Ask-a-Librarian

Our librarians are here to help you by email! Find answers to brief informational questions, explore library services, and get friendly assistance with our website, catalog, or electronic resources. Not sure where to start? Email us, and we'll be delighted to help you out.

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FAQ: What are acceptable forms of identification and proof of address to apply for a library card?

A photo ID and proof of address are required to open a library account: 

Identification supplied by an accompanying adult is sufficient for a child under 18. For 13 to 18 year olds, photo identification is required if a parent is not present.

Identification that satisfies both requirements

  • Current Driver’s License
  • Current State Identification card

Examples of Photo ID

  • Valid US passport
  • Valid US military identification card or discharge record (DD-214)
  • Out-of-State driver’s license, with translation into English, if required
  • Valid Out-of-Country passport
  • School ID
  • Employee or contractor photo ID card issued by a local, state or US government agency

Examples of Proof of Address

  • Selective service card
  • Vehicle registration card or title
  • Voter registration card
  • Utility or telephone bill
  • Checking or savings account statement
  • Property tax bill or receipt
  • Mortgage account or proof of home ownership
  • Residential rental contract (apartment lease or other rental of real property)
  • Check with printed name and address
  • County Verification Letter from the Maryland's Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)

FAQ: Why am I unable to renew a checked-out item?

Some materials cannot be renewed, including:

  • Items for which others have placed hold requests.
  • Items that have already been renewed three times (twice for MARINA items).
  • Lucky Day Collection books. These current bestsellers are not eligible for renewal after the 3-week borrowing period.
  • Interlibrary loan items from OCLC are not eligible for renewal.
  • Items borrowed on an Educator account.

Interlibrary loan materials from Marina may be renewed 2 times.

You can renew items by:

  • Bringing them to any MCPL library check-out desk; or
  • By logging in to your account on our catalog.

You will not be able to renew items if you owe $25.00 or more in outstanding fees or lost charges. See Paying Fees and the interlibrary loan page.