Contact us:
309-833-2714
library@macomb.com
Library Catalog
My Account
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books
ebooks & audiobooks
movies & cds
kids' books and programs
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Borrowing/Renewing
Community Info
Friends of the Library
About the Library
About the Macomb Public Library
Checkout, Renewing, and Returning * Computer Access * Services * History of the Library * Support the Library * Staff * Employment * Board of Trustees
Checkout Periods, Renewing Items, and Returning Items
Check Out
All circulating items check out for a 2-week time frame. This includes books, magazines (other than the current issue), audio books, CDs, DVDs, and videos. If additional time is required, items may be renewed, unless there is a waiting list for the title. The Friends of the Library purchase multiple copies of best sellers to decrease waiting time.
Renewal
Items may be renewed if no one else is waiting for them. Renewals may be done once (in person, by telephone at 309-833-2714, or online at My Account) without a re-scan. Please do not request a renewal via email or on our answering machine -- these requests can be delayed, and you will not know immediately if the item can be renewed.
Extensions after the first renewal will require the item to be brought in for a re-scan. The renewal period is two weeks (14 days). If you have special needs (vacations, out-of-town), please inform the staff before checkout.
Book Return
Books and magazines may be returned at the Information Desk or in the drive-up book return on the south side of the building on Jefferson Street. Please help us take care of our audiovisual materials (including audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs) by returning them inside at the Information Desk. They may be damaged if dropped in the book return.
Fines
Fines for overdue items are five cents per day. If fines reach five dollars or more, the circulation computer will not allow you to check out more items until your account is paid.Computer Access
The Macomb Public Library has five public computers on the first floor with internet access and Open Office software (word processing, spreadsheets). There is also one computer for word processing only (no internet access) on the second floor.
- Please ask at the service desk before getting on a computer.
- Sessions are limited to 30 minutes to ensure all patrons have access.
- Patrons may request up to 2 sessions per day.
- Children under the age of 18 are required to provide a signed copy of the parental permission form before they use the computers.
- A printer is attached to all computers. The first three pages printed are free; all pages after that are 10 cents each.
Wireless internet access is also available throughout the building for patrons who bring their own laptops. Connect to the network macombplwlan or dd-wrt . No password is necessary.
Services
Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
Books not available at Macomb Public Library may be borrowed from other libraries via Interlibrary Loan (ILL). You may place hold requests electronically on RSACat (http://rsacat.alsrsa.org) or fill out an Interlibrary Loan Request form at the Information Desk. Sorry, requests cannot be made by phone. Please allow a minimum of 10 days for books to arrive at Macomb Public Library. A valid Macomb library card is necessary for Interlibrary Loan.
Request Forms
The Library Staff will reserve a book or item from our collection upon your request. You may place your holds electronically on RSACat (http://rsacat.alsrsa.org) or fill out the appropriate local request form at the Information Desk. Sorry, requests cannot be made by phone. One Book Request form (yellow) or Audio Book Request form (pink) must be completed for each desired item. You will be contacted by telephone or e-mail when items become available.
Fax Machine
A fax machine is available at the Information Desk. The cost is one dollar per page to send, and fifty cents per page to receive.
Copy Machine
A coin-operated copy machine is available at the front door for public use. Cost is ten cents per side. The machine accepts quarters, nickels, and dimes. Employees are available to assist if needed.
Microfilm and Microfiche Machines
The Macomb Journal, Macomb Eagle, and McDonough County Voice are available on microfilm. Employees are available if assistance is needed. Cost per copy is twenty-five cents.
History of the Macomb Public Library
The Macomb City Library was formed by action of the City Council. The Library was organized on November 10, 1881 when the mayor appointed a Library Board of Directors of nine members. The first library opened on April 8, 1882 on the upper floor of the Stocker Building at 109 South Side Square.
In 1883 when the City of Macomb purchased the building at 108 South Lafayette Street, the Macomb City Library was moved to the second floor. On October 28, 1904 the Macomb City Public Library opened in a new Carnegie Building at 235 South Lafayette Street.
The Children's Library was opened to the public on June 20, 1980. A hallway and two rooms were added to connect the two buildings on July 3, 1983.
On July 1, 1992, by action of the Library Board of Trustees, Macomb City Council, and McDonough County Circuit Court Action, the Macomb City Library became the Macomb Public Library District.
Support the Library
The Friends of the Library is a non-profit organization made up of area residents interested in the promotion and welfare of the library as a cultural, educational, and recreational asset to the community. Visit the Friends of the Library website for more information on how to join.
The Macomb Public Library accepts book and audiovisual donations year-round. You may drop them off at the front desk any time, or call to make arrangements if you have a larger number of items. Library staff can give you a statement of donation with an item count if you are interested in a tax write-off. Sorry, we do not accept donations of encyclopedias, textbooks, magazines, or Reader's Digest Condensed Books at this time.
The Macomb Public Library reserves the right to decide the disposition of all donations received. Gifts accepted for addition to the library's collection become the property of Macomb Public Library and will be placed where most appropriate. Material not utilized in the library's collection will be transferred to the Friends of the Macomb Public Library for use in their book sales. The proceeds from the Friends of the Library book sales are donated to the Library in support of its mission, programs, and to enhance the library's collections.
Library Staff
| Library Director: | Dennis Danowski |
| Reference Librarian: | Renee Buker |
| Children's Librarian: | Margaret Sowers |
| Adult Services: | Carla Ainslie |
| Pages: | Alexis Cole |
Employment
The Macomb Public Library takes employment applications at any time. Fill out the employee application (pdf) and mail it to the library, or drop it off at the front desk. You can also pick up a print copy of the application at the front desk.
Library Board of Trustees
| Member: | Term ends: | |
| President | George Wanamaker | May 2019 |
| Vice President | Carol Clemons | May 2015 |
| Secretary | Lin Stults | May 2015 |
| Treasurer | Sue Anstine | May 2017 |
| Dean Watson | May 2017 | |
| Stacy Dorsett | May 2019 | |
| Carrie Van Vleet | May 2019 |