Frequently Asked Questions:

View complete "Checkout Policies" here (ITEM # 10.10 a-b) View complete "Overdue, Lost or Damaged Library Materials" policy here (ITEM # 10.27 a-b)

Do you have a question not listed here? Click here to contact us.

• Checkout limits & late fees are as follows:

• How can I get a library card? -- Marathon County Public Library cards are available FREE to all residents of Wisconsin. You may register for a library card online or complete an application form at any MCPL location. You will need to provide a Wisconsin driver's license or ID card with current address.

• What is my PIN (Personal Identification Number)? -- Your PIN should be the last four digits of the phone number we have on file for you. If you've tried this, and your PIN still doesn't seem to work, please contact us. (This usually indicates that your account is up for renewal (occurs every three years), or that we have an outdated phone number on file for you. A valid PIN and library card barcode number are required for checking your library account online, reserving and logging on to library lab computers, and using self-checkout.

• Do I need a library card for each MCPL location? -- No, you may use your card at any of our nine MCPL locations, plus any public library that is a part of the Wisconsin Valley Library Service (WVLS) (see below).

• Where can I use my library card? -- All cards issued at MCPL allow access to the following libraries:
  (click here for a map of all public libraries within the Wisconsin Vallely Library Service)

• Why can't I request / reserve certain items (in V-Cat)? -- Most often, this happens when trying to request a "new" or "high demand" item that isn't owned by your "home" library (e.g. if you live in Marathon County, the item isn't owned by any MCPL location). Your best options are to either (1) find and request a different version of the item that is owned by your "home" library, or (2) if this is isn't possible, submit a Purchase Suggestion.
  
  Other reasons your request may be denied: (1) You may have already requested the item (check your account); (2) the only available item is damaged, lost, or otherwise unavailable (check "status" in the item's record); (3) you have 75 other items already on hold or request (the account maximum).

• How long is my card good for? -- Library cards are valid for 3 years, after which you will need to contact us to update your registration information and make any other necessary changes.

• Should I notify the Library if I change my address, phone number, or email? -- Yes please! You may review your borrower information by clicking the"My Library Record" link on the Web Page.

• What if I lose my card? -- Please call the library immediately and report your card as lost! You are responsible for anything checked out using your card, even if that person isn't you; telling us to set your card to "lost" will prevent any future abuse of your card and account. You may purchase a new card for only $2.00, or you may be eligible to receive a free card if your account is up for renewal (occurs every three years).

• Does my child have to be a certain age to get a library card? -- No. You decide when your child may get a card, but please be aware (1) you are responsible for all items borrowed, (2) your own account must be in good standing (under $10 in fines), (3) applications must be made in person, and (4) your signature, proof of current address, and Wisconsin ID are are all required on the application form.

• May I checkout (or use a lab computer) without my card? -- Yes, but only if you are able to provide identification that proves the account is registered to you. This is almost always your driver's license or a state-issed ID. For minors, a school ID may also serve this purpose. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to access your account in the absence of a card, so please have you library card with you whenever possible.

• May I return my items to any MCPL location? -- Yes! Materials borrowed at one Marathon County Public Library location can be returned to another. Click here for a list of all MCPL locations, plus contact info.

• How can I renew my items? -- Library materials can be renewed twice for an extra 14 days from the date of renewal, and as such, it is recommended that you wait until the last few days before the item's due date to renew. You may renew using the "Checked Out" option under "My Account" in the menu above, or by clicking here. You may also renew in person, by email (click here), or by calling your local MCPL (click to view contact information).
  In all cases, you will need your library card number OR the MCPL barcode number of the item being renewed.

  Interlibrary Loan items may be renewed one time only for an additional 14 days at the discretion of the lending library. Interlibrary Loan items may be renewed by phone or in person only. Online renewals are not possible.
  

  If there is a waiting list on an item you've checked out (common for "high demand" items), or if someone else submits a request for an item after you've checked it out, a renewal will not be possible.

• How will I know when my materials are due? -- You will receive a receipt at checkout showing all item titles and when they are due. If you misplace your receipt, you may review this information using the "Checked Out" option under "My Account" in the menu above, or by clicking here. You may also call any MCPL location for this information, but be sure to have your library card barcode number ready.

• Can I checkout if I have fines? -- Yes, you may checkout so long as your accumulated fines are under $10.00. If they are over $10.00, you will need to pay down your balance to $10.00 or below.

• What happens if I don’t return an item? -- A "First Notice" is sent when books are 7 days overdue, interlibrary loans are 2 days overdue, and DVD's are 2 days overdue. A "Final Notice" is sent 14 days later.

  • The item is declared "Lost" 35 days after the due date, and the borrower is billed for the cost of the item. After 60 days, if this amount (in combination with any other fines) is more than $25, the account will be sent to "Debt Collection" via Unique Management Services and assessed an additional $10 fee.

  • Customer accounts are blocked from use if: (a) lost materials are not returned after a bill has been sent, (b) the account carries $10.00 or more in fines, (c) the account shows 25 or more items overdue, or (d) the account has been referred to debt collection.

• How will I be notified if I have overdue items or items being held? -- Depending on your account preferences, you will be contacted by email, phone, or regular mail. If you haven't specified an email address, you will be contacted via regular mail by default. Click here to view and adjust your notification preferences.