Borrowers are permitted to check out a total of 5 items on the first checkout and limited to 15 items thereafter for up to 2 weeks. Bookmobile items are checked out for 30 days with a 30 item limit. All patrons must present their own library card to check out items and use public computers.
15 items total per card.
Checkout time = 2 weeks.
Limit of 7 per household.
Checkout time = 7 days.
*Checkout is restricted to adult card holders (18 or older)
Limit of 5 audiobooks per card.
Checkout time = 1 week.
Limit of 10 per card.
Checkout time = 1 week.
A range of materials and tools for borrowing.
Renewals
Material may be renewed twice at the library, by phone, or online. If the material is needed for a longer period of time, the borrower must return the items to the library to request additional time. Items that cannot be renewed include material for which there is an active reserve or special loan materials. Long overdue items cannot be renewed by phone or online.
Borrowers with a blocked status will be unable to renew by phone or online.
Reserves or Holds
Reserves or holds for material may be placed by borrowers either in person, online, or over the phone. Borrowers will be notified by phone when materials are available. The reserve item will not be held more than 1 week after notification. Requests will be honored in the order of date received.
Overdue Fees
Overdues are handled by means of telephone reminders and written notices. No fines will be charged for overdue items, however borrowers having items overdue for a lengthy period of time will be billed for materials and may not be allowed to checkout until restitution is made.
Lost of Damaged Material
When cardholders lose or damage materials they have borrowed from, or used within the library, they will be responsible for paying for applicable charges. Lost or damaged material must be paid for at the cost indicated in the item record. The library will not accept a replacement copy in lieu of payment.
Blocked Status
Borrowing privileges will be suspended on all accounts with an overdue status or past due fees. Adult cardholders with a blocked status cannot be a responsible party for a child’s account.
Limited privileges for cardholders with a blocked status:
At Metcalfe County Public Library, we value community input and encourage patrons to suggest books, audiobooks, DVDs, or other library materials they'd like to see added to our collection. Help us grow a collection that reflects your interests and meets the diverse needs of our readers.
Submit your library material suggestions today and be a part of shaping your library’s offerings!
The Metcalfe County Public Library’s Mobile Branch, also known as the outreach vehicle or bookmobile, delivers essential library services directly to the community. This mobile library visits schools, nursing homes, senior centers, and makes scheduled home stops throughout Metcalfe County, ensuring that all residents—especially those with limited mobility—have access to books, educational resources, and digital materials.
Our library outreach program helps bridge the gap for individuals and institutions that may not be able to visit the main library location, promoting literacy, learning, and lifelong access to information.
The Metcalfe County Public Library offers a wide range of genealogy resources to help you trace your family history and explore your ancestral roots. In addition to our extensive local history collections, we provide access to several genealogy research databases designed to support beginners and seasoned researchers alike.
Whether you're building a family tree or uncovering historical records, our library is your go-to destination for Metcalfe County genealogy research.
Check out some of our available genealogy databases!
At Metcalfe County Public Library (MCPL), there’s a space for everyone! Whether you need a quiet study area, a cozy reading nook, or a formal meeting room, our library offers a variety of comfortable, functional spaces to meet your needs.
Explore our library facilities designed for students, professionals, community groups, and lifelong learners—perfect for studying, collaborating, or hosting events.
Library cards are issued free to anyone (age 18 or older) with a valid picture identification and proof of address. The identification must be issued by a government agency or organization and include a current recognizable photograph.
Interlibrary Loan service is available free of charge to all library borrowers in good standing. A limit of 2 requests per borrower is enforced with the exception of home schooling, in which the limit is 5 requests per family. New card holders may use the Interlibrary Loan service after one checkout if items are returned in a timely manner and undamaged.
If the requested item is outside the state of Kentucky, the borrower must be willing to pay postage. Borrowers will be notified via telephone when the Interlibrary Loan item is ready for pickup.
The following types of materials are not available through Interlibrary Loan: new books, DVDs, recorded books, textbooks, music recordings, feature films, microfilm, reference, and genealogy materials.
For items borrowed from another library, the length of the loan period and any restrictions are determined by the lending library.
Borrowers may request a renewal for each item borrowed unless the lending library indicates no renewals are accepted. Borrowers must request renewal 2 days before the item is due.
Borrowers are responsible for loss, damage, and associated cost or fees while materials are in their possession.
The library reserves the right to suspend Interlibrary Loan privileges for any reason. Privileges will be suspended under the following conditions:
Looking to start or host a book club? The library makes it easy with our ready-made Book Club Kits! Each kit includes multiple copies of a popular title, along with a discussion guide to help spark conversation. Whether you're part of an established group or just getting started, these kits are a convenient way to enjoy reading together.
You can browse the full list of available Book Club Kits below:
*Bolded titles are Young Adult books.*
Kits can be checked out just like any other library item, and you can even submit a request online to reserve a kit for your group. It’s a great way to bring people together through reading—at home, in the classroom, or in the community.