Closure Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: August 20, 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

When will your library reopen?

MCLD will continue limiting public access to its libraries in order to ensure we are doing all we can to keep our staff and community safe during this crisis. During this time Curbside Pickup will continue giving contactless access to our physical collection, MCLD Now will continue streaming unique and engaging programs, and our Book-A-Librarian service is available for one-on-one virtual professional assistance. Our eMedia resources also provide access to thousands of books, movies, music and TV, and our electronic research and learning platforms give access to classes, professional development and more. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding and will keep our cardholders updated as we continue moving forward.

*The safety of all who enjoy our libraries remains our top priority. MCLD relies on the most recent information from the CDC and Maricopa County Department of Public Health to make informed decisions.

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

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. 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.

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

You may schedule a video conference call to get a new library card or update your account information using our Book-a-Librarian service. During the conference, 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.

I already have a digital-only Library Card. Can I convert it to a physical library card to gain access to all of your services?

Yes! You may schedule a video conference call using our Book-a-Librarian service and one of our librarians will assist you in converting your digital card into a standard adult library account.

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, 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, 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. 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 one-on-one appointments at any locations?

We are now 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 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.

Are you offering Summer Reading this year?

Yes! Summer Reading takes place June 1 through August 1. Sign up and track your progress all summer long at read20az.com. This year, all Summer Reading programming with be virtual and available to watch via the online portal.

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

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

What libraries are offering Curbside Pickup?

The following libraries are participating, click on a library to see the available hours:

* Sun City and Fairway Libraries are providing walkup service only to pick up holds due to parking lot restrictions. Please park in any available parking spot and follow signage to find the pickup area

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.

*Sun City and Fairway Libraries are providing walkup service only to pick up holds due to parking lot restrictions. Please park in any available parking spot and follow signage to find the pickup area.

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

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.

What if I don’t have a car, but still want Curbside Pickup?

We are offering walk-up service for the following libraries: Aguila, Asante, El Mirage, Fairway, Gila Bend, Guadalupe, Hollyhock, Litchfield Park, Sun City and Southeast Regional.