Our Library Consortium
The McHenry Public Library District is a member of a consortium of nearly 30 libraries in the Chicago area. This consortium, called CCS (Cooperative Computer Services), allows each library to enjoy the benefit of a much larger online catalog of materials for patrons to search and borrow from or place holds, a shared patron database, discounted group licenses to other sources of data, the associated hardware and software, the expertise of the CCS staff, and the opportunity to network with the other member libraries.
This cooperative structure has proven to be more efficient and cost-effective than libraries operating independently (like those in the list below). To see the list of all of the libraries in the CCS consortium, click here.
Area Public Libraries (not in CCS consortium so do not share our catalog)
Fox Lake District Library | 847-587-0198
Johnsburg Public Library | 815 - 344- 0077
Nippersink Public Library District | 815-678-4014
River East Public Library | 815-385-6303
Wauconda Public Library | 847-526-6225
Woodstock Public Library | 815-338-0542
College Libraries
Special Libraries
Illinois Digital Archives | search for primary source materials in Illinois libraries, archives, museums, historical societies, and other cultural institutions.
Illinois State Library | search for books, government documents, maps and Braille materials.
I-Share | includes the resources of 90 Illinois libraries that belong to CARLI (Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois
PrairieCat | is the online catalog for some Northern Illinois libraries.
WorldCat | is the world’s most comprehensive database of information about library collections.
Library of Congress | Research & Reference Services including Main Reading Room, Business, Children’s Literature, Law Library, Local History & Genealogy, Newspaper & Current Periodical, Science & Technology.
Library Systems
I-Share | includes the resources of 76 Illinois academic libraries belonging to CARLI, Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois.
MLS — Metropolitan Library System – Swan Catalog | 80 libraries in the western and southern suburbs of Chicago.
RAILS | The Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) is one of two multitype regional library systems in the state. The membership of RAILS includes more than 1500 public, private, university, and school library members, representing more than 3700 library facilities in a 27,000-square-mile area. RAILS was formed in 2011, through the merger of the Alliance, DuPage, Metropolitan, North Suburban, and Prairie Area library systems. McHenry Public Library District is a member of RAILS.
External links may be used as starting points in your research and are not intended to be exhaustive lists of all available external sites related to these topics. The library does not endorse or profit from these websites and external links are provided for use at your own discretion. For suggestions, comments, or to report broken links, you may contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Library Services| Study Rooms | Meeting Rooms | 1-on-1 Tech Help
Want to create lists that might help you generate more clients? Do you need sample forms or examples of business plans? The library offers many of the amenities of an office but with the addition of professional librarians.
Library Services
WI-FI
Bring your laptop! We have free wireless access and numerous power outlets throughout the library. Click here to view our Wi-Fi Patron Use Terms & Conditions.
Computers
We have several public workstations containing Microsoft Office 2021. If you don't have a MPLD library card, you may obtain a guest pass.
Click Here to view our Computer and Internet Use Policy.
Printing
You may print from all of the public computers. We have black and white (10¢/page) and color (50¢/page) printers.
Remote/Wi-Fi Printing
Print documents from your Internet connected device to our Tech Center printer near the Questions Desk. You can print from your laptop inside the library or print from home. Jobs will be held in the queue for two (2) hours, and are deleted after they are printed. Black & white is .10 each and color printing is .50 each.
Click here to print wirelessly and follow the on-screen instructions.
Copy Machines
We have black and white (10¢/page) and color (50¢/page) copy machines.
Scanning
We have a scan station so that you can scan images and documents to email or USB drive. This is a free service.
Outgoing Fax Machine
We have an outgoing fee based Fax machine for public use to send domestic and international faxes. The fee is $1 per page for faxes send within the US and Canada. International faxes are $3 for the first page of the fax and $1 per every additional page. There is an option of adding a cover page for an additional $1. If you have email, you may select "Email Confirmation" to be notified of the status of your fax.
1-on-1 Tech Help
Need help with your new device? Have questions about your current device? Sign up for a 1-on-1 appointment with one of our knowledgeable librarians. Just follow the link, fill out the form, and one of our librarians will be in touch to set up the appointment.
Study Rooms
There are three small group study rooms available. Each room holds four people. Same day reservations only. Reservations must be made in person. For more information click here.
Meeting Rooms
To find out more about reserving a meeting room click here.
External links may be used as starting points in your research and are not intended to be exhaustive lists of all available external sites related to these topics. The library does not endorse or profit from these websites and external links are provided for use at your own discretion. For suggestions, comments, or to report broken links, you may contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Who
Only adult McHenry Public Library District (MPLD) patrons with a valid MPLD library card are eligible for this service. If you don't have a MPLD library card, but do have a valid resident card in your home library and are in good standing, you may purchase one of our Enhanced Access Cards for $45, which makes you eligible for test proctoring services as well as many other services, programs and collections. On the day of the test you must bring your MPLD library card and a picture I.D.
What
Adults who are enrolled in a course that requires them to have a proctored test taken may contact the Adult Services Department Manager at 815-385-0036 to schedule an appointment.
When
Tests are proctored by appointment only. Appointments must be scheduled at least one week prior to the test date. Tests will be scheduled according to the availability of staff.
Where
The tests are taken at one of the Adult Services Distance Learning Computers adjacent to the Public Services Desk.
How
The patron is responsible for making the appointment and submitting all materials one week prior to the test. It is the patron's responsibility to insure that all the materials are received prior to the test. It is the patrons' responsibility to insure in advance that the MPLD technology is compatible with the test requirements. If it is not, then it is possible that the test may not be taken as scheduled. The MPLD does not guarantee that the software necessary to take the test is available at the MPLD. Software will not be installed to suit the needs of an individual test taker.
Regarding the Test Results
The test results may be faxed for free, but you must provide a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope if you are required to return the test via regular mail.
We welcome your suggestions for titles to be added to our collection. Suggestions will be considered based on the library's budget, Collection Development Policy and space. Please provide as much information as possible on the form below. FIELDS WITH AN * AT THE END OF THE HEADING MUST BE FILLED OUT.
Your Suggestion
Interested in using one of our meeting rooms? The Library provides two meeting rooms and one conference/training room for use by the public when not being used for library programs.
Payment must be received before a room request can be approved/accepted.
Please read and agree to the Library's Meeting Room Policy and Guidelines below before making an online room reservation.
McHenry Public Library District Meeting Room Use Policy
Revised 11/19
Policy
The McHenry Public Library District (the “Library”) offers the use of its Meeting Rooms and Conference Room as a limited public forum primarily for the purpose of providing space for library-sponsored programs and meetings and secondarily for civic, informational, cultural and educational purposes. When the rooms are not being used by the Library or library-affiliated groups (like the Friends of the Library), they will be available for use by outside community groups and organizations. The following guidelines and procedures apply to all non-library-sponsored meetings and programs.
General Use Guidelines
Permission to use the meeting or conference room(s) does not in any way constitute an endorsement of the groups’ policies and beliefs. The Library reserves the right to supersede other meetings in the event of a room conflict and to cancel any scheduled meeting if circumstances warrant, such as in the case of an emergency closing. In the case of a cancellation, the contact persons listed on the reservation will be contacted. It is the organization’s responsibility to contact members/public to inform them of the meeting cancellation.
Non-Eligible Groups
- Groups creating excessive noise that would disrupt Library service
- Private parties/social events
- Meetings involving youth under the age of 18 without adult supervision
- Gambling or any illegal activities, or sales presentations for general marketing purposes
- Non-library-sponsored events where money is changing hands. With the exception of Library activities, programs are prohibited if there is a charge for admission, if a collection is taken or if sales transactions are made.
Rooms Available/Capacities/Equipment Provided
The Library offers two (2) Meeting Rooms that can be combined into one large room, and one (1) smaller Conference Room.
In addition to tables and chairs, certain A/V equipment is available for use free of charge as outlined below.
PLEASE NOTE: The group or person reserving a Meeting Room is responsible for providing their own laptop or tablet. Library staff will turn on the projector and lower the screen, and turn them off when the meeting is done. Staff is not available to operate equipment for outside groups during the meeting or program. We have some cables and adapters; however, it's best if the group or person reserving the room brings the necessary cable/adaptor for their specific device. The library is not liable for any damage or loss to outside group's equipment/devices. If you have any questions about our equipment, please call our IT department ahead of time.
Room Name/Number | Capacity | A/V Equipment Provided |
---|---|---|
Meeting Room East/135 | 40 |
Wifi; overhead projector; DVD/CD player; |
Meeting Room West/136 | 40 | Same as above |
Conference Room/124 | 12 | Same as above |
Attendance at a meeting may not exceed the maximum number of people certified by the Fire Protection District as the occupancy limit for the room.
Room Use Fees | |
---|---|
Not-for-profit organizations | $10 per event/room |
For profit businesses & depositions | $25 per event/room |
Reservation Guidelines and Procedures
Requests should be made through the library’s online room reservation system. From our home page, go to Use the Library>Library Services>Reserve a Meeting Room.
A member of the Circulation staff approves all Meeting Room requests based on room availability and profit/nonprofit status. If necessary, the Library Director may approve certain room reservation requests.
Groups and individuals are limited to 1 meeting room reservation per month on a unidirectional basis.
Reservations must be made at least 7 days before the requested meeting date.
Reservations may be made up to 1 month in advance.
Cancellations should be made as promptly as possible. The library will only refund meeting room fees if the cancellation is made at least 1 week before the scheduled meeting.
To Make an Online Reservation:
- After reading and accepting the Library’s Meeting Room Policy (see below), you'll be directed to our online room reservation system. Click on Reserve a Room, then search by room or date and complete the fields required.
- You'll get an email saying your reservation is pending approval or payment. Once you submit payment or your reservation is approved, you'll get a confirmation email, then a reminder email a day or two before your meeting. If you need to cancel, contact the library.
Rules of Meeting Room Use
Any organization or group using the Meeting Rooms shall indemnify and hold harmless the McHenry Public Library District for any and all accidents that may be sustained on the premises resulting from the negligence of the group using the meeting room.
- Refreshments are limited to securely covered beverages.
- The Library maintains a drug free, alcohol free and smoke free environment. Individuals or groups using the Meeting Rooms are expected to uphold this policy.
- The Meeting Rooms are only available to outside groups during regular Library hours, beginning 30 minutes after the Library is open to the public on weekdays, and one hour on weekends. Groups must vacate the room 30 minutes before regular closing times. Requestor must be at least 18 years of age.
- The Library does not provide porter service to carry supplies or materials.
- No equipment, materials or supplies may be stored at the Library.
- Groups using the Meeting Rooms may not use the Library as the organization’s mailing address.
- Groups using the Meeting Rooms are responsible for any damage to Library furnishings, equipment or materials as outlined below:
Carpet cleaning/stains: $50.00
Other damage as reported: Actual repair cost - The Library is not responsible for loss, theft or damage of property owned by any individuals or groups using the Meeting Room. This includes DVDs and CDs when used on library-owned equipment, and laptops or removable storage devices (“flash drives”) brought in by outside groups.
- In the event the Executive Director or the Library Board determines that police protection is needed to ensure the safety of the group or other Library patrons, they shall inform the group that all security costs and/or damage to Library property are at the expense of the group reserving the Library Meeting Room.
Americans With Disabilities Act
The McHenry Public Library District complies, to the best of its ability, with the regulations governing the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). All meetings and programs held in the library public rooms are open to the general public. Any organizations or individuals using the facilities of the MPLD are expected to comply with any and all ADA regulations. As such, groups choosing to use these public rooms may be held responsible for providing sign language interpreters, information in large print format, providing enhanced amplification or other reasonable requests for ADA accommodation.
Meeting Room Reservation Request
After you've read the above guidelines, and you click the link below, you will be taken to the online room reservation system. Select the room, the date, and the time you want. Then complete the details of the reservation.
Need to cancel an existing reservation or if you have any questions, contact our Checkout Desk staff at 815-385-0036.