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? more info »
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? more info »
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 lost my library card. How can I get a replacement? more info »
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 replacement fee charge.
Can I use my Mount Prospect library card at other libraries? more info »
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.

My Account / Checkouts

How many DVDs/CDs/books can I check out? How long can I keep them? more info »
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? more info »
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 handy.
What is my PIN? more info »
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 (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? more info »
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. Interlibrary loan materials and reference materials may not be renewed automatically, please contact the library for further assistance.
I’m going on vacation. How can I get a longer due date? more info »
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? more info »
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? more info »
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? more info »
Library materials may be returned in the return slots located in the first floor lobby when the Library is open. When the Library is closed, there are two outside returns available: a walk-up return is located just left of the Main entrance on Emerson street. A drive-up return may be reached by entering the parking garage and making an immediate right to exit the garage. The returns are located on the wall on your left approx. 20 feet before exiting the parking structure.
Can I use a computer at the Library? Can I get on the Internet? Does the Library have wireless? more info »
Yes, Yes, and Yes. There are more than 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? more info »
You can print from the Library’s computers in either color ($1/page) or black-and-white (ten cents/page). In order to access the printing system, you will need to purchase a Print Value Card for $1. (This card costs 50 cents and comes loaded with five prints.) Additional value may be added at any time. Stop at any Public Service Desk for assistance.
Does the Library offer computer classes? more info »
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? more info »
The Library does have copiers (black-and-white and color) with a scanner. Black-and-white copies are 15 cents cash or ten cents with a Print Value Card. We have a public fax machine and there are two typewriters available for public use at no charge.
How can I get an item the Library does not own? more info »
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? more info »
he 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? more info »
Yes, we do accept donations. For more information, view our donations guidelines.

Library Information

Mount Prospect Public Library
10 S. 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