Library Cards, Loan Periods, Renewals & Fines/Fees
 

Resident Cards
Individuals who reside within the McHenry Public Library's district may get a library card free of charge by filling out an application and providing current identification (photo I.D. and another that proves residency). Applications are available at the Circulation Desk.

A resident card is valid for two years from the date of issue. A resident card in good standing entitles the cardholder to the full range of services and items available at the McHenry Public Library, including checking out materials and printing and copying documents. It also provides access to other services available through the library's membership in the North Suburban Library System.

Since the parent(s) and legal guardian(s) are fiscally responsible for fines, fees, or other financial obligations of minors, the signature of a parent or legal guardian is required for youths under the age of 18.

There is a fee of $2 if a patron loses his/her library card and needs a replacement.


Non-Resident Fee Cards
Non-resident fee cards are available to persons living outside the library's district boundaries. Upon payment of a fee comparable to what the library tax would be if the residential property were within the district limits (currently $205), and presentation of appropriate current identification that  establishes place of residency, non-resident fee cards may be issued to all permanent residents of that household.

A nonresident fee card is valid for one year from the date of issue. This card entitles the cardholder to the full range of services and materials available at the McHenry Public Library.


Cards from other Libraries
The McHenry Public Library District extends reciprocal borrowing privileges to patrons with valid cards in good standing from other libraries that are not included in our shared database.  Generally these privileges are limited to libraries that are members of an Illinois Library System.

Patrons will be required to present two forms of identification verifying identity and residence.  A valid Illinois driver’s license or state-issued ID card is preferred.  Other acceptable forms of identification include a current property tax bill, current lease, current  utility bill or current school ID.  

Loan Periods

* Can renew only non-fiction DVDs and videos.

Renewals

Renewals may be done in person, over the phone or through the library's online catalog. Click on "My Account," then "Renew My Materials."
 

Standard Overdue Charges

Videos, DVDs, CD-Roms, “Hot Books” $.50/day

All other materials: $.10/day

Maximum overdue fine: replacement cost of item


Replacement & miscellaneous fees

Lost/damaged item: cost of item +$5 processing fee and any late fines.
$1.00 fee for: lost audio, CD, video or DVD case, item barcode, CD program notes (25 pgs. or less); video not rewound.
$5 fee for: lost audiocassette kit bag, CD-Rom bag, CD program notes (26 pgs. or more), book repair.
$10 fee for: each account referral to recover overdue items;
lost audio book case.

Note: In the case of a book with accompanying audiovisual materials, such as a CD or DVD, when the accompanying material is not essential for using the book, there will be a $5 fine. When the loss of the accompanying material makes the book unusable, the borrower will be liable for the full cost of replacement as well as any applicable fines and processing fees. The decision as to whether the book has been made unusable will be made by professional staff on a case-by-case basis.