Your library card is your gateway to a world of information, including:
More than two million books, magazines, government documents, records, CDs, audiocassettes, DVDs, and videos in the City of Milwaukee Public Library collection.
Computers with word processing, Internet access and many useful databases at all city library locations.
Library databases which you can access from home, office or school - 24 hours a day, seven days a week - with your library card and password (PIN).
The www.mpl.org-designed library card includes a magnetic stripe which may be used like a debit card for photocopying or computer printing. Money can be added to the card using machines located in the library. Copies and printouts cost 15 cents per page.
A library card is free to all City of Milwaukee residents and residents of municipalities that belong to the Milwaukee County Federated Library System.
Residents of any other community may apply for a fee card. The
cost of the fee card is $100 annually. Fee cards may
be used at any Milwaukee Public Library to check out materials owned
by the Milwaukee Public Library. Fee cards cannot be used for remote
access of Milwaukee Public Library subscription databases.
Where can I use my card?
Use your card:
At any Milwaukee Public Library location - including 12 neighborhood
libraries and van stops - and the Central Library to check out books and
other materials.
At home, school or office to use Milwaukee Public Library databases whenever you need them.
Because the City of Milwaukee is a member of the Milwaukee County Federated Library System, your card also is good at other member libraries in Milwaukee County. However, please help reduce costs by using City of Milwaukee Public Library locations.
When does my library card expire?
Card registration does not expire as long as the card
holder remains a City of Milwaukee resident. However, library customers
are requested to renew their card and verify their address every two years
to retain library
card privileges.
Adults must provide two forms of identification showing name and current address within Milwaukee County. (Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, a current utility bill, or mail postmarked within the last 30 days. Call your local library with questions regarding additional forms of acceptable identification.)
For your protection and to safeguard the library collection, the library requires a photo on record at the checkout desk. If you choose not to have a photo taken, you will be asked to show a photo ID.
Teenagers
Young adults ages 15 or older must provide two forms of identification showing name and current address within Milwaukee County. (Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, school identification card or a report card, or mail postmarked within the last 30 days. Call your local library with questions regarding additional forms of acceptable identification.)
For your protection and to safeguard the library collection, the library requires a photo on record at the checkout desk. If you choose not to have a photo taken, you will be asked to show a photo ID.
Children
Children must be able to print their first and last names to get a library card. Applications for all children and young adults under 15 years of age must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
For their protection and to safeguard the library collection, the library requires a photo on record at the checkout desk. If you choose not to have your child's photo taken, you will need to be present showing your own identification whenever your child checks out materials.
Lost Cards
For lost cards there is a $1 replacement charge.
Forgot your card?
You can still check out materials for a nominal charge when you show identification with your name and address.
What are my responsibilities?
Your library card and number are for your use only.
Be responsible for all materials borrowed on your card, including any taken out
without your permission.
Report changes of address promptly. Visit any library location to update your address. You will be asked to show one form of identification with your new address.
Report a lost card promptly. You are responsible for materials borrowed up to the time the card is reported lost. You may report a lost card by phone or in person at Central Library or your neighborhood library or Bookmobile.
Pay promptly all charges for overdue, damaged or lost materials.
Observe all additional rules of the Milwaukee Public Library, including those governing behavior on library premises.
How long can I keep library materials?
Due dates vary; many materials can be kept for one or three weeks and renewed
twice.
Renewals may be made in person, online or by phone (277-0183).
Materials that cannot be renewed include 3-day items and materials
that are on hold.
Returning library materials.
Most materials may be returned in the book drop when the library is closed. Records may not be returned in the book drop because of potential for damage.
Do not put money for overdue charges in the book drops.
Return overdue materials in person in order to clear any holds against your library card.
Overdue charges.
Fees below apply only to Milwaukee Public Library materials. Fines may vary for suburban library materials.
The fee is 15 cents per item per day, including Sundays and holidays. For most items there is a three-day grace period during which no fines are charged. On the fourth day the overdue charges total 60 cents.
For circulating books, 7-day DVDs, CD Roms, Compact Discs, 7-day Videocassettes, Kits, Audiocassettes, Records, Circulating Periodicals, Pamplets, and Puppets the overdue charge is 15 cents per day, 3-day grace period.
For three-day DVDs the overdue charge is $1 per day and there is no grace period.
For reference material there is a $5 per day fee, no grace period.
The maximum overdue charge is $5 per item.
There are no fines on overdue materials checked out on children's library cards, except videos, DVDs and puppets.
The Milwaukee Public Library accepts Master Card and Visa.
What if I lose an item?
Report the loss of an item immediately. Cost of the material is based on replacement costs.
The Milwaukee Public Library does not allow users to buy materials to replace those lost; the library will buy them.
If the material is found later, your money will be refunded, minus a $5 handling fee, for up to one year from the day you paid for the lost materials.
Please retain the receipt you receive when paying for the lost item—it
will be needed to obtain a refund.
