This September, the Ypsilanti District Library is celebrating National Library Card Sign-up Month.
As part of its celebration, the library has set a goal to issue 500 new library cards during the month of September. As of Sept. 28, 2025, it has issued 467, only 33 short of its goal.
Sam Killian, community relations coordinator for the Ypsilanti District Library, believes it is an essential part of Ypsilanti.
“[The library is] always a thing that has been relevant and a part of the community," Killian said.
During September, the library is highlighting its Library of Things — a collection of items patrons can check out, including craft supplies, fitness equipment, games, garden tools, kitchen utensils, medical equipment and more. Some items are obtained through donations, but most are purchased from the library’s budget.
Killian said the library is “first and foremost a connecting place.”
There are many services the library offers to patrons without a card, including free computer and internet access, meeting rooms and children's play areas. The three YDL locations also serve as warming and cooling centers during harsh weather.
Ypsilanti residents interested in signing up for a library card can apply for one online or in person at any of the three YDL locations. Doing so requires a valid photo ID and proof of residence or employment in the YDL service area.
Celebrate Smeet Fest at YDL
In correlation with National Library Card Sign-up Month, YDL is celebrating Smeet Fest in honor of the local cryptid. Smeet Frog is a local legend, said to be a "large, hairy frog" spotted around Ypsilanti.
The celebration includes an illustration contest, Smeet Frog-themed Mad Libs, zines, a Smeet Frog D&D character for teens to play and more.
The library doesn’t know if Smeet Frog will reappear next year, but perhaps the cryptid will find time in his schedule to hop around for another fest in the future.
YDL renovations in downtown Ypsilanti
Patrons visiting the Michigan Avenue location of the library during National Library Card Sign-up Month can experience the location's recent building renovations.
After suffering flooding damage during the summer of 2023, the downtown library location was closed for 22 months.
Katie Dover-Taylor, Michigan Avenue’s branch manager, said there were hurdles to repairing the library and that many issues were uncovered during the renovation process. The two other YDL locations took on its patrons and staff, but community members were constantly asking when it would be repaired.
“It was very evident people were missing the downtown branch,” Killian said.
Since they were rebuilding, they decided to enhance the original library design. After the renovations, the Michigan Avenue location has three new meeting rooms, a new youth area and a tech lounge on the first floor.
“It’s a more welcoming atmosphere for kids, families and teens,” Dover-Taylor said.
The people of Ypsilanti missed their local library. Killian said that the day the Michigan Avenue branch reopened, there was a line of people filming the new space and high-fiving. The large outpouring of support from patrons has not gone unnoticed by staff.
“We have a lot of gratitude to return and be part of the fabric of the downtown community,” Dover-Taylor said.
