Get a Library Card / Circulation Policies

Adults need a valid photo ID and proof of current mailing address.  Children must be at least 5 years old to get a library card. Children (ages 12 and younger) applying for a library card should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

You need a current photo ID with current address OR two forms of identification which together show a current photo and current address. Frequently used types of identification include current driver's license, sheriff's identification, school ID, automobile registration, bus pass or a piece of mail.

There are 2 ways to get started: 

  1. Stop in the library with the identification mentioned above to obtain your library card.
  2. Start the application process online. Patrons who are at least 13 years old can begin their library card application online. When you register online, you will receive a temporary barcode number that you can use to request materials. Then come into any library and verify your current address with a photo ID to receive your permanent library card. After you have your permanent card you will be able to check out items and use online resources.

Using the Library:

Checking Out Materials

Must have your library card or picture ID to check items out

Limits:

  • Maximum of 100 items can be on a card at one time
  • eBooks & Digital Downloads: 10 items from Libby and 6 items a month from Hoopla
  • Reference materials and newspapers do not circulate.

Loaning Periods

  • Books, audiobooks, music and magazines are loanable for 3 weeks
    • Rapid Read books can be checked out for 1 week with 1 automatic renewal.  They must be returned to MFL
  • DVDs/Blu-rays are loanable for 1 week
    • Quick Flicks are loanable for 7 days with no renewals and must also be returned to MFL
    • TV series seasons are loanable for 3 weeks
  • Automatic Renewals - All MFL items are allowed 2 automatic renewals - These renewals are granted 3 days before the item is due and the renewal will only go through if the item has not been requested by another patron. You can check the item renewal status through your account or by calling the library.
    *If you would like to receive email notifications about renewal due dates please ask a library staff member.

    PLEASE NOTE: If you are borrowing an item from another library in Onondaga County, it may not have automatic renewals. Please contact the owning library to inquire about automatic renewals.

Placing Holds

You can request items to be reserved for you

  • When placing a hold, you have the option of which library you would like to pick it up.
  • Once your request has come in and you are notified via email, phone or mobile text, you will have 7 days to pick up the item
  • You are allowed up to 50 hold requests at one time
  • Interlibrary Loan (ILL): If what you want is not available within the OCPL system, contact the library to put in a request for an ILL. Click here for more information about requesting ILLs.

Returning Materials

  • Items can be returned to any other Onondaga County Public Library
    • Rapid Reads books and Quick Flicks must be returned to MFL
    • Playaways must be returned to MFL’s front desk

Fine Policy

  • There are no late fees for returned items.
  • Replacement fees for MFL's lost or damaged items still apply.
    • Items must be returned in good condition. The patron's library account will be charged replacement costs for the item including, but not limited to: water damage, food/drink stains, rips/tears, writing/drawing. See library staff for assistance with replacing damaged items. 
  • NOTE: Materials that are 30 days overdue are assumed lost and the replacement cost will be charged to the patron's library account. 
    • The patron will be prohibited from borrowing library materials if there is $10 or more in charges on their library card. 
  • Paying Fines:
    • You can pay fines at any Onondaga County Public Library – MFL accepts cash or checks payable to Marcellus Free Library
    • If you have fines of $3 or more, you can pay online by logging into your account using a credit card or Paypal.

Note: Circulation and fine policies vary among OCPL. Check your receipt for due dates.