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Questions about your library card


Where do I get or renew a Maricopa County Library District library card?

Visit the Get a Library Card page to learn more about how to get or renew your library card. Library cards are free if you live in, own property or a business in Maricopa County or Town of Queen Creek. If you are an Adult (18+) who lives in Maricopa County or the Town of Queen Creek, you may apply for a library card.

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:

  • Discovery 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 Discovery 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. 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, a parent or guardian must be present and must verify Maricopa County residence with photo identification and proof of Maricopa County or Town of Queen Creek residence, or property ownership.
Live outside of Maricopa County or Queen Creek?

You may purchase a card for $50.00 for 1 year, or $25 for 6 months. To begin this process, email us at BranchVirtual@mcldaz.org. Maricopa County Libraries are funded with taxpayer dollars so there is a fee to access our services if you do not live, own property or own a business in Maricopa county. Read more.

How do I renew my library card?

All library cards must be renewed every year. If your home/business/property address hasn’t changed, you can renew online at mcldaz.org/renew . If you are a Maricopa County or Town of Queen Creek resident who has moved in the last year, you can receive a 30-day courtesy renewal online or by telephone but you will need to visit a library with proof of your new Maricopa County address to renew for the full year. Student cards can renewed using a current, valid student ID.

What should I do if I lose my card?

If your card has been lost or stolen, please notify the library immediately in a library or by calling 602-652-3000. Replacement cards cost $2.

Questions about checking out materials


Can I still check out materials from the library if I don’t have my card?

Yes, but you must show a picture ID card to access account information and/or check out materials.

Is there a limit to how many items I can check out at once?

Customers may check out up to 50 items of any type at a time.

What electronic resources can I access with my library card?

The Maricopa County Library District offers a wide variety of eBooks, audiobooks, movies, and music. Visit our eMedia page for more information. For help with eMedia, check out these video tutorials.

Can I do research?

Yes! You can use our databases, learn a new language, take online courses, research your family history (genealogy) and more! Visit our online resources page for more information.

How long can I keep checked out materials?
  • DVDs/Blu-Ray Discs: 7 days
  • 7 Day Express items: 7 days*
  • TV Shows: 14 days
  • All Other Materials: 21 days
*7-Day Express Items are limited to 5 items at a time, with no renewals.
Can I reserve materials?

When you get a library card, you will be able to access your online account. You can reserve most titles online, in the library, or over the phone. Requests are limited to 30 items per customer at a time. There is no fee for this service.

Will the library automatically renew items checked out on my account?

The Maricopa County Library District does not automatically renew materials checked out on library accounts. If you would like to keep your items for longer than the original checkout date, you may do so on most materials if no one else has requested the item. To renew your items, visit your library, log into your account online, or call 602-652-3000. The timely return of items allows us to offer customers a robust selection of items to browse when they visit our libraries.

Can I renew items and keep them for longer than the original checkout date?

MCLD offers renewals on all items, with the exception of our 7-Day Express materials. If your item has not been requested by another customer, it is eligible for renewal up to 5 times. You may do so online, in-branch, or by calling 602-652-3000.

Where do I return materials?

You can return our materials to any MCLD Library. Book/media drops are located inside the libraries. Some libraries also provide drive-up and walk-up drops with 24 hours access.

Can I keep a history of the items I’ve checked out?

Yes. For privacy reasons, this feature is turned off by default. To turn on that feature, log in to your account. Click on the “Contact Information and Preferences” tab. Under preferences, check the box that says “Maintain Reading History.” You will be able to access your Reading History going forward.

If you have any problems accessing your account, call 602-652-3000 or contact us online.

Questions about library services


What services does the library offer for special needs customers?

Customers who require help locating, using, or interpreting library materials may call the Maricopa County District at 602-652-3000 during business hours to request assistance from Library staff. The library staff is pleased to assist in speedy checkouts or any other reasonable way to make your visit comfortable. Sign language interpretation is available upon advanced notice. The Library District also offers Books by Mail services.

Can I use the computers at the library?

Computers are available for customer use in all MCLD libraries. A library card is required for computer use. All computers have standard word processing and other common programs installed. There is a charge per page for printing: $0.25 per page for black & white, and $0.75 for color.

Can I checkout laptops or Wi-Fi hotspots to use at home?

Library customers can check out a “Hotspot To-Go” and a “Chromebook To-Go” for 3 weeks with the option to renew 5 times, as long as no other customer is waiting. Reserve the devices in person, online or over the phone.

Can I print documents at MCLD Libraries?

Yes! All of our libraries have public printers available. Print directly from one of the library’s computers, or use our Mobile Printing service to submit your documents from home to print at your library. Simply upload your files to our Printing Portal. Visit a Print Release Station at your library to complete the process. Printing costs $.25 per black & white page and $.75 per color page.

Do the libraries have Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is available to the public in all MCLD libraries. You do not need a library card to use the Wi-Fi. You can also use the Wi-Fi signal outside most MCLD Libraries every day from 6am to 11pm.

Can I donate books to the MCLD libraries?

The Maricopa County Library District does not add donated items to our circulating collection. Items donated at the library go directly to any of several Friends of the Library groups. Friends groups then sell materials and help our libraries by sponsoring programs. Please check with your nearest library branch to see if they have a Friends group.

Are Recorder Kiosks available?

Recorder Kiosks are not currently available at any MCLD Library in order for the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office to perform software maintenance on the kiosks. For more information on recording documents, please visit recorder.maricopa.gov or call 602-506-3535.

How do I reserve a Study Room?

Study rooms are available at select library locations. Reserve a study room online, over the phone or through the myLIBRO app for up to 2 hours per day.

Do you have Culture Passes available at your libraries?

MCLD has partnered with Act One to provide Culture Passes at all 15 of our libraries. Culture Passes will provide you with admission for two people at participating arts organizations around The Valley. Passes must be checked out in-person at the library and are limited to one pass per family at a time. They are not renewable and cannot be requested in advance. However, you can view the library’s catalog online for current availability of passes at your library. When you have checked out your pass, it is highly encouraged to contact the venue ahead of time for current hours and policies.

Do you have Citizen Science Kits at your libraries?

Yes! All of our libraries have six different Citizen Science Kits available for checkout. Each Kit includes a printed activity guide, helpful tips, and any specialized tools or materials you need to complete the project. Reserve your kit in person, online, or over the phone.

Questions about fines and fees


What is the Maricopa County Library District fee schedule?

Customers who borrow materials from MCLD libraries are subject to the following fee schedule:

  • Non-County Library Card fee: $50/year; $25/six months
  • Library card replacement fee: $2
  • Material replacement fee: cost of item lost or damaged
  • Material processing fee: $5 per item that is lost or damaged
  • Nonsufficient funds check fee: $25 plus and bank fees
  • Collection Agency fee: $15
  • Interlibrary Loan fee: Minimum $6/item received
Why did the Maricopa County Library District eliminate fines?

Our mission is to provide access to the public libraries in the communities we serve. By eliminating overdue fines, more people can use library materials and services without the fear of incurring fines they can’t afford to pay. Additionally, library card holders benefit from access to digital resources for learning, research or entertainment. Best of all, digital materials return automatically when they are due.

Learn more.

Questions about events


What events are offered at the library?

The Library District offers more than 5,000 programs each year, including story time for children, book discussion groups for Adults, and numerous programs on various topics for all ages. Programs are free but may require registration, and are offered in-person at your library or online at MCLD Now.

How can I learn about events at my library?

The Library District can send you event emails, you can browse our calendar, or search our calendar online anytime!

What happens if an event I want to attend is full?

Our in-person events have an attendance limit in order to ensure a safe environment for staff and customers. If an event is full, you can join the waitlist. If a spot opens up, we will contact you to let you know. Our MCLD Now playlist also features on-demand events for all ages—no registration required!

Does the library offer programs at non-work hours?

Our online events are available any time of the day! Visit our MCLD Now playlist to check out our selection of virtual programs. Our libraries try to offer in-person events at various times during the week. If you are unable to find a program to match your schedule, contact your library. We love to hear feedback on how we can improve our service to you.

I registered for an event, but now I can’t attend. Who do I notify?

Please call 602-652-3000 or contact us online.

I have an idea for a program. Who do I tell?

Please use our Contact Us form to share your idea. Library staff plan programming based on community feedback, so please let us know what you’d like to see.

Questions about Curbside Pickup


Please be aware: For the safety of staff and customers, Curbside service may temporarily close due to inclement weather conditions.
How does Curbside Pickup work?
  1. Reserve your library items online or over the phone.
  2. Once your items become available, you will be notified. You can then schedule your pickup appointment by:
  3. When arriving, park in the designated Curbside zone. Give us a call on the phone number listed—or tap “I’m Here” on the myLIBRO app.
  4. A staff member will be out shortly with your items. Please open the back of your vehicle so the staff member may safely place your items inside.
How do I schedule my appointment through the myLIBRO app?
What if I do not own a mobile phone?

Please give us a call before you leave so we know you are on the way and can look out for your arrival.

How do I get the myLIBRO app?

If you have a smartphone, you can download the myLIBRO app from Google Play or the App Store.

Once my items are ready, how long will you hold them for me?

You will have 7 days to pick up your item(s). After 7 days, your item(s) will be placed back on the shelves.

Do you offer same-day pickup?

Curbside appointments must be scheduled in advance. Same day appointments may be available when you schedule online or through the app.

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.

Who can pick up my items?

Anyone may pick up your items as long as an appointment has been scheduled in advance using your library card and password.