FAQs

UPL Patron Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I sign up for a library card?
Residents of the City of Utica can sign up for a card if they provide residence verification. Have your Driver’s License with current address. If the current address is not on your Driver’s License, you must also have a piece of “official mail” addressed to you (i.e., utility bill, insurance bill, etc.) More information can be found here.  

2. How long is my library card good for?
Library cards have to be renewed every 3 years. We can renew cards from any SLC Library, but you have to provide residence verification in person to renew your card; it cannot be done over the phone.

3. I have a library card from _________ (SBL, SHL, ROG, etc.), can I use it here?
Yes! Your library card works at every library in Macomb County. Your library card also works at the Troy Public Library (Oakland County) and Harper Woods Public Library (Wayne County).

4. I checked this book out at _________ (SBL, SHL, ROG, etc.), can I return it here?
Yes! You can return materials (other than MeLCat items) to any SLC library. MeLCat items must be returned at your home library. If the book you have is from a participating MiLibrary library (not in the SLC), the book must be returned to the library from which it came.

5. How do I use a computer?
We require a library card to use our computers. If you live in the SLC service area but do not have a card, we can let patrons on one time with a guest pass. Non-residents/card-holders will be charged $2 to use our internet/use a computer.

6. How do I print?
To print you have to log on to one of our public access computers or e-mail the document to us at uticalib48317@gmail.com, and we will print it for you. Prints are $0.10 per page, and we only accept cash. If you are printing double-sided copies, it is $0.10 per side. We print only in black and white.

7. Does the library have a fax machine?
Yes, it costs $1 per page to fax. We can only send faxes. We cannot receive them.

8. Does the library have a scanner? 
Yes, it’s free to use with your library card.

9. How do I use the library WIFI?
There is no password required to log on to the WIFI. Select “UPLWifi” in your device settings, and you should be redirected to a browser where you must accept the terms before being connected.

10. Does the library have study rooms?
No. However, both Shelby Township and Sterling Heights Public Libraries have study rooms.

11. Does the library have office supplies for sale?
Patrons can use the pens, pencils, highlighter, sharpie, scrap paper, tape, stapler that are at the circ desk. We do not sell/give out any other materials including envelopes, stamps, white-out, etc.

12. When are you open?
Monday-Thursday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm, Friday 11:00 am – 4:00pm, Saturday 11:00 am – 2:30 pm. Closed on Sundays.

13. Where are you located?
Our address is 7530 Auburn Rd, Utica, MI 48317. (Helpful landmarks: We are located one block West of Van Dyke and one block North of M-59. We are located on the same road as Jimmy John’s Stadium, just farther East).

14. Does the library have Notary Services?
Yes, we do offer Notary Services by appointment only. Notary services are free for Utica Residents and $5 a page for non-Residents. Call or stop in to make an appointment.

15. How do I log in to my library account?
Find our online catalog, Vega, at the top right corner of the website. You need your library card number and a 4-digit pin to sign in to your account online where you can view your checkouts, holds, and fees. If you do not remember your password, try the last four digits of your library card number. Otherwise, you can reset your password by clicking “I forgot my PIN.”

16. How long does my item check out for and what is the overdue fine?
Most books and audiobooks check out for 21 days. DVDs, magazines, and holiday books check out for 7 days. Due dates are noted on check-out receipts. Overdue fines are $0.25 per day for books, magazines, and audiobooks and $1 per day for DVDs. See here for a full list of check out periods and overdue fees.

17. Will my item renew?
If eligible for renewal, your item will renew 2 days before the due date as long as there are no holds on it. You will get a notification of a new due date by whichever method you signed up for notifications.

18. Do you accept credit cards to pay for charged services (faxing, printing, copying, overdue fines, lost/damaged items, etc.)?
No. We accept cash only at the register. However, we can add a charge to your library account for the service, and you can pay it online by logging into Vega.

19. Does the library have a book club?
Our adult book club meets on the first Friday of every month. Visit the library for a flyer with the titles and meeting dates for this year at the library or view them on our calendar. 

20. Does the library take book donations?
We can only accept no more than 10 books. Please call the library with special requests.