FAQ
Library Card
How do I get a Library Card? How old does my child have to be to get his/her own Library Card? View Answer »»Library Cards are free to anyone who resides within the Village limits of Mt. Prospect. Bring two pieces of identification (one with your name and another with your name and current address) to the Registration Desk. Read more about getting a card.
I live in an unincorporated area. Can I get a Library Card? View Answer »»Library Cards may be purchased by nonresidents provided they reside in an area where tax-supported library service is not currently available. The cost of this card is based on the amount of taxes paid by residents. For more information, contact the Registration Desk.
I forgot my Library Card. Can I still check out materials? View Answer »»Mount Prospect cardholders may check out six items with a current Illinois driver’s license or I.D. card.
I lost my Library Card. How can I get a replacement? View Answer »»To prevent unauthorized use, lost Library Cards should be reported immediately to the Registration Desk. A new Library Card will be issued. There is $1.00 replacement fee charge.
Can I use my Mount Prospect Library Card at other libraries? View Answer »»Through reciprocal agreements, your active Mount Prospect Library Card can be used at libraries throughout the state. You will need to register your card at the reciprocal library by showing a piece of I.D. and presenting your Mount Prospect Library card. Reciprocal libraries may place limits on the number/types of material available for reciprocal check-out.
I have a library card from another library. Can I use it to borrow materials from the Mount Prospect Public Library? View Answer »»Through reciprocal agreements, you may use your library card at the Mount Prospect Public Library. You will need to present your active library card and a piece of identification in order to be registered in our system. View reciprocal borrower privileges.
My Account / Checkouts
How many DVDs/CDs/books can I check out? How long can I keep them? View Answer »»View our abridged loan periods and fines table.
Is there a way to find out what books I have out and when they are due? View Answer »»You can find out what materials you have checked out, due dates, items on hold, fines, or overdue items by using the My Account service online. My Account can also be accessed through the automated telephone service at 847-590-3200. You will need to have your Library card number and your PIN number handy.
What is my PIN number? View Answer »»Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a four-digit security number that must be entered to access My Account information. It is usually the last four digits of your home phone number (i.e. the phone number you originally used to sign up for a Library Card.) Please contact the Registration Desk if you are having difficulty with your PIN number.
Can I renew materials? How do I do it? View Answer »»You can renew materials yourself online or in person at the Circulation Desk. Telephone renewal is available by calling My Account at 847-590-3200 and following the prompts. Materials may be renewed once for the original loan period. If a hold has been placed on the item, it cannot be renewed. Overdue material that has not already been renewed and has no hold may be renewed, but the fine must be paid at the time of renewal or it will be assessed to your Library account. The following items may not be renewed: feature videocassettes and feature DVDs, encyclopedias, interlibrary loan materials, reference materials, Playaways, new feature DVDs, and government documents.
I’m going on vacation. How can I get a longer due date? View Answer »»Vacation/Extended loans may be obtained on up to ten items by Mt. Prospect cardholders on many materials. Bring the items to any public service desk and you will be directed to a Librarian who can approve the extended due date. Some materials do not qualify for extended loan including videos, DVDs, CD-ROMs, materials that have “holds”, toys/games/puzzles, and magazines less than one year old.
I’m going on vacation and don’t want to miss something I have on hold? What can I do? View Answer »»You can “suspend” your hold list while you are gone and then re-enter the queue holding your place by calling the Information Services desk and providing a “stop” and “restart” date. You can also do it yourself using the My Account service online. After entering your Library card number and your PIN, click on “Hold Requests.” Click on the box in front of the holds you wish to suspend; enter the restart date in the “Suspend until” boxes; and click the “Change Status” bar. The hold status should change from “active” to “suspended”. Mount Prospect cardholders may place holds on all materials except new youth/adult feature film DVDs and Playaways.
Building & Services
Is there parking at the Library? Do I have to walk outside to get to the Library? View Answer »»Covered parking is available directly beneath the Library building. The Library’s Parking Lot has direct elevator / stair access into the Library building. For a map and more instructions on parking at the library, visit our parking page.
Where do I return my materials? Do you have a drive-up return? View Answer »»Library materials may be returned to the return slots located in the Lobby when the Library is open. There are two outside returns available: a walk-up return on the side of the building just to the south of the main entrance and a drive-up return at the street level exit of the Village parking lot.
Can I use a computer at the Library? Can I get on the Internet? Does the Library have Wireless? View Answer »»Yes, Yes, and Yes. There are over 70 public access computers at the Library and all have Internet access. The Library is also equipped with high-speed wireless access throughout the building. There is no charge for computer usage. Learn more about computers or wireless internet at the library.
Can I print from the Library’s computers? How much does it cost? View Answer »»You can print from the Library’s computers in either color ($1.00/page) or black-and-white (10-cents/page). In order to access the printing system, you will need to purchase a Print Value Card for $1.00. (This card costs 50-cents and comes loaded with 5 prints.) Additional value may be added at any time. Stop at any Public Service Desk for assistance.
Does the Library offer Computer Classes? View Answer »»Yes. The Library offers a number of “hands-on” computer classes in our Computer Training Room. Schedules of the classes offered are available at the Registration Desk or online. Registration (online or by phone) is accepted one month prior to the class start date. Because of limited enrollment, classes fill up quickly.
Does the Library have copiers, scanners, fax machines, typewriters etc. for public use? View Answer »»The Library does have copiers (black-and-white and color). Black-and-white copies are 15-cents cash or 10-cents with a Print Value Card. There are two typewriters available for public use at no charge. At this time, the Library does not have public scanners or fax machines.
How can I get an item the Library does not own? View Answer »»If the material is new, you can fill out a Purchase Request form and ask that the Library consider purchasing the item for the collection. Staff at any of the public service desks can help you locate libraries with the desired material. They can then make arrangements for you to pick up the item at the owning library or staff can place an Interlibrary Loan request asking that the material be sent to the Mount Prospect Public Library. You can also locate materials at other libraries and place Interlibrary Loan requests yourself online.
Do you offer English as a Second Language (ESL) courses? View Answer »»The Library participates in the Township High School Dist. 214 Community Education Program that offers a variety of English as a Second Language (ESL) and Adult Education classes. For schedules and registration information, call 847-718-7724. Harper Community College (847-925-6226) and Oakton Community College (847-635-1426) also offer free ESL classes. Contact the colleges directly for more information.
Do you accept donations? Where should I take them? View Answer »» Yes, we do accept donations. For more information, view our donations guidelines.
Mount Prospect Public Library
10 South Emerson Street
Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056
Directions | Map
847-253-5675
847-253-0642 FAX
847-590-3200 Renew Material
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.
Holidays
