Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ... ? | Can I... ? | Why... ? | Where... ? | What... ?

How do I get a library card ?- For information on obtaining a library card, click here!

Can I request books over the phone? Yes, we can check to see if we have them. They can be put aside for a reasonable amount of time until you can pick them up. If we do not have the book here we can request it from the hundreds of libraries that will loan us books as well as videos and CDs.  The requested materials can be picked up and returned to this library.

Can I renew over the phone? Yes, have your Flat Rock library card available. Borrowed items must be renewed before they become overdue, or a fine will be assessed.

Can overdue fees keep adding up forever?  No. The maximum charge is $5.00 if the item is returned!

Can I look at the catalog on my home computer?  Access the library's catalog from www.frlib.org or www.tln.org.  Click the "Online Catalog" button. It connects to the Web2 catalog. You can request books also using "hold".  Hint : the pin number is the last four digits of your telephone number.

• Access your library account to reserve books, see items checked out, etc. from the    catalog
• Access practice tests from Learning Express on Mel. Select "Learn-A-Test".
• Access the Mile catalog of additional resources in southeast Michigan libraries, including  academic, health and business libraries by clicking the Mile icon on www.tln.org.     

Can I access databases from home? Yes. All the databases we make available to you at home are found under the "online articles" button. You must enter your Flat Rock library card number.

Can I borrow from nearby libraries?  Yes, your FRPL card is valid at any library that is a member of the Library Network. Trenton, Taylor, Riverview, Southgate and Wyandotte libraries are included.

Can I find out what books and other materials are at these other libraries?  The FRPL catalog is actually the catalog of The Library Network. The materials in 56 libraries are included ; clicking on a specific title will show you which libraries own it and if it is currently available. Go ahead and request titles-we get delivery 3 days a week!

Why is the internet slow sometimes?  The network in connected via a cable modem; the more users on a cable connection, the slower it gets. Thus peak use times will slow our connection.

Where is information on Flat Rock government? Visit the City of Flat Rock Website at www.flatrockmi.org/

Where can I find information on the State of Michigan?  Many state department and agencies homepages can be found on the Michigan electronic library homepage - www.mel.org. 

What is the limit on the number of items I can check out of the library?   Residents of Flat Rock and surrounding Wayne County (Library Network) libraries have a limit of 20  items they can borrow at a time. Michicard users can charge 2 items per checkout.

What software do we have on our public access computers? We have  access to the internet for adults and minors. We also offer application programs such as Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Publisher, Printshop and Access (on selected stations).  The creativity station offers scanning, photo-editing and CD burning software.

What can we access from home? Access magazine and newspaper articles as well as other sources of information through  MEL . Go to www.mel.org  and select the link. Log on from home and you will be prompted to enter your library card number or your driver's license number. 

What is the charge for printing?  Printing is 10 cents per page for black and white and 15 cents per page for color.