.
Can I return my library materials to another location?
Although you are welcome to return items to other libraries in The Library Network, please allow up to three weeks for those materials to be removed from your account.
There is an item on my account that I am certain I returned/I never checked out. Who do I contact?
If you find an item on your account that you returned, or that you never checked out, please call the Circulation Department at 248-554- 4630 or visit the Information Desk during your next visit. We will do a “claims returned search” for the item: during the next month, our staff will search our shelves multiple times to try and locate the item. Before contacting the library, please double-check your home and car, looking closely under furniture and car seats.
How do I get a Baldwin library card?
Read all about how to get a library card here.
Can I use a card from another library to borrow Baldwin materials directly?
If you live outside of our service area (Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms and the City of Bloomfield Hills), but are interested in checking out Library materials, you may be able to use your home library card at Baldwin. Read more here.
How many items can I check out?
There are no limits to the number of items you can check out, except for several material types as noted in the next question.
The following materials limits apply to all cardholders:
Holiday books (limit of 10)
Video games (limit of 6)
Can I place a hold if I have a card from another library?
Yes! We recently changed our policy to allow Reciprocal card holders to place holds on Baldwin materials. Please note, though, that holds for Baldwin card holders will have priority.
How long can I keep a HotPicks Book/DVD/Blu-Ray? Can I renew it?
View our list of loan periods and renewals on our Borrowing Information page
How do I check out a toy?
We offer a wide variety of educational toys for checkout. To select a toy, visit the Youth Services Reference desk and ask for the toy you’d like. Each toy is numbered. You can browse our available toys online, or view our binder of toys.
Do you have rooms available to rent?
We do! Learn more about our available rooms, pricing and availability on our Room Rental page
How do I get access to a study room?
The study rooms on the main level of the library are available for use by Baldwin Public Library cardholders only. Both single individuals and groups are allowed to use our study room. If a group wishes to use a room, at least one person in the group must have a BPL card. The rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. There is a two-hour time limit for room use, which is generally only enforced if people are waiting. Those wishing to use a room must present a valid BPL card to the staff at the Information Desk to check out a study room. There is no fee for using the study rooms.
Do you proctor exams, and if so, how much does it cost and how does it work?
Baldwin offers this service daily during our regular business hours, and will even work directly with your academic institution to accommodate your requirements. The cost for proctor services is $20 per day. Proctoring is available by appointment only. Make yours by calling 248-554-4684 or via email.
What is the charge for printing?
Color printing fees are $0.10 per page
Black and white printing is $0.05 per page
Do you have a public fax machine, and if so, how much does it cost?
We do have a public fax machine available for patron use. It costs $1.00 per transmission to send a fax.
Do you have a typewriter for public use?
Yes, we have an electronic typewriter available. Just visit the Adult Services reference desk for information or to use it.
How do I connect to your WiFi?
Connecting to our BPL Wireless Network is easy. Just select “BPL Wireless Network,” accept our terms of use, and you’ll be connected quickly. For WiFi assistance, just ask our friendly staff.
When is your next book sale?
Book Sale dates will vary as inventory fluctuates. You can shop any time the Library is open at The Friends’ Bookshop in the center gallery. Learn more about the sales on the Book Sales page
Where can I donate textbooks? Encyclopedias? VHS? Records? Magazines?
The Friends of the Baldwin Public Library does not accept these types of materials. Many art teachers and scouting troops use magazines for art projects and welcome these types of donations. Flipside Records in Clawson buys used records; and textbooks and encyclopedias may be recycled at SOCRRA in Royal Oak.
Books in the Media-December
Here are some cozy reads recommended in the library for the month of December: Bookreporter: Desolation Code by Clive Cussler Tap here to read the review. BritishFantasySociety: Januaries by Blake Olivie Tap here to read the review. Kirkus: A New Lease on Death by...
Books in the Media-November
November is here and we are so thankful for our library and it's collection. Here are some books currently available in the Library: AP News: The Briar Club by Kate Quinn Tap here to read the review. Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age...
Books in the Media-October
It's close to midnight, something evil's lurking in the dark. Under the moonlight, you see a sight that almost stops your heart.(Thriller) Spooky season is here and so are the titles featured in the library for October: Chicago Review of Books: My Favorite Thing is...
Parking
Free Two-Hour Parking in Chester Street Deck
Metered street parking around Library
Free Parking on Sundays
248-647-1700
300 W. Merrill St.
Birmingham, MI 48009
Library Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Upcoming Closures:
December 24: Closed
December 25: Closed
December 31: Closed
January 1, 2025: Closed