Library Card Perks

A library card with the Detroit Public Library gets you access to a wide variety of resources. Library cards are free to all Detroit residents, Highland Park residents, and Detroit students. If you don't have a library card yet, learn how to get a library card here.

So, what you can do with a DPL library card?

Borrow books, movies, music, games, and more

  • DPL's catalog includes over two million items across library locations. Find ...
    • Movies and shows: Check out DVDs of feature films and TV series.
    • Music: Find vinyl records, CDs, sheet music, and more.
    • Video games: Browse games for Nintendo Switch/Wii/DS, Playstation, and XBox consoles.
    • Books: From popular fiction and graphic novels to magazines and cookbooks to research materials, DPL has an extensive library of books to discover. You can even borrow all you need to run a book club meeting with our Book Club in a Bag program.
  • Want to check out an item that's available at a different DPL location? You don't have to make the trip, simply request a hold. If available for circulation, the item will be transferred to your location and can be picked up from your location's circulation desk.

Stream movies, shows, and music

  • Watch popular movies, documentaries, and education videos online with Kanopy.
  • Access movies, TV shows, music, and more with Hoopla.

Read and listen to books on your device

  • Borrow from a wide library of eBooks, magazines, and audiobooks with Libby and Hoopla. Items can be downloaded to your device for offline reading and listening.

Get discounts on museums, parks, and more

  • Michigan Activity Pass provides free or discounted access to museums, state parks, attractions, and more with your library card.

Access technology (at the library and at home)

  • Access internet-connected computers and printers at library locations with your library card number and pin. Make an appointment with a Technology Training Associate for more individual assistance.
  • Need an internet-connected computer outside of the library? Call 313-481-1400 to reserve a laptop and/or hotspot that you can check out for 90 days. Adult cards only.

Find learning resources for kids and families

  • Access digital resources for learning, such as ABCmouse (at the library or at home), with your library card.
  • Use your library card to access Beanstack Reading Challenges with milestones and prizes, such as 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and the monthly Beanstack challenge.

Access online databases and learning resources

  • From auto repair and DIY manuals, to newspapers and journal articles, to test preparation resources and online classes, there's an abundance of information to explore with DPL's resources.
  • Visit our research page or talk to a librarian to get started.

Borrow print materials from other Michigan libraries

  • DPL is part of the MILibraryCard system, which allows you to access print materials from other participating libraries with your library card. Visit the MILibraryCard website for a list of participating libraries.

A library card is not required for on-site use of materials and electronic resources, including those in the Special Collections. A library card is also not required to participate in library programs and events.

Ready to get a library card? Check out our Library Card page for instructions on how to get your DPL library card.