The Beer family uses Evergreen on a regular basis to check out books at Milford Public Library and from other libraries. Photo provided by Milford Public Library. Photo provided by the library.

News Release

MILFORD — September is National Library Card Sign Up Month, and Milford Public Library is highlighting one of the awesome perks of having a library card and being a member of Evergreen.

If you are unfamiliar, Evergreen is an Indiana consortium of over 100 public, school, and institutional libraries that all use the Evergreen library system. This means that if you are a member of one Evergreen library, you have access to the resources at any and all other Evergreen libraries. By using a MPL card, you can view the catalogs and borrow materials from other member libraries. Around this area, there are many participating Evergreen libraries. Both Syracuse Public Library and North Webster Public Library are members of Evergreen, as well as Fulton County’s library system and Peabody Public Library, Columbia City.

Practically speaking, this means that you can physically walk into any of these other libraries and check out books, movies, magazines or any other items in their collection. Just show your MPL Evergreen card, and you’re all set. But what if you can’t physically make it to another member library? What if you want to borrow something from a library that is far away? No problem.

If you are interested in checking out an item from another library’s collection, simply put it on hold and that library will send it to MPL for you to check out from MPL. One can place items on hold either by visiting the MPL website and using the Evergreen catalog, through the Evergreen app or by calling MPL and a staff member will place the hold for you. MPL get deliveries from Evergreen libraries twice a week, so the turnaround time to get a hold item is usually just a week or two.

If you haven’t already gotten the Evergreen app, it is definitely worthwhile to consider. The app is very user friendly and gives easy access to all sorts of library information. Search for titles, place and monitor holds, see your items that are already checked out, find out if you have any overdue fines and even create books lists. Plus, the Evergreen app has a feature that includes a digital copy of your library barcode, so even if you forget your library card at home, you always have a copy with you for any last minute or impromptu library runs. It’s a fantastic resource if you like to stay connected with your library online.

How do you get a library card? MPL serves Van Buren and East Jefferson townships in Kosciusko County. If you already live in one of these townships, you are eligible for a library card. Anyone over the age of six can come to the library and fill out a library card application; those under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the application though. Adults must bring a photo ID and something that shows their current address in order to apply for a card.

If you live outside MPL’s tax district, you can still pay for a library membership. A one-year membership at the MPL costs $60 and gives you access to all the perks of a normal resident library membership. Also, all teachers and students in the Wawasee school district are eligible for a free MPL library card no matter where they live. So what are you waiting for? You definitely need a MPL card in your wallet.