The Ransom District Library is much more than just a place to check out books! Just look at the details below, Ransom District Library provides a wide range of services!
Material Checkouts
-Materials for Children, Teens, and Adults
-Books, Audiobooks, Playaways, eBooks, and Downloadable Audiobooks
-Movies (DVDs & VHS), Music CDs, and Magazines
-Fiction, Nonfiction, Biography and Manga
Ongoing Groups and Special Events
Ransom Library has newsletters for distribution regularly containing all of the recent and upcoming events being held at your library. Get your copy of the latest newsletter today! You may also check out our website for a list of programs going on now! Some programs are ongoing (such as the Book Discussion Group, Computer Classes, Teen Community Corps, and Children’s Story Time) and other programs are specialties!
Visit these locations on our website for specific events and more details:
- Home Page (for Adult Programs)
- Calendar (for all events)
Access your online library account by scrolling over "Library Catalog," then click "My Account." Just enter your library card number for your username and password. Once into your account, you may view your checked out materials and renew materials.
You may also reserve materials online. Just search our catalog, locate the item and enter your library barcode number for your username and password. This can also be done through our Catalog Computers in the library!
Order on MEL? Review your MEL Account and renew items! Go to www.mel.org, click MyMel to log in. Or go to MyMel directly to check for due dates, renew your MEL materials, and see the status of your requests. Just select your library (Ransom District Library) from the drop down list and login with your name and library card number.
The Library has 13 computers available for public use. There are 13 desktop computers and 1 children's computer. The desktop computers have internet access, a CD drive, printing ability, and Microsoft Office applications. (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher) Computers are available on a first come, first served basis. A library card and PIN number are needed to access computer services. Guest passes are available for library visitors. Children under age 18 need internet permission slips signed by a parent or guardian to gain access to the desktop computers. Guest passes will not be given to children without internet permission slips. Our walk-up registration system allows each user to have one hour of uninterrupted computer usage. A waiting list is available. Session extensions are possible if no one is waiting.
Printing is available for $0.10/page (black and white) or $1.00/page (color)
The Library has a meeting room available for reservation. The room is available to non-profit organizations only. There is no charge for meeting room use. Please check our calendar for dates and times that already have the Burchfield Room reserved. If you would like to reserve the room, please call the Library for further information.
The library has one copy machine for public use. The machine will make color or black and white copies. It also has a built-in scanner. Color copies are $1.00 per page; black and white copies on 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper and 8 1/2 by 14 inch paper are $0.10 per page. Black and white copies on 11 by 17 inch paper are $0.25 per page.
Patrons may send and receive faxes from the Library's fax machine. The fee is $1.00/page for faxes sent and received anywhere in the United States and $2.00/page for faxes sent overseas.
Laminating is also available for $1.00/page.
The Library also offers wireless Internet access throughout the building. There is no charge to use the wireless network and no password is needed. Printing is available through the wireless network. Instructions and assistance are available at the circulation desk.
Log in and check out items today!
Now available on Kindles!
Log in today by selecting Ransom District Library and using your library card number. You may begin browsing materials immediately. However, to download materials and transfer them to your device you will need to review the QuickStart Guide. Please note that an email address will be required to download the software for accessing items and to place holds on checked out items. We recommend reviewing all of the links listed below as this is a new service.
Important Links for Getting Started:
SouthWest Michigan Digital Library Home Site
– We recommend bookmarking the SMDL Home page!
QuickStart Guide
Guided Tour
Checkout Assistance
FAQ’s & Troubleshooting
Supported Devices
Incompatible Devices
Participating Libraries
Informational Handouts - Available at the Library!
Guided Tour
Checkout Assistance
FAQ’s & Troubleshooting
Supported Devices
Incompatible Devices
Participating Libraries
Informational Handouts - Available at the Library!
New Book Alerts is a free online service that showcases the newest titles purchased by your local library. You can select to receive alerts via email and/or RSS feeds. If you see a new title that you are interested in, just click "borrow" to place a hold on the item right away.
Click here to see the New Book Alerts Page!
*New items added WEEKLY!*
(Email Newsletters sent out monthly.)
Login today with your library card number and pin.
ransomlibrary.freegalmusic.com
(Pin numbers are typically your library card number, so enter your library card number for both lines.)
ransomlibrary.freegalmusic.com
(Pin numbers are typically your library card number, so enter your library card number for both lines.)
What is Freegal?
Freegal is a downloadable music service from your library. All you need is your library card number and, if your library requires it, a PIN. Freegal offers access to about 3 million songs, including Sony Music’s catalog of legendary artists. In total the collection is comprised of music from over 10,000 labels with music that originates in over 60 countries. There is no software to download, and there are no digital rights management (DRM) restrictions. Access to Freegal is limited to patrons of subscribing libraries.
Please also see: Freegal FAQ's.
Introducing Rocket Languages!
Rocket Language...
Your ticket to:
- Speaking with a perfect accent!
- Understanding when spoken to
- Cutting learning time up to 50%
- and having FUN while doing it!
About Rocket Languages for Libraries:
Our extensive range of products allows you to learn a language on your own terms and in your own time. With our comprehensive multi-media packages you will be speaking and improving your language skills with every lesson by taking part in the modern, everyday conversations that make up our Interactive Audio Course. In addition, you will learn to speak the language naturally with our language and culture lessons and you can also build on your vocabulary and improve your audio recognition of common words and phrases (and have fun at the same time) with our popular MegaGames range.
Access to materials all over the state!
Through the MEL patrons can request materials that are not available at Ransom from other libraries. MEL allows patrons access to 170+ statewide libraries with access to millions of books, CDs, DVDs and other materials. Once ordered, patrons pick up and return those items at Ransom. If you are unable to locate the title you need or do not have access to a computer, our staff can order them for you. In the case of newly released titles, we may be able to purchase the title to add to the Library's collection.
Visit www.mel.org today and browse MelCat. Or log in to your MEL Account via MyMel to check for due dates, renew your MEL materials, and see the status of your requests. Just select your library (Ransom District Library) from the drop down list and login with your name and library card number.
In addition, if you have a Michicard sticker on your Ransom Library card, you may use your card at any other participating Michicard library throughout the state. Please tell the staff if you are interested in joining the Michicard program. You may also use your Ransom District Library card at the following libraries: Allegan Public Library, Kalamazoo Public Library, Otsego District Library, and Portage District Library.
The Ransom District Library has newspapers, microfilm, and archived material available. These materials may not be checked out. Ransom holds the two most current months of most newspapers. For access and details about our microfilm and the material in the Sandy Stamm Archives Room, please contact us.
Local Historic Papers are now available electronically!
Local Historic Papers are now available electronically!
The electronic format, consisting of PDF files, is available on all patron computers. (Not available online.) The electronic papers are searchable (such a wonderful, time-saving feature!!) and can be printed. Currently, they include The Forwarder (1948-1949), The New Enterprise (1971), The Otsego Union (1970-2011), and The Plainwell Enterprise (1886-1974), The [Plainwell-Otsego] Union Enterprise (1974-2011).
Don't forget the Friends Book Sale Shelves!
The Book Sale Shelves (behind the coffee counter) hold our best sale materials and are regularly restocked with the finest selection. Find books for all ages and of all types: fiction and nonfiction, hard cover and paperback. There is also a rack of movies and audiobooks for sale. These items are available for browsing and purchasing everyday during library hours!
The Library is happy to proctor exams for patrons involved in distance-learning programs. Please contact the Library about having your exam proctored before making arrangements with your school.
The library offers Public Notary Service. The service is provide for free. Please call in advance to ensure availability.
Adding Ransom District Library to your Facebook Page is just another way to get all the information you could ever need about what's happening at the library!
Get reminders about upcoming events via our status updates and more!
To add Ransom District Library to your Facebook Newsfeed just search for our page! Go to: www.facebook.com, login under your account, and search pages for Ransom District Library.
Click here to see Ransom District Library's Facebook Page.
Click here to see Ransom District Library's Facebook Page.
Follow Ransom District Library's tweets on our Twitter page - just another way to stay connected with what's happening at the library! Tweets contain the same information as our Facebook status updates about events and services. Tweets also are always referring back to our webpage where you can find full details.
Visit Ransom District Library on Twitter today!
Visit Ransom District Library on Twitter today!
Patrons: By sending us your e-mail address we can quickly alert you to reserves, MEL books, new titles you may be interested in checking out or even library programs you may want to attend.
Still not sure about sharing your e-mail?
Remember library records are considered private and confidential. Ransom will not sell, lease, or otherwise distribute or disclose your e-mail address for non-library purposes to outside parties unless required court order.
To add your email address to your account just click on Contact Us ; fill in your e-mail address and in the comments area put "add my e-mail address."
ATTENTION PARENTS:
Add your email address to your child's account to get their overdue notices! It could help you keep track of their items and reduce fines! Just enter your child's name and/or library account number, your email, and the comment: "Add my email to my child's account!"
Ransom only emails you once a month or as needed for the following reasons:
-Ransom Reserve Notifications (As Needed)
-Interlibrary loan (MEL) Notifications (As Needed)
-Item Due Notices (As Needed)
-Overdue Notifications (As Needed)
-Ransom eNewsletters (Once a Month)
-Ransom New Book Alerts (Once a Month)
Get the "as needed" material circulation notices at your convenience and have clear written documentation of your materials!
ATTENTION PARENTS:
Add your email address to your child's account to get their overdue notices! It could help you keep track of their items and reduce fines! Just enter your child's name and/or library account number, your email, and the comment: "Add my email to my child's account!"
Ransom only emails you once a month or as needed for the following reasons:
-Ransom Reserve Notifications (As Needed)
-Interlibrary loan (MEL) Notifications (As Needed)
-Item Due Notices (As Needed)
-Overdue Notifications (As Needed)
-Ransom eNewsletters (Once a Month)
-Ransom New Book Alerts (Once a Month)
Get the "as needed" material circulation notices at your convenience and have clear written documentation of your materials!
Ransom Library can now save you the trouble of going home for your flash drive! 256MB USB drives are now available for purchase at the front desk for $5.00. Flash drives come with our logo.
Free Electronics Recycling @ Ransom
Ransom has partnered with New Life Inc. Electronics Recycling to offer
free recycling! We now accept: computers, monitors, printers, scanners,
laptops/tablets, servers, televisions, still cameras, video cameras, MP3
Players, fax machines, phone systems, cable, radios, speakers,
projectors, routers, modems, PDA's, video game consoles, external
drives, dvd players, vhs players, cable receivers, satellite receivers,
digital converter boxes, video game consoles, alarm clocks, cell phones
and chargers, any type of batteries and more! No large appliances,
please. A large variety of items
are accepted, if you do not see your item on the list, please contact
info@nlerinc.com. Please drop off items during regular library hours.
What about your personal data?
There is no need to worry about your personal data. All hard drives will be wiped according to the Illinois EPA guidelines with our data destruction program that meets Department of Defense Standards. - NLERINC
What about your personal data?
There is no need to worry about your personal data. All hard drives will be wiped according to the Illinois EPA guidelines with our data destruction program that meets Department of Defense Standards. - NLERINC
The Library has a coffee machine for patron use, featuring a variety of delicious Green Mountain Coffee Roasters flavors. Coffee is $1.00/cup and can be enjoyed anywhere in the Library except at the computer stations.
Contact us for more details on any and all of these services!