Library Cards

Library Card Policy

(approved 03/19/2013, revised 01/21/2025)

Library cards issued by the McHenry Public Library District (MPLD) represent a binding contract between the Library and the cardholder, including the parent/guardian of a minor cardholder. The cardholder is responsible for all materials borrowed or accessed using the card, regardless of who uses it, and for any associated fines or fees and agrees to the library’s policies relating to library card use. MPLD reserves the right to deny borrowing privileges to any cardholder.

Library Card Application and Renewal Requirements

To apply for, renew, or replace a library card, applicants must provide identification verifying their identity and residency. A photo ID with the current address is preferred. If the address on the photo ID is not up to date, a second form of identification showing the current address is required. Additional requirements may vary based on the type of card for which the applicant qualifies. When renewing a card, the account must be in good standing. To maintain up-to-date account information, cards have expiration dates, which vary by card type and start from the issue date. Expired patron records are purged regularly following consortial procedures.

 Examples of Acceptable Forms of ID:

  • Current utility bill, credit card, or bank statement
  • Imprinted checks
  • Mail postmarked within the last 30 days
  • Passport
  • Property tax bill or lease paperwork
  • School identification card for high school students
  • Valid driver’s license or state identification card
  • Voter registration card

For Young Adults (Ages 14-17)
Young adults can register and sign for a library card by presenting their own acceptable forms of ID and a copy of their parent or legal guardian’s current photo ID.

For Children Under 14
Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who will sign the library card and application for their child, indicating responsibility for any lost, damaged, or overdue items.

When completing a library card application, MPLD will collect the following information from the applicant:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Birthdate
  • E-mail address and/or phone number
  • Signature of the applicant, parent, or legal guardian

Use of Library Cards

Account Standing

A library card and account is in good standing when:

  • The card is not expired.
  • Cardholder’s information is current.
  • Fines and fees are below the allowable threshold of $10.00, or if they exceed that amount, a current payment plan is on file.
  • No materials on account are overdue, lost, or damaged.
  • When one or more of the criteria mentioned above are unmet, the library card and account will be considered delinquent. Delinquent cards will be blocked until the account is returned to good standing.

Reciprocal Borrowing

Residents with a Resident, Non-Resident, or Non-Resident Taxpayer card in good standing may borrow materials from participating public libraries in Illinois through reciprocal borrowing. When registering and using their MPLD card at another library, patrons must adhere to that library’s policies and requirements for card registration and reciprocal borrowing.

Checkout Methods

When patrons check out materials, they are required to present their library card. If they do not have their physical card on hand during checkout, they may use a digital barcode, a driver’s license, a state ID, a school ID, or any other photo identification that includes their printed name. Additionally, patrons can manually enter their card number at self-checkout stations.

Lost or Stolen Cards

Cardholders who lose their card will be charged a $2.00 fee for replacement.

Cardholders must promptly notify MPLD if their card is lost or stolen to prevent unauthorized use. Upon receiving such notification, MPLD will block the account and issue a new library card number. Until a card is reported lost or stolen, the library will assume that anyone presenting the card has the cardholder's permission to access the account. If a patron provides a police report documenting the lost or stolen card, their liability for any unauthorized items checked out after the date reported will be limited to $50.00.

When unauthorized use occurs by family members or individuals living in the same household, the cardholder is completely responsible for any costs associated with replacing materials and any charges related to collection agency fees. There is no limit to this liability.

Suspension or Termination of Library Card Privileges

Library cards and privileges may be suspended or terminated if the cardholder does not comply with MPLD policies or fails to pay fines and fees promptly. MPLD can enforce its policies through collection agencies, civil actions, and/or criminal prosecution.

 

Card Types

Library Card Policy

(approved 03/19/2013, revised 01/21/2025)

Library cards issued by the McHenry Public Library District (MPLD) represent a binding contract between the Library and the cardholder, including the parent/guardian of a minor cardholder. The cardholder is responsible for all materials borrowed or accessed using the card, regardless of who uses it, and for any associated fines or fees and agrees to the library’s policies relating to library card use. MPLD reserves the right to deny borrowing privileges to any cardholder.

Library Card Application and Renewal Requirements

To apply for, renew, or replace a library card, applicants must provide identification verifying their identity and residency. A photo ID with the current address is preferred. If the address on the photo ID is not up to date, a second form of identification showing the current address is required. Additional requirements may vary based on the type of card for which the applicant qualifies. When renewing a card, the account must be in good standing. To maintain up-to-date account information, cards have expiration dates, which vary by card type and start from the issue date. Expired patron records are purged regularly following consortial procedures.

 Examples of Acceptable Forms of ID:

  • Current utility bill, credit card, or bank statement
  • Imprinted checks
  • Mail postmarked within the last 30 days
  • Passport
  • Property tax bill or lease paperwork
  • School identification card for high school students
  • Valid driver’s license or state identification card
  • Voter registration card

For Young Adults (Ages 14-17)
Young adults can register and sign for a library card by presenting their own acceptable forms of ID and a copy of their parent or legal guardian’s current photo ID.

For Children Under 14
Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who will sign the library card and application for their child, indicating responsibility for any lost, damaged, or overdue items.

When completing a library card application, MPLD will collect the following information from the applicant:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Birthdate
  • E-mail address and/or phone number
  • Signature of the applicant, parent, or legal guardian

Use of Library Cards

Account Standing

A library card and account is in good standing when:

  • The card is not expired.
  • Cardholder’s information is current.
  • Fines and fees are below the allowable threshold of $10.00, or if they exceed that amount, a current payment plan is on file.
  • No materials on account are overdue, lost, or damaged.
  • When one or more of the criteria mentioned above are unmet, the library card and account will be considered delinquent. Delinquent cards will be blocked until the account is returned to good standing.

Reciprocal Borrowing

Residents with a Resident, Non-Resident, or Non-Resident Taxpayer card in good standing may borrow materials from participating public libraries in Illinois through reciprocal borrowing. When registering and using their MPLD card at another library, patrons must adhere to that library’s policies and requirements for card registration and reciprocal borrowing.

Checkout Methods

When patrons check out materials, they are required to present their library card. If they do not have their physical card on hand during checkout, they may use a digital barcode, a driver’s license, a state ID, a school ID, or any other photo identification that includes their printed name. Additionally, patrons can manually enter their card number at self-checkout stations.

Lost or Stolen Cards

Cardholders who lose their card will be charged a $2.00 fee for replacement.

Cardholders must promptly notify MPLD if their card is lost or stolen to prevent unauthorized use. Upon receiving such notification, MPLD will block the account and issue a new library card number. Until a card is reported lost or stolen, the library will assume that anyone presenting the card has the cardholder's permission to access the account. If a patron provides a police report documenting the lost or stolen card, their liability for any unauthorized items checked out after the date reported will be limited to $50.00.

When unauthorized use occurs by family members or individuals living in the same household, the cardholder is completely responsible for any costs associated with replacing materials and any charges related to collection agency fees. There is no limit to this liability.

Suspension or Termination of Library Card Privileges

Library cards and privileges may be suspended or terminated if the cardholder does not comply with MPLD policies or fails to pay fines and fees promptly. MPLD can enforce its policies through collection agencies, civil actions, and/or criminal prosecution.

 

Card Types

Resident Cards

  •  All residents who permanently reside within MPLD boundaries are eligible for a library card. Children aged 17 and under who reside outside the MPLD boundaries may obtain a Resident Card when one parent resides within the boundaries. Children of shared legal guardianship may have up to two MPLD cards based on the permanent addresses of their respective parents or guardians. 

  • Valid for two (2) years, provided the cardholder continues to reside within MPLD boundaries.

  • Access to all available services and materials at MPLD.

Non Resident Taxpayer Card

  • Patrons living outside MPLD boundaries but who, as an individual or as a partner, principal stockholder, or other joint owner, owns or leases property within the district are eligible for a library card. Photo identification and proof of taxable property or a copy of the commercial lease of that taxable property are required. Per Illinois law, only one card per taxable property within MPLD boundaries can be issued to the person named on the tax bill or commercial lease.
  • Valid for one (1) year.
  • Access to all available services and materials at MPLD

Business Card

  • Businesses, non-profits, and churches within MPLD boundaries are eligible for a Business Library Card. The owner, president, or other designated person from the business may apply for the card and must provide a letter, either on company letterhead or accompanied by a business card, signed by the owner or president, taking responsibility for materials borrowed by its employees and any associated fines and fees.
  • Valid for one (1) year.
  • Access to selected services and materials available at MPLD. See Circulation Checkout Periods or individual service policies for specifics. This card type is not eligible for reciprocal borrowing or interlibrary loans.

Educational Card

Educational cards are available to teachers, school librarians, and other staff members employed at schools within MPLD’s service area. The Youth Services Department administers them as part of the Classroom Checkout Program, which allows school staff to borrow MPLD materials for use in their classrooms and school libraries. Patrons who live within MPLD's boundaries but work at a school outside this area and those seeking to borrow materials for personal use must use their personal library cards. The Classroom Checkout Program allows educators to borrow materials for extended periods without overdue fines. Individuals should contact the Youth Services Department to request materials using an Educational Card. Individuals requesting materials under the educational card are responsible for lost or damaged items.

  • MPLD Staff may verify a person’s employment at a school that resides within the MPLD's service boundaries when materials are requested.
  • Access to selected services and materials available at MPLD. See Circulation Checkout Periods or individual service policies for specifics. This card type is not eligible for reciprocal borrowing, interlibrary loans, or access to databases and digital materials.

Temporary Digital Cards

  • Looking for quick access to the Library's digital materials? Apply for a temporary digital library card online here. 
  • District residents may apply for a temporary digital card online.
  • Valid for two (2) months and may only be applied for once.
  • Allows access to select digital materials and databases. See Circulation Checkout Periods or individual service policies for specifics. This card type is not eligible for physical items,  reciprocal borrowing, or interlibrary loans.

Residents with Temporary Addresses Card

  • Individuals temporarily residing within MPLD boundaries may obtain a library card. Temporary residents must provide a photo ID and current residency documentation, such as household identification or a letter of residency.
  • Valid for six (6) months.
  • Access to selected services and materials available at MPLD, with a maximum of five (5) physical items checked out at a time. See Circulation Checkout Periods or individual service policies for specifics. This card type is not eligible for reciprocal borrowing or interlibrary loans.

Reciprocal Library Card

  • Patrons with a library card from another Illinois public library may register as Reciprocal Borrowing Patrons by providing both their home library card and a photo ID. The cards must be verified to be in good standing at their home library.

  • Expires according to the expiration date on the home library card or in two (2) years if no expiration date is provided.

  • Access to selected services and materials available at MPLD. See Circulation Checkout Periods or individual service policies for specifics. This card type is not eligible for reciprocal borrowing,  interlibrary loans, or access to databases and digital materials.

Non Resident Cards

Residents of Illinois living outside the MPLD boundaries and not paying taxes to any Illinois public library may be eligible for a nonresident library card from MPLD. This applies if MPLD is the nearest public library or if MPLD is located within the school district where they reside. This card is subject to an annual fee set by the Library Board, calculated according to the formula established by the Illinois State Library and is comparable to the cost paid by residents of MPLD. The Library Board will review both the fee and the reciprocal borrowing privileges for nonresident cards each year in accordance with Illinois Public Acts 92-0166, 75 ILCS 5/4-7(12) and 16/30-55. 60. After paying the annual fee and presenting current identification that proves residency, nonresident cards can be issued to all permanent residents of that address. 

  • Valid for one (1) year.
  • Access to all available services and materials at MPLD
  • Programs like Cards for Kids orVeterans Cards assist in reducing or eliminating the annual fee.

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

 

Cards for Kids Policy

(adopted 02/15/2022)

The “Cards for Kids” Act is an amendment to the Public Library Non-Resident Services Rule. The Act allows qualified Pre-K to 12-grade students who participate in the Federal Free and Reduced Price Meal Program at school to obtain a non-resident library card free of charge, even if they live outside the McHenry Public Library District (MPLD) boundaries. (Sec. 3050.75 of Public Act 101-632). This amendment also includes students who are homeschooled.  

The student cardholder is entitled to the same services the library provides residents, and the card shall be issued compliant with any policy or guideline that the MPLD Board has implemented of issuance of cards to minors. This program will apply to students who live in unserved areas but where the MPLD is the closest public library to their residence. 

Eligibility can be shown in a number of ways:

  • Medicaid card or most recent eligibility letter for any member in the family
  • Public Housing Assistance documentation, such as a lease, housing assistance payment (HAP) contract, or eligibility documentation from HUD
  • SNAP letter indicating you are approved for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits
  • TANF eligibility letter for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • SSI Eligibility letter for Supplemental Social Security Income
  • NSLP/HEAD START copy of a letter indicating current participation in the National School Lunch Program or Head Start, with your child’s name, the school name, and the address of where you are requesting service
  • LIHEAP letter confirming your eligibility for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
  • WIC eligibility letter for the Women and Children Program
  • Tribal Assistance eligibility letter, including TTANF, FDPIR, etc. 

The Cards for Kids card is issued for one year and must be renewed annually showing continued eligibility utilizing any of the above documents.

This card may not be used by any other individual, and benefits do not apply to family members.

 

Veterans Card Policy

(adopted 2/15/2022)

Pursuant to Illinois Public Act 92-0132, which establishes procedures for waiving the non-resident fee for a library card due to a veteran’s 70% disability exemption, the McHenry Public Library District (MPLD) has expanded the scope of the act to offer a non-resident library card free of charge to any veterans who live outside our district but where we are the closest library to their primary residence. To qualify, proof of residency and either discharge papers, a Veteran ID Card (VIC), or a Veteran’s Health Insurance Card (VHIC) must be shown. In addition, an Illinois state-issued Driver's License or State ID with a Veteran's designation is also acceptable.  

An unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who lives outside our district but where we are the closest library to their primary residence is also entitled to a free non-resident card.  To qualify, one must show proof of residency and discharge papers or death certificate for the veteran spouse or any other documentation the MPLD Board finds suitable.

The veteran or the unmarried surviving spouse cardholder is entitled to the same services the library provides resident cardholders. The card shall be issued compliant with any policy or guideline that the MPLD Board has implemented.

    • The ​veterans' card is issued for two years and must be renewed, showing continued eligibility utilizing any of the above documents.

    • 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