Card Fees

• Address Change / Name Change: No Fee
• Replacement card(s): $1.00

LOAN GUIDELINES

Limits exist for all library materials that you may borrow. For instance, you may borrow up to 6 eBooks from bit.ly/mplebooks with an MPL card and PIN #. Borrowers may have a total of up to 25 items on their card at one time.

**Video Games: Borrower must be 18 years & older and have a library card in good standing from any library that is part of the Hidalgo County Library System (HCLS).

Fines & Loans

Fines apply as listed below. Overdue notices are sent for items 30 days overdue. Borrowing privileges will be blocked if fines equal $3.00 or more. Patrons will be billed for items not returned. If an item is not returned in 30 days, the item is considered lost and full replacement cost is charged to the patron.

*eBooks automatically expire from your device at end of loan period.

Payments of Fines

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

• Credit or Debit Card (at any MPL location)

Downloads

Click on the following links to download our Borrower's Guides:

Borrower's Guide in English
Borrower's Guide en Español

APPLYING FOR A LIBRARY CARD

Library cards are available free of charge when an Online Borrower Registration Form is filled out, and verified in person with the required documentation. A parent or legal guardian must verify the account of a juvenile cardholder, 17 years or younger. To get a library card: 

• Visit any McAllen Public Library (MPL) location. Account verification requires that you present both:
  • Your government-issued photo ID (U.S., Canada, or Mexico), and
  • Proof of your current U.S. mailing address (such as a utility bill, mailed envelope, or rental agreement dated within the last 30 days).

A photo will be taken of the account holder at the time of registration- library cards are non-transferable, and only the account holder pictured may use the card. 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.

Library cards are valid for one year from sign-up date. If a library card is expired, it will prevent checkout or renewal of items. In order to renew the library card, patrons must:

• Provide government-issued photo ID and
• Proof of current U.S. mailing address (such as a utility bill, mailed envelope, or rental agreement within the last 30 days).
• Once both verified, library card will be valid for one year from renewal date.

Your Library Card

Access Your Personal Library Account

Click “Login” to access your personal library account.

• Login: Enter your Library ID (6-digit number starting with "P") and your PIN.
• Forgot PIN?: Visit the Circulation Desk at any MPL branch to set a new 4-digit PIN, or call us at 956-681-3021.
  

Manage Your Account

• Review Items: Check current checkouts, overdue items, lost items, and outstanding fines. (Fines are posted when items are returned or renewed.)
• Renew Items: You may renew items as long as they are not overdue or on hold for someone else.
• Manage Holds: Check the status of your holds and cancel those you no longer need.

We've transitioned to a new library system! Learn more about these changes by reviewing our Patron Card & Services FAQ: TLC Transition FAQ

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. You may have up to 10 items on hold at a time.

• Select the library location (Lark, Main, or Palm View) where you want the item sent.
• You will be notified by text message or email when the item is available for pick-up.

If you need help with our hold services, please contact the library location where you intend to pick up the item.

Lark: 956-681-3100 │ Main: 956-681-3020 │ Palm View: 956-681-3110

Auto Renewals

When will my item automatically renew?
The system will attempt to renew your borrowed items on the due date. If unsuccessful, you will continue to receive notices about due dates or overdue status, and you may try to renew again any time before you return the item.

How will I know if my item was renewed?
You can check your due dates:

• Via your courtesy notices
• Via your online account
• Via the library's mobile app (Apple │ Android)
  
• By calling 956-681-3020 during library hours
• At the Circulation Desk in any MPL location

If renewed, the new due date is based on the original due date (e.g., a movie due January 1 will renew to January 7).

Can I try to renew my ineligible items after an unsuccessful attempt?
Yes. The system will retry on the due date. If another customer's hold prevented renewal and the hold is cancelled or filled, you can manually renew later.

Why didn’t my items renew?
Items won’t be renewed if:

• Another customer has requested it
• The item reached its maximum number of renewals (up to 10 times for most items*)
• Your account is blocked due to billed items or fines of $3 or more
• The item is a digital item, such as an eBook or audiobook

*Learning and Lit kits are not eligible for renewals.

Can I renew my items early?
Yes.

Can I opt out of the auto-renewal feature?
No. You can return items at any time if you don't wish to keep them longer.

What will the library do to encourage others to return items?
MPL requires timely returns in good condition to benefit the community. Items 30 days overdue will incur a replacement cost, blocking checkouts and renewals until resolved. Customers are responsible for lost or damaged items.

What are the benefits of this feature?
This feature will save you time and give you peace of mind. You will no longer receive a bill for items that are eligible for renewal. Automatically renewing two days before the original due date ensures you will have time to return items ineligible for renewal before they are overdue.