Closure Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: November 23, 2020 (en español)

Other frequently asked questions can be found in our General Library FAQ.

Can’t find the answer you are looking for? Call 602-652-3000.

Current Library Access FAQ

Are your libraries open?

Maricopa County Library District is currently in a phased reopening plan to ensure the safety of all who enjoy our libraries. In our current phase, we have expanded hours and types of access to give a variety of options to engage with your library: Pop-In Pickup, Curbside Pickup, Book-A-Librarian and online events. MCLD will continue operating in this current phase while monitoring data from the CDC and Maricopa County Department of Public Health. We rely on this data to help us make informed decisions about our phased approach to safely increasing library access and services.

Are face masks required?

In accordance with Maricopa County's emergency proclamation, face coverings must be worn for all persons six years of age and older within Maricopa County's boundaries. The mandate applies while in places of public accommodation, transportation and while interacting with people in public spaces and areas. We ask that all of our customers follow this mandate when using any library service that requires interaction with library staff and other members of the public.

What if my items are due?

You may return items via the drive-up/walk-up drop boxes, which have 24 hour access.

How long can I keep checked out materials?

DVDs/Blu-Ray Discs: 7 days
7 Day Express items: 7 days*
TV Shows: 14 days
New Adult Books: 14 days
All Other Materials: 21 days

*7-Day Express Items are limited to 5 checkouts per library card

How do I renew items?

You may renew your items online or over the phone during operating hours. To renew online, login to your account. You may renew items if no one else has requested them, and if the renewal limit has not been reached.

How do I renew my library card?

All library cards must be renewed every year. There are three ways to renew your library card:

If your home/business/property address hasn’t changed when it’s time to renew, and you don’t owe more than $10 in fees, you can renew online at mcldaz.org/renew.
You may also come in during Pop-In Pickup hours.
You may schedule a video conference call using our Book-a-Librarian service.

I am a Maricopa County resident, but I don’t have a library card.

To get a library card, you will need to verify your Maricopa County residence with photo identification and proof of Maricopa County or Town of Queen Creek residence, business ownership, or property ownership. There are two ways to get a library card:

You may come in during Pop-In Pickup hours.
You may schedule a video conference call to get a new library card or update your account information using our Book-a-Librarian service.

Can my child get a library card?

Yes! There are a few options available for children under 18 years old to get a library card:

Student Library Cards give students in grades 6-12 access to check out up to five physical items at a time and complete access to the library’s digital materials. Students who are Maricopa County Residents, may be issued a Student Library Card if they have a current student ID issued by a Maricopa County recognized school or accredited by the state of Arizona—or, if the student can access their student portal account that has their name and photo. To get your child signed up for a Student Library Card, you may come in during Pop-In Pickup hours, schedule a video conference through Book-A-Librarian, or call (602) 652-3000. If the student is 12 years and older, they do not need an adult present. (Students who live outside the county and attend Boulder Creek or Perry High Schools are eligible for a library account since the public library also serves as their school library.)
Juvenile Library Cards give children access to check out up to 50 physical items at a time and complete access to the library’s digital materials. To get your child signed up for a Juvenile Library Card, you may come in during Pop-In Pickup hours, schedule a video conference through Book-A-Librarian, or call (602) 652-3000. Adults must be present during the call and must verify Maricopa County residence with photo identification and proof of Maricopa County or Town of Queen Creek residence, business ownership, or property ownership.

How do I reserve new materials?

You can reserve most titles online or over the phone. Requests are limited to 20 items per customer at a time. There is no fee for this service. Once your items are available for pick up, you may pick them up during Curbside Pickup or Pop-In Pickup hours. You will have 7 days to pick up your item(s). After 7 days, your item(s) will be placed back on the shelves.

Are you still offering virtual one-on-one appointments?

Yes! We are still scheduling telephone calls in the areas of homework help, general reference questions, help setting up your device to use digital library products, library card services, and help finding digital library content. You may also schedule a video conference call if you would like to get a new library card, provide an updated address to your account, or if you would like to convert your digital-only library card to a standard adult library account.

Are you still offering any virtual programming?

Yes! Our librarians are hard at work creating engaging virtual programs for all ages. New videos are added every week day. Visit our MCLD Now page for new and previous programming.

I want to use eMedia, but I’ve never used it before and I don’t know how.

Don’t worry! You can find tutorials for most of our most popular products online. Still having trouble? Call us at 602-652-3000 or contact us online and a staff member can answer your questions.

I want to use eMedia, but I can’t remember my password.

Library staff typically links your password to the last four digits of your telephone number. You are free to change that at any time. Still having trouble? Call us at 602-652-3000 and a staff member can answer your questions.

Where can I find up-to-date and accurate information about COVID-19/Coronavirus?

Reliable information sources include Maricopa County Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Curbside Pickup

Help us make your Curbside experience more efficient! Print this flyer at home, fill in your library card number, and stick on your dashboard or window when using Curbside.

What libraries are offering Curbside Pickup?

Please be aware: For the safety of staff and customers, Curbside service may temporarily close due to inclement weather conditions.

The following libraries have designated Curbside Pickup hours. Please click on a library to see the available hours:

If your home library does not have designated Curbside Pickup hours and you would prefer to not come inside the library, we can schedule a contactless pickup for you. Please contact us so we can best meet your needs

How does Curbside Pickup work?

Reserve your items online or over the phone.
Once your items become available you will be notified. You may then pick them up during Curbside hours. You do not need to call ahead or book an appointment. You will have 7 days to pick up your item(s). After 7 days, your item(s) will be placed back on the shelves.
When arriving, follow the posted signs to find the designated parking area.
Stay in your car and one of our staff members will approach your window from a safe distance to ask you for your library bar code number. Some of our branches ask that you give them a call when you arrive—If this is the case, signage will be posted with the phone number to call.
When they return with your items, please open the back of your vehicle so the staff member may safely place your items inside.

Who can use Curbside Pickup?

Curbside Pickup is available for current physical library card holders whose account is in good standing. If you have a balance due, you must pay this before you can pick up any held items. For the safety of our staff, we will not be able to process payments at curbside and you will be asked to pay your balance separately from the curbside service. Curbside Pickup is not currently available for Digital Card Holders.

Are face masks required?

Who can pick up my items?

Anyone may pick up your items, but they must present your library card or have your library card number in order to pick up your items. Staff will not release items to those without a library card number.

How do I reserve items?

You can reserve most titles online or over the phone. Requests are limited to 20 items per customer at a time. There is no fee for this service. Once your hold is available, you will be notified. You will have 7 days to pick up your item(s). After 7 days, your item(s) will be placed back on the shelves.

What if I no longer want to check out the items I have on hold?

Please call 602-652-3000 and ask to be connected with staff at your library. You may also send a message through Ask A Librarian.

Where do I return items?

You may return items via the drive-up/walk-up drop boxes, which have 24 hour access. You may keep materials for:

DVDs/Blu-Ray Discs: 7 days
7 Day Express items: 7 days*
TV Shows: 14 days
New Adult Books: 14 days
All Other Materials: 21 days

*7-Day Express Items are limited to 5 checkouts per library card

What are the safety precautions MCLD is taking?

All staff members are required to wear a face mask and will practice social distancing from other staff members and members of the public during the curbside service. In accordance with Maricopa County's emergency proclamation, face coverings must be worn for all persons six years of age and older within Maricopa County's boundaries. The mandate applies while in places of public accommodation, transportation and while interacting with people in public spaces and areas. We ask that all of our customers follow this mandate when using our Curbside and Walk-Up Pickup services.

Pop-in Pickup

What is Pop-In Pickup?

Starting on Monday, October 5th, MCLD Libraries will open during designated hours for limited browsing access and library services. Each library will have different hours to best serve their community. While in the library, we welcome you to pick up holds, handle library account needs, and to browse quickly. You will have access to a limited selection of the library’s collection. In-person events, computers, recorder kiosks, and study rooms are not available at this time. When you are ready to check out, we encourage you to use the self-service check out kiosks, or to practice physical distancing when checking out with our staff at the customer service desk. Please remember that in accordance with Maricopa County's emergency proclamation, face coverings must be worn for all persons six years of age and older inside the library.

What libraries are offering Pop-In Pickup?

The following libraries are participating. Click on a library to see the available hours:

What library services are available during Pop-In Pickup?

While in the library, we welcome you to pick up holds, handle library account needs, and to browse quickly. You will have access to a curated selection of the library’s collection. In-person events, computers, recorder kiosks, and study rooms are not available at this time.

Why can’t I come into the whole library and browse?

The safety of all who use our libraries is our top priority. We are using a phased approach to reopening to ensure the safety of staff and customers during this process.

What are the safety precautions MCLD is taking?

All staff members are required to wear a face mask and will practice social distancing from other staff members and members of the public. In accordance with Maricopa County's emergency proclamation, face coverings must be worn for all persons six years of age and older within Maricopa County's boundaries. The mandate applies while in places of public. Our libraries are cleaned daily. We follow Maricopa County Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines to ensure we do what we can to keep our community safe. We encourage customers to follow CDC recommendations for hand washing.