Frequently Asked Questions

If you live in the City of Hudsonville or Blendon Township, you may qualify for a free library card. You may either apply for a library card online or visit the library. Either way, you will need:

• A current Michigan driver's license, Michigan ID card, or permanent resident card with current street address and name.

Alternatively, if you do not have one of the aforementioned documents, you may satisfy this application requirement by providing:

One of the the following photographic identification documents:

• Out-of-state driver's license
• Passport
• Military ID
• Employment ID
• School ID

AND 

One of the following to corroborate name and established current street address:

• Voter registration card
• Recent utility bill
• Hospitalization, insurance car or automobile registration
• Printed check
• Recent local property tax bill

Minors, age 5 and older, may receive a library card as long as their parent or legal guardian co-signs for their card and presents the above proof of current address. For the minor to be issued a library card, the parent or legal guardian must be "in good standing" with the library by having no outstanding charges of $10.00 or more on their account.

Each library card has a limit of 100 items at a time. Of the 100 items,15 of those can be DVDs.

Most items check out for 3 weeks; however, some items, like DVDs, only check out for 1 week. As long as there are no holds on the items you have checked out, items may auto renew for up to two times. Patrons are ultimately responsible for returning the library’s materials on time. Currently, all Gary Byker Library items are fines free; however, other libraries within the Lakeland Library Cooperative may have a differing policies. The library sends out courtesy email notifications when items are coming due, but, ultimately, each patron is responsible for returning items on time.

If items are not returned, the library will bill for the replacement cost. During library open hours, you may call (616-669-1255) and talk to a library staff member to find out when your items are due, or you may log in to your online account at any time to review your due dates.

There may be a couple reasons your library card is not working:

• Every 3 years library cards expire to make sure your contact information is still the same. If your address, phone number, and email have not changed you may call us (616-669-1255) to renew your library card over the phone. Adults may also renew their library cards online, as long as the contact information remains the same.
• If your library card has a balance of $10.00 or more in fines, fees or is in collections, you will not be able to access library resources until the charges are resolved.

The default to your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is the last 4 digits of your phone number. If you are having problems logging in, the library staff may need to reset your PIN. You may do that by calling us at 616-669-1255 or stopping in at the library.

The library has internet computers available free of charge; a library card “in good standing” from Gary Byker Library or from another Lakeland Library Cooperative library is required. If you do not already have a library card, it’s easy to get one, and it’s free!  Just bring a driver's license, or some other proof of ID, to the Circulation Desk. The library also has guest passes available for one-time visitors; just ask at the Circulation Desk.

The Internet PCs have these programs installed:

• Microsoft Office 2010 including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher
• Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Firefox
• Adobe Reader
• Resume Template.

Printing, Scanning, Faxing, and Copying

The library offers printing/copying, scanning, and faxing. Below are the costs:

The first 10 copies of your resume are free. Print jobs must be released at the Circulation Desk.

Your library card is your key to accessing eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, eMusic and more. Your friendly library staff is always ready to help, but if you are not able to make it to the library, below are some helpful tips to get you started today

• Libby
• hoopla

The library does not have study rooms available; however, the library does have areas throughout the main floor that tend to be quiet study areas There is a variety of workspaces such as tables, study carrels and cozy lounge seating.

While the library does have a program room, the room is not reservable for the public.

The Friends of the Gary Byker Library are a volunteer group that supports the library. To see what volunteer opportunities are available, please check out their page.