Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a library card?

Library card applications are available at all MCDL libraries. You must be an Ohio resident to register for a library card. After completing the application, you need to present photo identification with your name and current address, such as a driver’s license or Ohio state ID. Photo ID without the current address must be accompanied by printed personal mail postmarked within four weeks. You must apply in person.

A parent or guardian must sign for a minor (under age 18) and present photo identification that has the parent’s or guardian’s name and current address, such as a driver’s license or Ohio state ID. Photo ID without the current address must be accompanied by personal mail postmarked within four weeks. The child applicant must be present.

Who can use my card or get information on my account?

A person in possession of a library card has full access to all account information. If you do not have your library card or card number with you, please present a photo ID (parent’s ID for a minor child) at the circulation desk.

A parent may access their child’s account by presenting their photo ID at the circulation desk.

If you are calling about your account, please have your library card number ready.

What is a PIN and how does it work?

Your PIN or, Personal Identification Number, is the last four digits of your phone number unless you have chosen a different one. The library’s automated services such as the catalog and self-check out will ask for your PIN. The PIN increases the security of your library card.

To change your PIN, go to My Account or visit any of our locations and ask a library staff member.

What are the borrowing limits on my library card?

You may have a maximum of 50 items on your card at any given time.

What are the loan periods for library materials?

Most MCDL materials check out for 21 days. New books and all movies check out for 14 days. Materials from other CLEVNET libraries may have different due dates ranging from 3 to 28 days, please refer to your checkout receipt or My Account. Overdue fines will accrue at the owning library’s fine rate, which may differ from MCDL’s $0.10 per day per item rate.

How do I reserve library materials?

You can reserve materials through the library catalog, or a staff member can assist you in person or on the phone. Please have your library card number ready.

If I check out a book at one location can I return it to my local library?

Yes, you may return and renew items at any Medina County District Library. Library materials may also be returned at Buehler’s in Medina and Wadsworth and at any CLEVNET library.

How do I renew library materials?

Library materials may be renewed online at My Account, at any of our locations on the self-check machines or with staff assistance, or over the phone (please have your library card number ready).

Remember that renewal of overdue items will generate fines. If fines are $10.00 or more, borrowing privileges are suspended until the fine balance is brought below the limit. Please contact library staff for more information.

How many times can I renew library materials?

With the exception of special collections, MCDL library materials can be renewed five times. Other CLEVNET library’s materials may have different renewal policies. Items that have reserves placed on them by other members cannot be renewed. You cannot renew items if you have overdue fines totaling $10.00 or more, if you have 25 or more items that are overdue, or if activity has been blocked on your account.

What are the overdue fines for library materials?

All overdue MCDL materials incur a $0.10 per day overdue fine. Materials from other CLEVNET libraries incur the owning library’s fees. MCDL items do not incur fines on Sundays or days when the library is closed (holidays, special events). The maximum fine per item is $3.00.

CLEVNET Fines

How can I pay my library fines?

Library fines can be paid at any MCDL location by cash, check or credit card.
Payments by check can also be mailed to the library:

Medina County District Library
Attn: Circulation Dept.
210 S. Broadway St.
Medina, OH 44256

Please include the library card number on the check.

Does the library use a collection agency?

Yes, the library contracts with Unique Management to recover fines and fees. If an account totals more than $25.00 for three weeks or longer, Unique Management will contact you regarding collection. A $10.00 non-refundable referral fee will be added to the account. The account will be blocked until the balance is fully paid. After four months with a continuing balance, accounts in collection will be passed on to credit bureaus as a bad debt and may affect your credit rating. Please contact the library if you have any questions about your account.

How can I check the status of my library account?

You can check your account online and at any MCDL location. To check your account online, from the homepage click on My Account. You will be prompted for your library card number and PIN, or login name and password. You can also sign up for NetNotice, a weekly status email about your library account. With email notification, you will receive a courtesy notice of “items due in two days.”

What does it mean if my card is delinquent, barred or blocked?

Bills and/or overdue materials will cause a card to be delinquent. You can still use your delinquent library card. Borrowing privileges are suspended by staff on a barred account, and must be reinstated by a staff member. A card becomes blocked at $10.00 or more or when 50 items are checked out on the account. If an account is in collection, the account balance must be zero before library privileges are restored. A barred or blocked library card cannot be used.

What does it mean if my card is expired?

Library cards expire every five years, allowing the library to update your contact information. The card cannot be used until we receive confirmation of address and telephone number and presentation of a driver’s license or state ID (parent’s ID for a minor child).

How do I inform the library if I change my address?

If you change your address, please contact the library in person or by phone.

What do I do if I have lost or damaged library materials?

If you have lost or damaged library materials, you will need to pay the cost of the item as well as any overdue fines associated with the item. If you find a lost item within 90 days of paying for it, you may return it to any MCDL location and the library will refund the cost of the item less a $3.00 processing fee. The original receipt must be presented.

What do I do if my library card is lost or stolen?

Please call 330-722-6235 ext. 2010, or any MCDL location to report a lost or stolen card. You are responsible for all items checked out on your library card, so please make your report as soon as possible.

Does the library have book drops?

All MCDL locations have book drops available for the return of borrowed materials.

The borrower remains responsible for items until they are checked in; therefore, if a book drop is full or jammed, do not leave items hanging out of the book drop or outside the library. You will not be charged an overdue fine for items returned in the book drop after hours on the due date.

How do I reserve a meeting room?

You can reserve MCDL meeting rooms online. Meeting rooms are free for non-profit groups and may be reserved for private or corporate functions at a cost of $20 per hour with a minimum of two hours.

Reserve a meeting room

Can I register to vote at the library?

Voter registration forms are available at all MCDL locations.

Does the library have computers available for internet and word processing, and does the library have wi-fi?

Does the library have computers available for internet and word processing, and does the library have Wi-Fi?

Computers at each of our locations are equipped with internet access and Microsoft Office 2010 software, including Word, Excel, Access and Power Point. A valid library card is required to use the library's computers. Guest access is available for out of town visitors.

Free wireless service is available in all of the library’s facilities. You may bring in your own laptop or check out a laptop to use in the library, as available.

What are my responsibilities when using MCDL’s Internet services?

Parents are asked to assume responsibility for their children's use of Internet web sites at the library. Library members must adhere to applicable laws when using library computers.

Does the library have printers and photocopiers?

Photocopiers are available at all locations for self-service use by members. Printers are also available and some locations have color printer/scanner capability. Costs are $0.10 per page for black and white and $0.50 per page for color (where available).

With an MCDL library card you are able to print five free black and white or one color print per day.

Can I send a fax?

Faxing Services are available at all Medina County District Libraries. Send faxes for $1.00 per page. The Library only sends faxes. It does not receive faxes for members.

Does the library offer any special services for teachers?

Visit the Educational Resources for Teachers page to learn more about the materials and services available.

How do I download eBooks and music?

The eMedia Collection offers downloadable books, audiobooks, music and movies in a variety of formats for different devices.

For assistance using the eMedia Collection, click here.

Freegal is a downloadable music service with hundreds of thousands of songs you access with your library card number. It offers more than 50 record labels from the Sony Music catalog. Each member may download 3 songs per week. Freegal is free in the same way that most library services are free. It is paid for and provided to you by MCDL.

Does the library provide any services to people who are unable to visit the library?

Outreach Services provides many alternatives for people who cannot visit the library. Outreach provides books, music and movies to senior communities and care facilities. For more information, visit the Outreach Services page.

How do I contact library staff with my question?

Call Medina Library at 330-725-0588.

Ask a Question online and your question will be answered by staff from MCDL libraries.

KnowItNow is an online reference service for the citizens and residents of Ohio brought to you by the State Library of Ohio and libraries throughout the state. Professional librarians are available to answer your reference questions and to assist you in finding information.

Text a Question - Text MCDL to 66746 to have staff from MCDL libraries answer your questions during library hours. You can also use the text service from KnowItNow to have your questions answered 24/7, just text knowitnow to 66746. Librarians around Ohio respond to text message questions. Your reply will be sent to your phone as soon as possible after it is received.

How do I find an article?

Access to periodical indexes and full text articles may be found by going to the CLEVNET Research Databases page and Selecting Journal & Magazine Articles or Newspaper Articles. Other databases are available on MCDL’s Online Resource s page.

How do I research a topic?

On the Online Resources page, you'll see a variety of subject areas and a listing of our databases. Most require you to enter your library card number, and many are available for use outside the library. Databases include resources and publications that are not available through a simple Google search.

To find books and other library materials on a topic, visit the Library Catalog. You will be prompted to enter your library card number and password. Enter your keywords, author, or title to begin your search. For eBooks and downloadable audiobooks, click the eMedia tab below the search box.

Does the library offer story times? For what ages?

Each library offers: Preschool, Toddler, Lapsit, and Family Story Times.

View story times on our Event Calendar.

How do I find events?

The library's Events Calendar lets you search for events of all types, such as story times, author visits, technology training and more. You can narrow your search to a specific location and a specific day.

Does the library have book sales?

For dates and locations of book sales, visit the Friends of the Library page.

How can I become a Friend of the Library?

For more information becoming a Friend, visit the Friends of the Library page.