Library Cards

Resident Cards

Individuals who reside within the McHenry Public Library's district may get a library card free of charge by providing current identification (photo I.D. and another that proves residency). Cards may be applied for at the Checkout 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.

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 $2 fee for replacing a library card if a patron loses it.


Temporary Digital Cards

Looking for quick access to the Library's digital materials? Apply for a temporary digital library card online here. Digital card numbers can be used to check out digital materials through our website, and are good for two months. After that, patrons will need to come in during open hours and get a full access library card at the Checkout Desk.


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), and presentation of appropriate current identification that establishes the place of residency, non-resident fee cards may be issued to one permanent resident of that household. The non-resident fees are calculated in the following manner.

  • Non–Resident Homeowner: The annual fee is determined by multiplying the most recent equalized assessed valuation with the Library's current tax rate (EAV or Net Taxable Value X .00268775)
  • Non-Resident Renter: The annual fee is equal to 15% of the average monthly rent verified by the current lease or rent receipt

A non-resident 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 I.D. card is preferred. Other acceptable forms of identification include a current property tax bill, current lease, current utility bill or current school I.D.

 

Enhanced Access Library Card for Reciprocal Borrowers

An Enhanced Access library card is available to any reciprocal borrower from an IL or WI (certain areas) public library who holds a valid resident card in their home library and remains in good standing.

The card provides access to all of the collections, services and programs described below - basically providing the same rights, responsibilities and privileges that a resident McHenry Public Library District (MPLD) cardholder would receive (with certain restrictions). The fee for an enhanced library card is $45 per card/per individual, per year. The Enhanced Access card is valid only at MPLD.

Enhanced access privileges:

    • ability to check out downloadable materials (eBooks) and equipment/devices (tablets/laptops)
    • ability to place holds on items and receive resident cardholder status in the hold queue
    • ability to participate in all programs (some additional fees per program may apply), including the Summer Reading Program
    • ability to check out NEW video games and Playaways
    • ability to request InterLibrary Loans (ILLs)
    • ability to have tests proctored (within library parameters and rules)
    • ability to use electronic database subscriptions remotely

Note: homebound delivery service and the Career Online High School program are not included with the enhanced card.