Locations

Library Cards

Mid-Continent Public Library currently offers four types of library cards for our customers:

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  • Virtual Card
  • MCPL Library Card
  • Research Card
  • Out-of-District Card
  • Misplaced Cards
  • Student Cards

If you are the parent or guardian of a new library cardholder, please know that the Library does not monitor what is checked out with any library card. We respect your right to make decisions for your child, and if you prefer to limit their access to certain materials, you may cancel their library card and check out items for them on your own library card.

This statement is required by 15 CRS 30-200.015 Missouri State Regulations. We appreciate your support and hope you and your child enjoy all our library offers! 

Virtual Card (eCard)

Eligibility

  • If you live in MCPL's service area (Jackson, Clay, and Platte Counties in Missouri) or a library district with which MCPL has a reciprocal agreement (see the list of reciprocal libraries under MCPL Library Card).

Privileges

  • Full access to MCPL's online resources.
  • Virtual cards do not expire (though library cards are removed from the system after a long period of inactivity).
  • You can place two items on hold in our online catalog.
    • To pick up holds placed by a virtual card, a photo ID is required, and the virtual card will convert to full privileges.

Register online

MCPL Library Card

Eligibility

Privileges

  • You are allowed up to 200 items checked out and 400 items on hold at any time.
  • Full access to MCPL's online resources.
  • MCPL Library cards do not expire (though library cards are removed from the system after a long period of inactivity).
  • New card restrictions*: 4 items checked out, 10 items on hold.
    • *These restrictions will be removed once MCPL has verified your address. MCPL verifies your address by mailing you a notice. Your limited privileges will convert to full privileges 2 weeks after your registration date, assuming we have not received your mailed notice back from the Post Office as undeliverable.

Visit any of our locations to apply for an MCPL Library card.

Research Card

Eligibility

  • You must be a U.S. resident living outside of the MCPL service area.
  • You must be present at the Midwest Genealogy Center to register.
  • There is a fee of $35.00 (as of July 2021), and the card is valid for six months.*

Privileges

  • You are allowed up to 200 items checked out and 400 items on hold at any time.
  • Full access to MCPL's online resources.

Visit the Midwest Genealogy Center to apply for a Research Card.

*Research cards cannot be renewed. You may apply for a new card after your current card expires.

Out-of-District Card

Eligibility

  • You must be a Missouri or Kansas resident living outside of the MCPL service area.
  • You must be present to register for an Out-of-District card.
  • There is a fee of $70.00 (as of July 2021), and card is valid for one year.*

Privileges

  • You are allowed up to 200 items checked out and 400 items on hold at any time.
  • Full access to MCPL's online resources.

Visit any of our locations to apply for an Out-of-District Card.

*Out-of-District Card Renewal

Cards about to expire or expired can be renewed in person or by phone, email, or mail. You will be charged a fee of $70.00 (as of July 2021) when renewing.

  • To renew in person
  • To renew by phone
    • Please call 816.836.5200.
  • To renew by email
    • Please send the following information to Elizabeth Nelson (ENelson@mymcpl.org):
      • Name (First, Middle, and Last)
      • Street Address
      • City, State, and Zip Code
      • Telephone Number
      • Date of Birth
      • Library Card Number
    • You will receive instructions to pay the $70.00 fee with a debit or credit card when we receive your renewal request.
  • To renew by mail
    • Please send the following information to Mid-Continent Public Library, Attn: Elizabeth Nelson
      15616 E. 24 Hwy., Independence, MO 64050:
      • Name (First, Middle, and Last)
      • Street Address
      • City, State, and Zip Code
      • Telephone Number
      • Date of Birth
      • Library Card Number
    • Please include a $70.00 check payable to Mid-Continent Public Library when renewing by mail.

If you do not reside in Missouri or Kansas and acquired an Out-of-District card prior to May 2010, you have been allowed to continue using your card even though we no longer allow new registrations for residents outside Missouri and Kansas. When your card has been expired for more than 30 days, the card will be removed from the system. You will no longer be eligible for an Out-of-District card once the account has been expunged.

Student Library Card

At participating school districts, students have access to amazing resources 24/7 simply by using their student ID number. Students of all ages have free access to research materials and online resources to help with homework, school projects, and test preparation for Advanced Placement, ACT, and SAT tests. With an MCPL Library card, students will be able to access resources recommended by teachers in class or at home.

Learn more

What if I misplace my library card?

If you need to replace a lost Library card, you may visit any open branch to get a replacement card. A $.50 fee will be charged, and all three cards will be replaced. Please note, you are responsible for any materials checked out before the card was lost or stolen and for all materials if the card is not reported as lost or stolen.

To get your library card number emailed to you, please complete the Library Card Lookup form. You may also contact any branch within regular business hours or email your name, current address, phone number, email address, and date of birth to info@mymcpl.org and a Library staff member will assist you within 24 hours, when possible.

You can find more information on Library accounts and services on our main FAQ page. If you have any questions, please let us know at info@mymcpl.org.

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