Library FAQs

The most commonly asked library related questions and their answers!

Library Questions

How do I sign up for a library card?

In order to sign up for a library card, you will need to fill out an MCPL card application. You can find the printable form here, but it will need to be returned in person to have a card issued.

You will also need a photo ID, and if the address you currently live at is different than the one on your ID, we will need proof of current address as well (a piece of mail, a bill, or a signed lease).

If you are unable to find proof of address, we are able to issue temporary cards until it is verified.

If you are a card collector or visiting from outside of the participating Partner's Sharing Group libraries, we are only able to issue cards with temporary status.

How old do you have to be to get a library card?

In order to receive a library card, you must be at least six years old or older. Children aged 13-17 should bring a photo or school ID as verification. Children under 13 are required to have a parent's or guardian's signature in order to receive a library card.

Family cards are available for younger patrons and their parents. A photo ID from an adult and proof of address are required for a family card.

What is the check-out limit?

Newly registered MCPL users are on a three-month-long probationary borrowing limit of four items per person on the card. Once the probationary period is over, you will be able to borrow an unlimited number of items.

What is my PIN and where do I find it?

The PIN number for your library card is required to place holds online from other libraries or to connect to Libby. Upon being issued a card you should have been given a four digit code, or your PIN.

If you are unable to locate your PIN you can call the Miles City Public Library and a staff member will give it to you. The PIN can be changed at any point on the Montana State Library website.

How do I change my PIN?

Your PIN can be changed at any point on the Montana State Library website.

How do I know what I have checked out and when they are due?

The Montana State Library website allows you to see your library activity and upcoming due dates upon registration. If you allow for text messages, you will be sent reminders via text about overdue items.

All books are due four weeks after the date those items were borrowed. DVDs, CDs, electronic devices, and games are due after two weeks. Anything checked out from the Library of Things must be returned after seven days.

You can locate the due date on the due date slip on the inside cover of your borrowed book.

If you are still unsure about the due date, you can always call the Miles City Public Library or email a librarian for assistance.

We do not currently charge for overdue items as long as they are returned in their original condition.

What happens if I lose or damage a library item?

Lost or damaged items should be reported to a staff member. The cost of the replacement for the item(s) is the fee for the lost or damaged item(s). Cash or checks may be used to pay these fines. We also accept replacement copies of the lost or damaged item(s) in leiu of money.

If you have a lost or damaged item that you are unable to replace please contact the Miles City Public Library about your circumstance.

After an extended period with no payment or patron contact, your account will be blocked. A blocked account will not be able to check out physical items in the library or the Partner's Sharing Group. A blocked account will also not be able to be used for Libby and Overdrive.

What should I do if I believe I already returned a library item?

If you believe you have already turned in an item that you are still getting reminders for, please contact the Miles City Public Library as soon as possible.

What do I do if I can't find the item I'm looking for at the MCPL?

The Miles City Public Library is included in the Montana State Library's Partner's Sharing Group. You can search this catalog of over 400,000 different titles from other Montana libraries. If you are still unable to find what you need, ask a librarian for assistance.

My card is blocked. What happened?

If your card is blocked then it is unable to be used to check out physical items or connect to virtual libraries like Libby.

Cards can be blocked for a few reasons, one of them being lack of use. After two years of inactivity, your account will be removed from the library system. Cards can also be blocked due to prolonged unpaid damages or lost materials.

Does the library accept donations?

We are always grateful for the generosity of the community that has and will continue to support our mission in information accessibility for southeastern Montanans. By using your free library card you are already supporting your local library with every check out! If you are wanting to give back another way, there are plenty of ways to do so.

We are more than happy to accept donations of books, movies, CDs, and audiobooks. All proceeds earned from the book sale table go directly back into the library.

Read here to find other ways to give.

Partner's Sharing Group Questions

What is the Partner's Sharing Group?

The Partner's Sharing Group is a collective shared catalog of Montana libraries with over 400,000 individual items. If the Miles City Public Library doesn't have what you need, you can check the Partner's Sharing Group catalog here. Once a hold is placed on an item from another library, it is sent to us to be dispersed to the patron with the next hold.

Holds from the partner's catalog are available to all patrons after the initial three-month probationary period.

Holds can be placed online with a library card or by a librarian over the phone and in person.

Where do I locate the Partner's Sharing Group catalog?

You can click here to see the catalog!

How long do items from the Partner's Sharing Group take to arrive?

The wait time for each item depends on the available copies, the number of holds on the item, and the distance of the available item. It may take many weeks for a popular item to come in or only days for less popular or widely available items.

What do I do if I placed a hold from another library and can't pick it up?

If you know you will not be able to retrieve a hold in time, please contact the Miles City Public Library so the item(s) can be sent back to the libraries they are housed in.

What happens if I forgot to pick up a hold?

It's important to contact a library staff member if you are unable to pick up a hold. The Miles City Public Library can house holds for eight days. After that period, the hold will be returned to its original library or to the next available holder.

Patrons who continually place items on hold and neglect to pick them up may have their holding privileges revoked for thirty days. Patrons will be notified before their privileges are suspended.

Why can't I place a hold from the Partner's Sharing Group?

If your card is blocked, then it is unable to be used to check out Partner's Sharing Group items.

Cards can be blocked for a few reasons, one of them being a lack of use. After two years of inactivity, your account will be removed from the library system. Cards can also be blocked due to prolonged unpaid damages or lost materials.

If you did not pick up holds you placed repeatedly, you may have had Partner's Sharing Group privileges suspended. Please see our policy here for further info.

Miles City Questions

Where can I register to vote?

You can register to vote with the Custer County Courthouse Election Administration. Click here to get a registration form to sign up to vote.

Which voting district am I in?

See the map here to find your voting district.

Where do I get a license, birth certificate, or state ID?

You can obtain any forms of identification from the Custer County Courthouse MDV office. The courthouse is located across the street from the Miles City Public Library.

Where can I get a document notarized?

The Miles City Public Library is currently unable to notarize documents. The Custer County Courthouse Clerk and Recorder or Treasury offices will be able to notarize a document.

Where is the courthouse/city hall located?

Miles City City Hall is located at 17 S 8th St.

The Custer County Courthouse is located across the street from the Miles City Public Library entrance at 1010 Main St.

Technology Questions

How do I open the internet?

Locate and click on your web browser icon. (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)

Wait for the browser to load.

Type a search prompt in the address bar or search engine.

Press "Enter" on your keyboard.

Explore the internet by clicking links.

How do I connect my library card to Libby?

Libby has a very helpful step-by-step guide on how to connect your card to the Libby app. Click here to read more.