How do I…?

Get a Library Card

Anyone who is 3 years old or older who lives within Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District can get a library card. Children under the age of 14 will need a parent or legal guardian to sign for their card. Present photo ID and proof of your current address at the Circulation Desk. A current driver’s license, state ID, or school ID are acceptable forms of ID. If your ID doesn’t have your current address on it, please bring one of the following items to verify your address:
  • Utility bill
  • Closing papers or rental agreement
  • Bank statement
  • Credit Card statement
If you are getting your first Manhattan-Elwood Public Library Card, you can apply for one here: Application Form Library cards expire after three years but are easily renewed at the Circulation Desk. You can use your Manhattan-Elwood Public Library card at other libraries in the PrairieCat system and across Illinois. Please report a lost, missing, or stolen card to the library immediately. If someone else uses your card, you could be responsible for checked out items unless the card was cancelled.

Renew My Library Card

Library cards expire after three years but are easily renewed at the Circulation Desk. Residency must be verified in order to renew a card. Library cards can be renewed in one of three ways:
  • Apply for an online renewal here: Renewal Form
  • Bring your library card and proof of address to the front desk.
  • Download the Prairiecat Mobile app and renew your card through the Library Card Signup tab.
Cards will be renewed for three years if we are able to confirm your address. If we are unable to verify your residence, you will be issued a temporary renewal in order to give you time to present proof of address.

Reserve an Item

To place a hold, go to the PrairieCat online catalog and follow these steps:
  1. Use the search bar to find the item you want.
  2. Click the “Request It” option. This option can be found next to the item on the search results page or at the top of the items page.
  3. Enter your library card number and PIN number. Your PIN is the last four digits of your library card number, provided you have not changed it.
  4. Use the dropdown menu to select where you would like to pick up your item from.
  5. Click submit.
You can also follow along with the instructions on the catalog’s FAQ page. When the library receives your reserved items, staff will notify you. You will be notified by phone or email, based on your preference chosen in your library account, when the library receives your item. If you would like to change your notice preference, please contact the library. Items are held at the front desk for you for five days. You may only pick up holds for other family members if you have their library card. You can request items not owned by a PrairieCat library through a service called Interlibrary Loan. This service is only used for items that you cannot find in the PrairieCat Online Catalog. In order to request an item, please call or come in to the library, or click here. We do not charge a fee for items not picked up, but we do charge a $3 postage fee for out of state items. Interlibrary loan material (items we have borrowed from distant or out-of-system libraries for you) cannot be renewed through the catalog. These items will not show up on your account. You must request a renewal of interlibrary loan items by calling 815-478-3987. You will be charged $1.00 per item for each interlibrary loan you do not pick up. Overdue interlibrary loans are $1.00 per day.

Access My Account Online

  1. Click “Account Login” located at the top of the screen.
  2. Enter your library card number and PIN number and click submit. Your pin number is the last four digits of your library card number provided you have not changed it.
  3. Click your name at the top right corner of the screen to check your account. Through this page you can check which items you checked out, their due dates, and any holds you have placed. You can also renew items and cancel any holds.
You can also access this information via the Prairiecat Mobile app by logging in with your library card number.

Renew an Item

  1. Click “Account Login” located at the top right corner of the screen.
  2. Enter your library card number and PIN number and click submit. Your pin number is the last four digits of your library card number provided you have not changed it.
  3. Click your name at the top right corner of the screen to check your account. Through this page you can check which items you checked out, their due dates, and any holds you have placed. You can also renew items and cancel any holds.
  4. Click “Checkouts” located in the left sidebar.
  5. Check the box next to the item you would like to renew.
  6. Click “Renew Marked” located above your list of checked out materials.
  7. Click “Yes” to confirm your renewal.
You can also follow along with the instructions on the catalog’s FAQ page. For 24-hour telephone renewal, call our automated renewal number at (888) 542-7259. You must have your library barcode number and barcode numbers found on the items you wish to renew. You can also renew items with the Prairiecat Mobile app. NOTE: Interlibrary loan material (items we have borrowed from distant or out-of-system libraries for you) cannot be renewed through the catalog. You must request a renewal of interlibrary loan items by calling 815-478-3987. NOTE: Interlibrary loan material (items we have borrowed from distant or out-of-system libraries for you) cannot be renewed through the catalog. You must request a renewal of interlibrary loan items by calling 815-478-3987.

Pay Fines

To pay by credit card online:
  1. Click on “Account Login” at the top right of the screen on the mpld.org website.
  2. Enter your library card number and pin number. The pin number is usually the last four digits of your library card number unless you changed it.
  3. Click on Fines/Fees on the left side of the screen.
  4. Follow the directions to pay with credit card.
This can also be done in the Prairiecat Mobile app. The library has gone fine free! Most of our materials do not accrue late fees, with some exceptions. For full details, see our Fine Free FAQ page.

See Checkout Limits

The you can view when your materials are due back by logging into your online account, using the Prairiecat Mobile app, or by viewing your receipt from checkout. Material checkout rules:
Materials Loan Period Renewals (if no one waiting) Item Limit Overdue Charges
Books 2 weeks 3 renewals No limit None
DVDs & Blu-Rays 1 week 1 renewal No limit None
DVDs (TV Series) 2 weeks 1 renewal No limit None
CDs (Music or Audio) 2 weeks 3 renewals No limit None
Periodicals 1 week 1 renewal No limit None
Video Games 1 week 1 renewal (none if new) 5 $1/day
Hotspots 2 weeks No renewals One per household $1/day
Kits 4 weeks 1 renewal No limit $1/day
Out of System Library Loans Depends on item type and owning library rules Depends on item type and owning library rules No limit $1/day DVDs | $0.25/day books

Pay for a Damaged or Lost Material

Item replacement fees can be paid using the same methods as late fees, but the amount must be paid in full. Upon payment, you will receive the damaged copy to keep. Some costs may be waived at the library’s discretion. We cannot accept replacement copies procured by patrons. Please do not attempt to repair the damage yourself. The library has special supplies and equipment for repairing damage, and attempted repairs by patrons can often make the damage more severe. Minor damages and wear & tear do not typically necessitate replacement fees. Fees for MISSING, DAMAGED, or LOST ITEMS:
  • Magazine Replacement – $10.00
  • Damaged or Lost Item – Cost of item + $5.00 processing fee

Download eBooks

You can also access these apps on your desktop via the eLibrary tab. Hoopla Digital Instantly borrow digital movies, music, eBooks and more 24/7 with your library card. You can borrow up to 4 titles each month.
  1. Download the Hoopla Digital app from your app store.
  2. Sign up with your library card (enter it without spaces) and create an account. Once your account is set up, you’ll sign in with the email address and password you created.
  3. Search for Audiobooks, eBooks, Comics, Music, Movies, and TV. Then borrow a title by clicking on the title’s icon and clicking Borrow.
  4. Stream the item or download it to your device to hear, read, or watch it. You’ll need to download it if you plan on using your item without Wi-Fi.
  5. Open and enjoy!
Libby Borrow ebooks & audiobooks free from our library. Borrow up to 5 titles at a time.
  1. Download the Libby app from your app store.
  2. Swipe from left to right to open the Home Menu and tap “Add a Library.” Search “Manhattan” and tap “Manhattan-Elwood Public Library.” Tap the star to save as your favorite, and then tap the library’s name again to start browsing.
  3. Login to the library’s Libby website on your device using your library card number and your pin number. Your pin number is the last 4 digits of your library card number provided you have not changed it.
  4. Browse our collection and add a book to your bookshelf. Download the ePub format for eBooks and the MP3 format for audiobooks. They should automatically download to your Libby bookshelf.
  5. Open and enjoy!

Register for an Event

To register for one of our events, visit the events calendar by clicking the events tab on our website. You can also inquire in-person or over the phone at 815-478-3987.

Do Research Online

The library has a wide variety of digital learning resources, from car repair, to database research, to language learning, and more! Click on our eLibrary tab to view our full list of resources, free with your library card. Inquire at the Circulation Desk for assistance accessing these resources.

Book the Meeting Room

The meeting room can be booked by calling the library at 815-478-3987. It is available for use by civic, educational, and cultural groups within the Library’s jurisdiction. Library activities and programs will have priority when requests for the room are made. Permission to use the meeting room will not be granted for personal use by individuals or profitable businesses. A non-library authorized program does not constitute points of view expressed by participants in the program. Regulations:
  1. Applications from organizations for the use of the meeting room are to be made 2 weeks prior to requested date. Requests will be granted by the Library Director in the order in which they are received. The Library Director reserves the right to review, accept, or deny any or all applications without reason given.
  2. Person submitting application will be responsible for meeting room regulations as specified. Applicant will be responsible for discipline and reasonable care of the room and furnishings and will pay for any damage(s) incurred.
  3. The meeting room will be available ONLY during regular library hours. Room must be vacated at least 15 minutes prior to closing.
  4. Only light refreshments may be served, such as desserts, coffee, tea, or cold drinks, which must be served in disposable dishes. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed.
  5. The library is not responsible for equipment, supplies, or other items owned by a group or individual and used in the library. All items used during reserved time must be removed from the library at the conclusion of the program.
  6. The room is to be left in an orderly condition, with all garbage and clutter caused by activities being removed. The Library reserves the right to charge a fee if special janitorial services are required.
  7. All programs must be open to the public.
  8. Groups of high school age and under must be sponsored and their meeting attended by an adult.
  9. Any person or group not complying with any of the above regulations will forfeit any further use of the library building facilities.
  10. No smoking is allowed in any area of the library.

Donate to the Library

You can support the Manhattan-Elwood Public Library by making a tax deductible donation by cash or check. Supporting your library is a wonderful way to keep your money local and help us enhance our collection and the services we provide to your family, neighbors, and community. Monetary donations can be brought to the library or mailed to: Manhattan-Elwood Public Library PO Box 53 Manhattan, IL 60442 We also welcome donations of gently used books and audiovisual materials. The library will review all material donated and determine whether it should be added to the collection, used in the ongoing Book Sale, or discarded. MATERIAL DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED AT THE MANHATTAN BRANCH ONLY. We welcome the following items in GOOD condition and less than 10 years old:
  • Recent and popular fiction and non-fiction books
  • Music CDs
  • DVDs
  • Audio Books on CD
  • Paperbacks in “like new” condition
Due to space limitations, we cannot take:
  • Magazines
  • Textbooks
  • Reader’s Digest Condensed Books
  • Dated books, particularly computer, medical books, and legal books
  • Water-damaged or mildewed books
  • Books that have a strong odor, particularly smoke and perfume odors
  • Books with missing covers
  • Pamphlets
  • VHS Videos
  • Encyclopedia sets
  • Cassette Tapes

Use a Smart Locker

The Library now offers smart lockers for 24/7 pickup! The smart lockers are located on the east side of the library near the children’s section entrance. You will be able to access the lockers 24/7. When utilizing the locker system, patrons will receive an additional two days on all checkouts. Once registered and activated, you will be notified by text or email when your items are available for pickup. You will be sent a unique identification code in which you will enter into the locker tablet, and the locker with your items will open. Registration is required to begin using the smart lockers. You can also view our dedicated page about the smart lockers for more information.