The safety of patrons and staff is  still our number one priority. Our guidelines as of March 2022 are as follows:

• Masks are recommended in the Library.
• Masks are required during programs for visitors over the age of 2.

Uncomfortable about entering the library? We offer Curbside Delivery and Homebound Delivery (for eligible patrons).

Available Services:

• All Computers are available for public use. One hour per day limit.
• Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the building, and in the parking lot all day and after hours, including Sundays.
• Catalog computers.
• Printing, photocopying, and faxing.
• Water Fountain and all public restrooms.
• Newspapers and Magazines
• Curbside pickup (please call for assistance).
• Virtual programming and online events.
• InterLibrary Loans.
• Downloadable ebooks, audiobooks, and other digital library resources.
• Book sale room is open.
• Public seating fully opened
• Study rooms and meeting room available for public use
• Children’s iPads and AWE station available

Please call with your questions at (815) 568-8236

Covid-19 cases in McHenry County have a LOW transmission rate. Library guidelines are continuously being evaluated by the Board of Trustees and Library Director. Please keep an eye out for updates on our website and social media channels.

If you live in our service area, you may get a library card free of charge, as part of your tax-supported library service.

Your library card allows you to:

• Borrow books and other circulating library material from Marengo-Union Library District and most other public libraries in Illinois.
• Gain access to digital content, such as: ebooks, audiobooks, music, movies, on-demand streaming and more.
• Access our research and learning databases.
• Check out items in our Library of Things collection, including Mobile Hotspots, Roku Box, Blu-Ray Player and more.
• Use our public computers.

Adults (age 19 and over) must register in person for a Library card and provide proof of residence within the Library District. Bring two forms of current identification. At least one of which must be a photo ID.

Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Driver’s License
• Non-driving state ID card
• Corporate issued ID card
• Passport
• Naturalization certificate
• Armed forces ID
• Government issued ID with photo (example: prison issued)
• Mortgage statement
• Rental lease
• Property deed
• Voter registration card
• Home insurance policy
• Vehicle insurance policy or card
• Credit/debit card with photo
• Mail postmarked within 30 days
• Current telephone, gas, electric, or cable bill, or other service provider billing statement

Youth between the ages of 4 and 18 qualify for a library card. A parent or legal guardian must be present when a library card is issued to sign as the responsible party.

The parent or guardian assumes responsibility for all charges incurred through use of their child’s card, as well as the content of material the child checks out.

Not a Resident?

For those outside of our service area, there is a $125 yearly fee which covers all members in your household.

Non-resident children may be eligible for a Library card free of charge thanks to the sponsorship by Cards for Kids Act.

Library cards must be renewed every two years. Renew in person at the Circulation Desk. Please bring your library card, current photo ID/proof of address.

There is a $2.00 fee for replacement cards. Replace in person at the Circulation desk. Please bring two forms of current identification. At least one of which must bear your full name and address.

If your card is lost or stolen, please report it immediately by calling 815-568-8236.

If you have any issues using your card, please call 815-568-8236 for help.

1. Go to Catalog >  My Account

2. Enter login credentials – your Library Card Number and your Password (Last 4 digits of your library card number).

It’s that simple!

You may renew any library item in person, by phone, or online as long as there are no holds on the item and your account is in good standing (no overdue items or fines). To renew online:

• Go to your account.
• Enter login credentials – your library card number and your password (last 4 digits of your library card number).
• Click on Checkouts.
• Click the box next to each item you want to renew.
• Click Renew Marked.
• Click Yes when asked if you want to proceed.
• Notice the New Due Date next to the title.

InterLibrary Loan renewals borrowed outside of the Encore Catalog System must be requested through our Circulation Manager, call us at 815-568-8236 to place your request.

Holds may be placed on an item in person, by phone, or online. To place a hold online:

• Go to your account.
• Enter login credentials – library card number and your password (your last name).
• Find the item in the catalog that you wish to place a hold on.
• Click on Request it at the top-right.
• If you wish to pick up the item from another library, choose a different pickup location.
• Submit your request. You will be contacted when your item is ready for pickup.

For quicker service call 815-568-8236 to request items needed immediately. 

Receive email notifications by sharing your email address with us. A staff member will be happy to help update your account information.

You can also join our e-newsletter mailing list for monthly updates about the Library. Join now!

Friends of the Library Bookstore donations

Donations of gently used books for used book sales may be dropped off at the library’s Circulation Desk with advanced notice. The Library accepts adult and children’s books in good condition, as well as audiobooks, DVDs, music CDs, and video games.

Sorry, we cannot accept damaged, outdated or items with missing pieces. We also cannot accept encyclopedia sets, magazines, textbooks, cassette tapes or VHS tapes.

A maximum of 2 boxes can be accepted at one time. Receipts for donations can be obtained at the Circulation Desk.

Giving Tree

Purchase a commemorative leaf on the giving tree. There are four levels of giving: $50, $200, $250, and $500. Each leaf is laser engraved with a maximum of 2 lines with 15 characters each.

See Friends of the Library for Fundraising events.

We are happy to help. Call us at 815-568-8236 or contact us about your question.