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Get a Library Card

 

A Mansfield Richland County Public Library card helps you connect, create, explore, and learn. You can get a library card at any of our nine locations, at our Bookmobile, or online! 

 

In Person

Anyone living, working, or attending school in Ohio may visit an MRCPL location to obtain a “Full-Service” library card free of charge. Children may obtain a library card with the presence and consent of a parent or legal guardian. When applying for a card in person at any of our library locations, we prefer to see a photo ID with current address. Since that is not always possible, we will accept a photo ID and another form of current address verification, such as a recent utility bill. NOTE: You must be an Ohio resident to apply for a library card.

For a Full-Service Card, You Will Need:

United States passport, social security card and permanent resident (green) card on white background
Forms of ID
  • A state driver’s license or state ID with current address
  • If state DL or ID has an incorrect address, you may use that as one form of identification but must show a second form as well (30 days or newer)
  • If your name is out of date on the DL or ID, you will need a second form of ID with your updated name and address.
  • If no state DL or ID is available, you must show two forms of identification dated within the last 30 days.
Adult and child sitting on floor reading a book together. A pile of books in front of them on floor. Blurry background image of books on shelves.

If you are under the age of 18, you must be accompanied by your parent or legal guardian. A parent or legal guardian must sign for a child’s library card.

Smiling person with curly blonde hair and plaid shirt handing a book to a clerk.
No Money!

Your first library card is completely free. The cost to replace a lost card is $1.

Online

Applying for a card online will get you our eCard. The eCard will give you immediate access to our digital downloads, research databases, and other online learning resources. If you already have a Full-Service Card, there is no need to apply for an eCard.  Just come in with your ID and request a replacement card. NOTE: You must be an Ohio resident to apply for a library card.

When you are ready to upgrade to a Full-Service library card, come into any one of our nine branch locations with your photo ID (current address) or photo ID and a piece of recent mail dates within the last 30 days and you can upgrade to a Full-Service Card. Once you do that, you will be able to visit any branch library to check out physical books, movies, music, Library of Things items, and more!

For an eCard, You Will Need To:

Young student watching lesson online and studying from home.
Complete the Online Application

If you’d like to start the process online or, if you just want to access our digital collection instantly, you can fill out this form. You will have instant access to our digital library catalog, which allows you to stream from our digital collection, consult our online databases, access online learning resources, and more. The eCard cannot be used to check out physical items of any kind.

Business negotiations. two people shaking hands after signing a document. laptop, document. and pen on table
Agree to the Terms

By applying for a library card, you agree to the following:

 

I agree to return materials on time and in good condition and to pay any fines or damages charged to me. As a parent/guardian, I agree to be responsible for the selection, use and return of materials borrowed and for the use of the Internet and electronic resources within the library by the above minor. I agree to pay any fines or damages charged to them. 

Blurred person dressed in a suit holding a red and white sign close up that says RENEW.
Renew Every 3 Years

Your new eCard will be good for three years. At that time, you may renew it by calling any of our locations. You will need your email address for verification.

Fine Free (mostly)!

 

Materials that do not accrue late fines:
Books
Magazines
Audio books
CDs
DVDs
Blu-ray® discs
Air quality monitors
Blood pressure cuffs
Board games
Cake pans
Kill-A-Watts
Launchpads
Video games

 

Late fines are charged for the following materials:
WiFi hotspots, Roku streaming sticks, telescopes, tools, sewing machines, and bicycles: $1.25 per day, per item.

SearchOhio materials do not accrue late fines but a $25 fee will be charged for lost or damaged items.

OhioLink items accrue .50 late fine per day.

Read all about our Fine Free policy here.

Placing Holds

 

Holds may be placed on all library materials except:
Newspapers
Reference materials
Sherman Room collection
Speed Readers
Bikes

 

Holds may be placed in person or online.

Renewals

 

We have auto-renew!  All materials eligible for renewal will be automatically renewed three days before the due date.  If you receive email notifications, you will see a list of what was renewed or not in the due date email reminder.

 

Books and audio materials may also be renewed in person at any Library location, through our online catalog, or by phone. Call the automated Telephone Renewal Line at 419.521.3117, or call any library location. Items can be renewed up to three times if there are no holds on the item. You will need your Library card to renew by any method; online renewal requires a PIN.

Returning Materials

 

All MRCPL Library materials may be returned to any location in the system, regardless of where they were borrowed. Drop boxes are available at all locations.

 

Failure to return materials, pay for lost or damaged materials, or failure to settle fines will result in the loss of borrowing privileges.

Replacement Card

Report lost or stolen cards to the Library immediately; you are responsible for its use or misuse. There is a $1 replacement card fee. This includes overdue fines, fees for lost or damaged materials, and misuse of internet privileges.

If you already have a card, but can’t remember your barcode, call us at 419.521.3100 for assistance. You can also reset your PIN here.

Alternative Cards

Teacher’s Card- Teachers who live or work in Ohio are eligible for a Teacher Card which allows extended checkout and certain privileges. The teacher must also have a full service MRCPL Card that is in good standing.

 

3 Book Card-These cards are an option for children/teens that don’t have access to a full service card based on extenuating circumstances.

 

Temporary Card-These cards are for customers without a permanent Ohio residence. Examples include a customer living in a  temporary shelter, camping grounds, or working out of state for a period of time. 

 

Exclusions may apply.

PIN (Personal Identification Number)

You must have a PIN in order to use library computers, view your library card information, place holds or renew items online. If you do not have a PIN, you may get one in person or by calling any of our locations. You will need your library card to get a PIN by any method.

E-Mail & Text Message Notifications

You can now receive notification of holds/reserves and overdue items via e-mail and/or text message. Supply your phone number and/or your email to library staff and we will record your information into your library account record so we can notify you according to your preference.

Things to Note

  • Standard text messaging rates may apply according to your cell phone plan.
  • Please make sure that your email address/phone number is current in your account information.
  • Friendly date due reminders are sent out via email three days before your items are due.
  • Library cards that are not used for five years will be deleted. Customers would have to reapply for a new library card.