Using NEW Vega Discover Catalog

It’s easier than ever to access over 5 million items

Vega Discover is your library’s new, enhanced catalog. Experience easy searching with format rollups and discover more of what you like with read-a-likes. Log in to place holds, add favorites, create and share custom lists, save searches, view reading history, and manage your account. Once you log in, availability at your home library will display first in the search results.

Getting Started

ACCESS Vega Catalog in the Menu or go to https://www.muld.org/catalog

SELECT “Log in to My Account” in the Vega Menu or go to https://www.muld.org/account

LOGIN with library card number and PIN

QUICK TIP: If you are at a public computer in a library, don’t forget to logout before you leave the computer.

Searching

SEARCH Marengo-Union Library District’s catalog or all libraries in the PrairieCat catalog consortium. You can now borrow materials from over 130 other libraries in Northern Illinois!

QUICK TIP: A basic search will search all libraries in PrairieCat unless you choose refine results to Marengo-Union Library District.

Refine Results

Refine a search to narrow the search results:

• Select filters from the Refine Results panel such as Format, Age Group, Language, Location (in the library), etc.
• After selecting a filter, select “Apply”
• Select Reset Filters to clear the filters
• Select the lock icon to retain those filters in your next search

Set Marengo-Union Library District as your location

Refine your results by location to only search for material at Marengo-Union Library District.

1. Open Locations dropdown
2. Select “All locations”
3. Search for Marengo in the pop-up window
4. Check the box next to “Marengo-Union Library District” and click “Confirm”
5. Make sure you click the “Apply” button at the bottom of Refine Results to apply your filter
6. If you want to lock all search results in your session hit the lock button (Optional)

Resource Page

Scroll down the page to see reading level, about the author, related resources, related people, and related topics.

My Bookshelf

To open MY BOOKSHELF, select the up arrow in the lower-right section of any page, select the tab that you want to use, OR select the Bookmark icon in the upper-right section of the page.

1. MY BOOKSHELF: Log in to view your account information, saved lists, checkouts, holds, and fees.
2. BOOKMARKS: Edit and organize your Bookmarked items into lists to save and share.
3. SAVED SEARCHES: Save search queries to My Bookshelf for later use.
4. CHECKOUTS: View items currently checked out and due dates.
5. HOLDS: View items you have on hold, if they are available for pickup, how many patrons are waiting, and your pickup location. You can also cancel or freeze holds.
6. FINES/FEES: View money owed and pay online.
7. PROFILE: View your info such as address, expiration date, etc.
8. READING HISTORY: Retains information on the titles you have checked out and returned. You may sort by checkout date, title, or author.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are already opted in to keep your reading history, once you log in to the new catalog, your reading history will sync.

Turn on Reading History

You will be prompted to opt in to Reading History under the Reading History tab. If you don’t want to opt in, click away from this tab.

To opt back out, select My Bookshelf and then select Profile. Check “Keep Reading History” box.

Renewing Items

Items may be RENEWED if your account is in good standing, there are no other holds, and you haven’t exceeded the renewal limit. See renewal details for different materials at muld.org/services.

• Log in to your ACCOUNT
• Select MY BOOKSHELF and CHECKOUTS tab
• Select the RENEW button next to the item
• You will receive a message if the renewal is successful or not
• Notice the NEW DUE DATE next to the title

QUICK TIP: Use the Phone Renewal System by calling 1-888-542-7259. To use this service you will need your library barcode number and the library barcode of the book you would like to renew.

Holds

You can place a HOLD on items from any PrairieCat library, then pick up at your home library when it is available.

• Log in to your ACCOUNT
• Search for item TITLE and select the tab of the FORMAT you want
• Select the PLACE HOLD button next to the item
• Confirm pickup location (pickup location will automatically default to your home library)
• You will see a pop-up “Request Successful” message. Then, you will be contacted as soon as your items are ready for pickup.

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New Boundless App

What is eRead Illinois and Boundless?

More than 30,000 ebook and audiobook titles are available offered through a partnership with eRead Illinois, a state-run entity operated by the Illinois State Library. eRead Illinois works with Illinois authors, libraries and publishers to expand access to ebooks and audiobooks throughout the state.

Use your Marengo-Union Library card to download eRead Illinois electronic books to your tablet, computer, or other device with the new-and-improved Boundless app.

Checkouts, Lending Periods, Holds & Renewals

• You can borrow up to 5 items at a time.
• The maximum checkout period is 14 days.
• You can return items early.
• You can have up to 5 items on hold at a time.
• You have 2 days to check out an item once it becomes available.
• You can suspend and reactivate holds as necessary.
• Items can be renewed within three days before their due date as long as no other patron has the item on hold.

Pre-Publication Titles will appear in the collection prior to the publication date. As soon as an item appears in the collection, you may place a hold on it just as you would with already published titles.

Boundless app

Download the Boundless app to your phone or tablet to read and listen on the go. The free app allows you to browse, check out and read ebooks or listen to audiobooks in a single app. Don’t forget to customize your reading preferences and display options.

To get started:

1. Download and open the Boundless app on your phone or tablet
2. If prompted, swipe through the tutorial images or tap “Skip to find your library or school now”
3. Search for Marengo-Union in the search bar and select “Marengo-Union Public Library District”
4. Enter your Library Card Number as the Library ID
5. You can now search for and check out an ebook or digital audiobook

Download now:

Need help?

If you need any additional help, call us at 815-568-8236 or stop by the circulation desk.

MULD Butterflies

The Caterpillars are here!

Watch our caterpillars transform into butterflies right here in the Library! Check back often for more updates OR stop by the Circulation Desk to see them in person.

The Big Release Day is:

Wednesday, July 19th at 10:00 a.m.

Can’t make it? Check back here for photos from the release party.

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Learn More about Caterpillars & Butterflies

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Hoopla Kids eBooks

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Hoopla eBooks

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eRead Illinois eBooks

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Books in our Catalog

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Online Resources

You will need your Marengo-Union Library Card to access these materials and resources

eRead Illinois & the Axis 360 App

What is eRead Illinois?

Use your Marengo-Union Library card to download eRead Illinois electronic books to your tablet, computer, or other device. More than 30,000 ebook and audiobook titles are available offered through a partnership with eRead Illinois, a state-run entity operated by the Illinois State Library. eRead Illinois works with Illinois authors, libraries and publishers to expand access to ebooks and audiobooks throughout the state.

Checkouts, Lending Periods, Holds & Renewals

• You can borrow up to 5 items at a time.
• The maximum checkout period is 14 days.
• You can return items early.
• You can have up to 5 items on hold at a time.
• You have 2 days to check out an item once it becomes available.
• You can suspend and reactivate holds as necessary.
• Items can be renewed within three days before their due date as long as no other patron has the item on hold.

Pre-Publication Titles will appear in the collection prior to the publication date. As soon as an item appears in the collection, you may place a hold on it just as you would with already published titles.

Axis360 app

Download the axis360 app to your phone or tablet to read and listen on the go. The free app allows you to browse, check out and read ebooks or listen to audiobooks in a single app. Don’t forget to customize your reading preferences and display options.

To get started:

1. Download and open the axis360 app on your phone or tablet
2. If prompted, wipe through the tutorial images or tap “Skip to find your library or school now”
3. Search for Marengo-Union in the search bar and select “Marengo-Union Public Library District”
4. Enter your Library Card Number as the Library ID
5. You can now search for and check out an ebook or digital audiobook

Axis360 has upgraded to the Boundless App. Download the Boundless App:

Need help?

If you need any additional help, call us at 815-568-8236 or stop by the circulation desk.

Summer Reading Program 2023

Step Right Up and Read: June 5th through July 31st.

Come one, come all to this year’s Summer Reading Program. Grab your whole family and get ready! The Marengo-Union Library District invites everyone ages 1-100, to Step Right Up and Read. Easily keep track of your progress by visiting muldreads.readsquared.com. Don’t want to complete a virtual log? Stop in to pick up a paper log at the Front Desk OR PRINT ONE HERE .

To complete the program, participants will need to earn 1,000 points. Points can be earned by completing activities, which vary by program, and reading each week over an 8 week period. Kids (and adults who are kids at heart) will enjoy adding circus characters to the back wall as they progress in their reading each week. Once you’ve reached the half-way point (500 points), you will receive a book and when you have completed the program you will win a prize!

We will also offer all kinds of in-person activities. Each week, we will feature a new carnival game for you to test your luck with. Be sure to also take a look at the program guide for more upcoming events!

Looking for something to read, watch or listen to while you complete the program? The Library offers a variety of digital resources such as Hoopla, Overdrive (Libby App), Inkie.org Library and eRead Illinois (coming July 2023). You have until July 31st to complete the program!

To register for the program:

New Users:
• Visit muldreads.readsquared.com
• Click “Register” in the top right corner
• You can register as an individual or as a family
• Fill out the form to complete registration

Returning Users:
• Login to your account at muldreads.readsquared.com
• Select “Add Reader or Program” from the drop down menu
under “Account” in the top right corner
• Click the “Add Reader or Program” button
• Fill out the form to complete registration

To log reading:

• Access your account through muldreads.readsquared.com
• Select “Log Reading”, fill out the form and click “Submit”
• Select “Missions” to complete Summer Reading activities
• Switch “Reader Accounts” to log books for other readers

Marengo-Union Library District Summer Reading Program Preview

Thank you to our sponsors:

Friends of the Marengo-Union Library District, Benassi Family Dentistry, Brookfield Zoo, Classic Cinemas (Woodstock), Conlon Thompson Orthodontics, Culvers (Huntley), Illinois Railway Museum, Kane County Cougars, Kuipers’ Family Farm, Museum of Science and Industry, and Ryan Homes.

Important Dates

Pre-registration Open………………………………..…..………May 25
First day to record Summer Reading Logs………………………June 5
Mr. Steve’s Summer Reading Kickoff…………………..June 5
Andertoons: Under the Bigtop…………………………….June 21
Essential PT Barnum………………………………………….June 28
Balloon Twister………………………………………………….July 26
Last day to record Summer Reading Logs………………………July 31
Prize Winners Announced……………………………………August 11

Art of the Land

Art of the Land photo contest is on display in the library.

Through the month of March the Library is hosting the Art of the Land photo contest from the Land Conservancy of McHenry County. Stop by to see the best of the beautiful landscapes that our county has to offer!

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Congratulations to the first place winner: 

“The judges liked that seeing this photo made them want to go for a walk in Ryders Woods. The pathway leads you back, beautiful detail and the photo is mysterious without being spooky.” – the Land Conservancy of McHenry County

Congratulations!

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Important Voter Information

Be a voter in the 2022 election.

If you are not sure if you are registered to vote, you can check HERE.

You can still register to vote in person until Election Day, November 8th. “Grace period” registration is only available IN PERSON at authorized sites.

Register To Vote In Person:

Office of McHenry County Clerk
McHenry County Administration Building
667 Ware Road, Suite 107
Woodstock, IL 60098

Important Voter Links:

• McHenry County Voter Registration Information
• McHenry County Voter Information
• Early Voting Locations and Hours
• Polling Places by Precinct
• List of Candidates

If you have any other questions, we will do our best to help. Stop in or call us at 815-568-8236.

Bluestem Reading Challenge

Announcing the 2023 Winners

Check out the Bluestem Awards winners. Compare the Illinois schools and libraries (left) favorites vs. the Marengo-Union Library favorites.

November 2022-March 2023

Get ready to vote for your favorite Bluestem nominee. Pick up a list of Bluestem Award nominees in the library or browse the links below. You have until the end of March to see how many you can read. When you have chosen a favorite, cast your ballot at the circulation desk. We will announce the Marengo-Union Bluestem favorite on March 4th.

2023 Illinois Bluestem Award Master List

These books are designed for children in grades 3-6 and have been recognized for their excellence. Be sure to vote for your favorite. Please have your Marengo-Union Library Card ready to borrow the items below.

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