Using the Library

Overview

Welcome to Your Library!

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time patron, this page will help you make the most of everything the Waco-McLennan County Library has to offer. From getting a library card and checking out materials to using our digital resources and accessing public computers, we're here to support your learning, exploration, and connection to the community. Discover how easy it is to use your library—your gateway to endless opportunities.

Use the navigation links at the top, or click the Next button.

Beanstack Tracker User Guide

Get started with Beanstack in just a few easy steps!

Step 1: Download the App Available on both iOS and Android

• Search for Waco McLennan County Library in the app after downloading

Step 2: Sign Up & Create an Account

• Choose Sign Up

Step 3: Fill Out Your (Adult) Information

• Add your email, create a password, add your (adult) name, choose your main branch, library card (not necessary)

Step 4: Click ‘Fill out my reader profile’ (Adult) Reader Profile

• Add yourself as a reader, you can participate too!
• You can add multiple readers under one account

Step 5: Add More Readers (Optional)

• Go to Settings and tap Add a Reader
• Great for families who want to track reading together

Helpful Tips

• The account and reader profile are two separate people
• You can log reading for one reader at a time or all readers at once
• Missed a day? No problem — you can go back and log past reading
• When you hit a milestone, the app will notify you if you’ve earned a prize
• Join seasonal and year-round challenges to keep the fun going

Need help or have questions?
Visit our front desk or call us at (254) 750-5941— we’re happy to help!

WMCL App

Your Library, Anytime, Anywhere!

Take the library with you wherever you go. With just one tap, you can manage your loans, place or cancel holds, and view any fines—all from your mobile device.

Download the App

Why You'll Love the Library App

• Access your library account anytime, anywhere.
• Manage checkouts, holds, and fines with one tap.
• Search the catalog and discover new books, movies, and more.
• Get personalized recommendations and stay updated on new arrivals.
• Use self-checkout to borrow items in seconds.
• Track due dates and renew items before they're overdue.
• View upcoming events and never miss what’s happening at your library.

FAQs

Library Cards

Library cards are FREE for McLennan County residents age 5 & older.
Those under 18 must have a parent/responsible adult present.

Short-term residents can get a three-month card for $30. Residents outside McLennan County can get a Library card for $100 for a year.

Sign up for a library card at any of our four locations. You can also register online!

You will need to show a valid picture ID and proof of residency (up to date or postmarked within the last 30 days)

Library accounts come up for renewal every 3 years for most accounts and every year for non-residents. To renew your account just present a recent proof of residence (bill or postmarked letter) for Waco or McLennan County to the circulation desk.

Lost library cards can be replaced for $1 with a photo ID. You do not need to create a new account if you lost your card. You can also access a copy of your library card number in the Cloud Library app if you have already set up an account.

McLennan County residents can get a computer use-only card with a photo ID. This card is for in-library computer use only.

Only the owner of the card may use their library card. They must be present at the time of check out. This includes juvenile cards. The child must be present in order to check out on his or her own card.

Library Materials

With a library card, you have access to:

• Books
• eBooks
• eMagazines
• DVDs
• Audiobooks/Playaways
• Magazines
• Special Items
• Museum Passes

Borrow Schedule

• Books, audiobooks, and DVDs check out for 21 days and may be renewed twice.
• Special Items check out for 21 days and can not be renewed.
• Electronic items from cloudLibrary check out for 14 days and may be renewed.
• Museum Passes automatically expire after 7 days and do not need to be returned.

Items can be renewed through your online account, WMCL app, or at any location. They are renewed from the renewal date (not the current due date). Items may not be renewed if another patron has them on hold.

Library items may not renew for a few reasons:

• There is a waiting list on the item
• The item is a special format that does not allow renewals
• There are fines accrued on the account

Contact the library for additional information.

Fines and fees will be assessed for late, missing or damaged items:

• Books and Audiobooks: $.20/item/day (up to $5.00)
• DVDs: $1.00/item/day (up to $10.00)
• Lost/Damaged Items: Cost of item plus $5 processing fee

If you have lost your check out receipt, you may find the due date by accessing your online account or by calling the library.

You may return books checked out at one of our branches and return to another. The Waco-McLennan County Library locations are the Central Library, East Waco Library, South Waco Library and the West Waco Library and Genealogy Center. Special items and bulky materials like kits do need to returned to the Circulation Desk at the location it was checked out from.

Our library catalog is available online and on the WMCL app. You may also access your account, renew and request items, and pay fees.

Library Technology

Library Computers

• Requires a library card for use.
  • regular
  • computer use
  • short-term resident
• Computer use is limited to one hour per day. Time may be extended if no patrons are waiting.
• If a computer is available when you arrive, sign in using your library card number and PIN. If no computers are available, one of our staff members will make a reservation for you.
• All Library computers have Microsoft Office and Internet access. If you need to borrow some of our assistive technology, just ask a staff member.

Personal Computers, Tablets, Devices

• Free, unlimited WiFi access is available at all four locations.

Printing/Copying/Faxing

• Printing or copies are $0.20 per page for black and white and $0.50 for color.
• From any computer, send your document to SmartAlec Print and follow the instructions.
• You can bring in documents on paper or on flash drives.
• Copiers to scan documents to a flash drive, for $0.20 per page.
• Fax machines for public use are $1.00 per page.

Library Events

• All library events are free and open to the public.
• Some events may require registration. It will be noted on the event details.
• Some events are limited on space or supplies, requiring limited attendance. The event details will note "get there early to get your ticket."

Audience Color Labels

Museum Passes

Available In-Person

Looking for a fun, free way to explore local museums? Stop by your local library to check out a museum pass. Just like you would a book!

Museum passes are now available in-person only at all Waco-McLennan County Library locations.

You’ll need to visit a branch to check out a pass, and we’re happy to help you find the one that’s right for your next adventure.

What to know:

• In-Person Checkout only: Passes are available at the front desk at each library – no holds online.
• First come, first serve: Availability may vary by location.
• Library card required: Make sure to bring your card (or sign up for one when you’re here)
• Each pass checks out for seven days and cannot be renewed.
• Each of our partners has a certain number of admissions per pass, please see below.

We love seeing your faces and helping you discover everything your library card can do, including free access to some of our area’s best museums. Please visit your local library for the most up-to-date available passes.