Library Menu

Related Links

Fred L. Mathews Library
Circulation Policies

The library offers free-of-charge circulation to Southwestern Michigan College students and staff as well as residents of the college's district. In addition, interlibrary loan privileges are available for current SMC employees and students.

Library Cards

Library cards may be issued to the following persons if they are 18 years of age or older:

  • Current students
  • Community members served by the college district: Cass County as well as those that reside in Keeler and Hamilton township in Van Buren County
  • Michicard participants who can present a library card from a participating Michicard library

Returning Materials

The Fred L. Mathews Library has three drop boxes outside of the library building. They are in the following locations:

  • College Services Building, next to the Information Desk.
  • Niles Area Campus, next to the kiosk computers.
  • Outside the Fred L. Mathews Library and Conference Center

Charges

The Fred L. Mathews Library is a free library. We also do not charge for checking out media materials, including DVDs. However, patrons are required to make payments on items lost, missing, or stolen.

Payments for missing items can be paid at the following:

  • Fred L. Mathews Library Circulation Desk*
  • Business Office, College Services Building, Dowagiac Campus
  • Business Office, Niles Campus

*Charges must be paid at the Library if:

  • The patron disagrees with the amount.
  • The charge is on a community member’s account.

Checkout Periods and Limits

Item Checkout Limit Renewals Item Limit
Books, Audio Books
and Magazines		 28 days 2 15
CDs 14 days 1 6
DVDs 7 days 1 2
Community & Michicard Members
Only 1 renewal on all materials, 6 book limit, No checkout on CDs, DVDs, or Audio Books, No interlibrary loans
Items Not Returned
After four weeks of being overdue, borrowing privileges will be suspended and the item will be charged to library and school accounts. A Library Fine Hold, placed on a delinquent student account will suspend registration activities until the amount has been paid.