Borrowing

Applying for a Library Card

Library cards are available free of charge when a Library Card Application Form is properly filled out and verified with the required documentation. A parent or legal guardian must sign the form if the applicant is a juvenile,16 years or younger. To obtain a card:

  • Go in person to your preferred library location.
  • Fill out a Library Card Application Form [click to download].
  • Provide a current government-issued photo ID (U.S., Canada, or Mexico).
  • Provide proof of current U.S. mailing address.

Either your library card or Texas ID is required for all transactions concerning library books and materials. Each registered borrower assumes full responsibility for the materials and fines charged to the card.

Card Fees

  • Address change and name change: no fee.
  • First replacement card: $2.00.
  • Subsequent replacement card: $5.00.

Loan Guidelines

There is no limit on the amount of books you can check out, but there is a maximum of 12 audio/visual items you may have on your card at any one time in any combination of the following:

Books (hardbacks or paperbacks)

No limit per card

Videocassettes

4 per adult card*

DVDs

4 per adult card*

Music CDs, audio books on CD

4 per card

Audio books on cassette

No limit per card

*Juvenile cardholders cannot borrow videos or DVDs.

Fines and Loan Periods

Fines apply as listed below. Overdue notices are sent for items 30 days overdue. Borrowing privileges will be blocked if fines equal $15.00 or more. Patrons will be billed for items not returned. If an item is not returned in 120 days, the item is considered lost and full replacement cost, plus a $5 processing fee per item, is charged to the patron.

Type of Item

Loan Period

Fine (per item)

Circulating books

2 weeks

$0.10 per day

CDs, audio books

2 weeks

$0.10 per day

VHS / DVD

1 week

$0.50 per day

Payment of Fines

The Library will accept the following forms of payment for fines accrued:

  • Cash.
  • Personal checks made out to the “City of McAllen” or “McAllen Memorial Library” for the exact amount of the fines being paid.

Credit cards and debit cards are not accepted.

Returning Items

Items checked out from any library location may be returned to any library location. If, for instance, you checked out a book at the Palm View Branch Library, you are free to return it at the Main Library or Lark Branch, whichever location is most convenient for you.

There is a book drop accessible from the exterior of all library locations.

Your Library Account

You have access to your personal library record by clicking “My Account” on MPL's online catalog.

  • Enter your 6-digit library card number (starts with a “P”) and your PIN. If you do not know your PIN, visit the circulation desk of your preferred library location, and staff will assign one to you in person.
  • You may review items currently checked out, overdue, lost items, and outstanding fines.
  • You may renew items as long as they are not overdue and not on hold for someone else.
  • You may review the status of titles you have placed on hold and cancel holds on items you no longer need.

Renewing Items

Most items may be renewed. You may renew items in one of three ways:

  • By accessing your account through the online catalog before the due date.
  • By bringing them in person to the library.
  • By telephone (during normal operating hours) with your library card number or DOB.

Requesting Items

You may place a HOLD on an item free of charge by logging into your account through the online catalog and locating the item through the catalog’s search engine.

  • Select the library location where you want the item sent.
  • You will be notified by telephone when the item is available for pick-up.

If you need help with the HOLD services, please contact the library location where you want to pick up the item.