Frequently Asked Questions
Monday-Thursday 9am-6pm
Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday 9am-1pm
Closed Sundays
Please see our Holiday Closures for dates MPL will be closed.
The Mattoon Public Library is a City Library, which means all residents who live inside the city limits of Mattoon are eligible for a free library card. This also includes individuals who own property inside the city limits, even though they may not reside there.
Unsure if you live within city limits? Use this website: https://colesil.devnetwedge.com
You can search by owner name or address. Scroll down to the ‘Taxing Bodies’ section. If one of the listed taxing bodies is ‘City of Mattoon’, then you are eligible for a free library card.
The limit does not exist for MPL card holders! We allow adult cardholders to check out to their heart’s desire*, but juvenile cards do have a 15-item limit. DVDs are limited to 3 per person. Our digital libraries vary based on what app you are using.
Book renewals are as easy as 1, 2, 3!
- Login to the SHARE/Aspen Catalog website or app to renew.
- Call MPL for assistance.
- Stop by MPL for assistance.
Visit our SHARE/Aspen Catalog or download the app.
We also have a computer on the first and second floor of the library dedicated to searching the catalog.
We have a grant-funded Family Literacy Program that offers tutoring for the entire family! To learn more about this program, contact our Family Literacy Director Chery Body (bodycheryl@yahoo.com).
The second floor of the library is dedicated to youth from early childhood through young adults. Beyond a diverse collection of books, the children’s section includes seating and tables, STEM toys, sensory boards, puzzles, board games, and imaginative play. The teen section includes seating and tables, Legos table, foosball, and a Nintendo Switch.
Our Local History Center is 100% volunteer ran by Chris Suerdieck.
He is usually in Monday-Friday 9am-3pm (closed 12pm-1pm for lunch) and Saturday 10am-1pm. We encourage patrons to call ahead in case Chris is out for any reason. You can also schedule an appointment with him to tour the center.
Yes, but we ask that you clean up after yourself and be respectful of others in the library. If at any point this privilege becomes an issue, staff have the right to ask you to dispose of any items.
Yes, they are located on the second floor by the elevator and stairwell access.
You need your library card barcode and the last 4 digits to log in to our digital library apps.
See our Digital Libraries page for more information.
While we try to offer a diverse collection, we don’t have room for every book or DVD, but don’t worry! MPL is a part of the Illinois Heartland Library System, which includes over 300 libraries that participate in interlibrary loans. If MPL doesn’t have the item you are looking for, the chances are another library in the system does! Staff can help you place a ‘hold request’ for the item, and it will be sent to MPL usually within 1-2 weeks once it’s available.
YES – all are welcome at the Mattoon Public Library with or without a library card. You do not have to be a MPL card holder to enjoy our additional services. You only need a library card to check out items.
No, you can simply put it in MPL’s book drop, and we will take care of it. Being a part of the Illinois Heartland Library System allows MPL to receive and send books from other partnering libraries.
Yes, we have one desktop located on the first floor for public use. We also have several laptops that can be checked out for in-building use only. They may NOT be checked out of the library. We do have tablets in our Library of Things that can be checked out for 3 weeks at a time.
Yes, we have a copier/printer located on the first floor for public use. It is $0.25/one sided page (B&W) and $0.50/one sided page (Color). For more information on printing, please visit our webpage.
Yes, we offer a free public notary service, but it is by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, email info@mattoonlibrary.org.
Yes, it is $1 per fax. Our staff on the first floor is happy to help you!
Yes, we have a couple of spaces great for meetings, parties, or similar gatherings. Rentals range from $25-50. Learn more by visiting our rental webpage. If you are a non-profit organization, please contact our Director to learn about how you can use our space for free.
Yes, visit our volunteer webpage or contact our volunteer coordinator for more information.
