Library cards are available free of charge when an Online Borrower Registration Form is filled out, then verified in person with the required documentation. A parent or legal guardian must verify the account of a juvenile cardholder, 17 years or younger. To get a library card:
- Fill out and submit the Online Borrower Registration Form
- Upon submission of this form, you will receive a temporary barcode. Please make note of this barcode, then:
- Visit any McAllen Public Library (MPL) location and present your temporary barcode. Account verification requires that you also present both:
- Your government-issued photo ID (U.S., Canada, or Mexico), and
- Proof of your current U.S. mailing address (such as a utility bill, mailed envelope, or rental agreement dated within the last 30 days).
A photo will be taken of the account holder at the time of registration- library cards are non-transferable, and only the account holder pictured may use the card. Either your library card or Texas ID is required for all transactions concerning library books and materials. Each registered borrower assumes full responsibility for the materials and fines charged to the card.
Library cards are valid for one year from sign-up date. If a library card is expired, it will prevent checkout or renewal of items. In order to renew the library card, patrons must:
- Provide government-issued photo ID and
- Proof of current U.S. mailing address (such as a utility bill, mailed envelope, or rental agreement within the last 30 days).
- Once both verified, library card will be valid for one year from renewal date.
Access Your Personal Library Account
Click “My Account” to access your personal library account.
- Login: Enter your Library ID (6-digit number starting with "P") and your PIN.
- Forgot PIN?: Visit the Circulation Desk at any MPL branch to set a new 4-digit PIN.
Manage Your Account
- Review Items: Check current checkouts, overdue items, lost items, and outstanding fines. (Fines are posted when items are returned or renewed.)
- Renew Items: You may renew items as long as they are not overdue or on hold for someone else.
- Manage Holds: Check the status of your holds and cancel those you no longer need.
You may place a hold on an item free of charge by logging into your account through the Online Catalog and locating the item through the catalog’s search engine. You may have up to 10 items on hold at a time.
- Select the library location (Lark, Main, or Palm View) where you want the item sent.
- You will be notified by text message or email when the item is available for pick-up.
If you need help with our hold services, please contact the library location where you intend to pick up the item.
Lark: 956-681-3010 │ Main: 956-681-3020 │ Palm View: 956-681-3110
Items checked out from any MPL location may be returned to any MPL location. If, for instance, you checked out a book at Palm View Branch Library, you are free to return it at Main Library or Lark Branch Library, whichever location is most convenient for you.
There is a book drop accessible from the exterior of all MPL locations.
When will my item automatically renew?
The system will attempt to renew your borrowed items on the due date. If unsuccessful, you will continue to receive notices about due dates or overdue status, and you may try to renew again any time before you return the item.
How will I know if my item was renewed?
You can check your due dates:
- Via your courtesy notices
- Via your online account
- Via the library's mobile app (Apple │ Android)
- By calling 956-681-3020 during library hours
- At the Circulation Desk in any MPL location
If renewed, the new due date is based on the original due date (e.g., a movie due January 1 will renew to January 7).
Can I try to renew my ineligible items after an unsuccessful attempt?
Yes. The system will retry on the due date. If another customer's hold prevented renewal and the hold is cancelled or filled, you can manually renew later.
Why didn’t my items renew?
Items won’t be renewed if:
- Another customer has requested it
- The item reached its maximum number of renewals (up to 10 times for most items*)
- Your account is blocked due to billed items or fines of $3 or more
- The item is a digital item, such as an eBook or audiobook
*Learning and Lit kits are not eligible for renewals.
Can I renew my items early?
Yes.
Can I opt out of the auto-renewal feature?
No. You can return items at any time if you don't wish to keep them longer.
What will the library do to encourage others to return items?
MPL requires timely returns in good condition to benefit the community. Items 30 days overdue will incur a replacement cost, blocking checkouts and renewals until resolved. Customers are responsible for lost or damaged items.
What are the benefits of this feature?
This feature will save you time and give you peace of mind. You will no longer receive a bill for items that are eligible for renewal. Automatically renewing two days before the original due date ensures you will have time to return items ineligible for renewal before they are overdue.