Library Cards
To obtain a library card, you need a valid form of identification that shows your current name and address. We prefer a driver’s license, but there are many other acceptable forms of identification. We require parental identification and permission in order to issue a card to children between birth and 17-years-old. Call (585) 247-6446 for more details.
If you would like to create an E-card, visit our Digital Collections page for more information.
Your card is used to:
- Check out books, music, movies, and more from any Monroe County Library System library.
- Access the internet on library computers.
- Check out eBooks and digital audio books, and stream movies from the Monroe County Library System website.
Your card will expire once a year. At that time we will ask for your identification, make sure the contact information we have is correct, and update your card for another year. You will also have to pay off any outstanding fines to renew your card. You will keep the same card number.
To help you keep track of when items are due, we provide you with a receipt upon checkout. We also offer an e-mail notification service that will e-mail you a reminder three days before an item is due. You can access your account information, including items checked out and when they are due, through the Monroe County Library System online catalog. Check your account online here.
- Our books, audio books, and music items may be checked out for three weeks. These items, including new releases, may be renewed up to two times if no one has placed a hold request on the item.
- Our movies may be checked out for two weeks and are renewable.
- Our Red Hot Express movies may be checked out for three days and are not renewable.
Gates Public Library does not charge overdue fees for children’s or young adult items with the exception of video games; adult items accrue 35¢ per item each day past their due dates to a maximum fine of $7. When borrowing items from another library, please be aware that every library differs in how much it charges for its materials.
If an item is more than 42 days overdue, the borrowing patron is billed for the replacement cost of the item plus a $5.00 processing fee. If the item is returned, the replacement cost and processing fee will be waived and the maximum overdue fine will be attached to the patron’s card.
If a library item is lost or damaged beyond the point of simple repair, the library will bill you the cost of the item plus a $5.00 processing fee. The processing fee covers the cost of all supplies, barcodes, and labels, plus staff time, needed to add a replacement copy to the collection.
If you are being billed for a lost or damaged item, the library will notify you in writing.
Lost items that are paid for can be returned if found within three months for a partial refund.
Borrowing
Gates items that are checked out, or items from other libraries in MCLS, may be placed on Hold. Gates Public Library does not charge a Holds fee unless the item is not picked up within 7 days (in which case a $1 fee is assessed per item). You will be notified by text and/or email when your Holds have arrived.
The library can pull items for you and have them ready for curbside pickup. Please email gatesreference@libraryweb.org with a list of titles, or call (585) 247-6446 with questions.
- Gates Public Library has 5 T-Mobile MiFi Hotspots which may be placed on Hold or picked up immediately if on the shelf. Gates Hotspots loan for 2 weeks.
- Rochester Public Library offers several hundred Hotspots that may be sent to Gates for free pickup. RPL Hotspots loan for 3 weeks.
Free or discounted admissions:
- Empire Passes for state parks
- V.I.P. Pass Program — Rochester and Monroe County’s arts and cultural treasures
Allows individuals to access college and school libraries in the Rochester region. Sign up at any MCLS location.
The Interlibrary Loan service allows Monroe County Library System card holders to borrow library materials not owned by the system. A request can be placed at any MCLS Library and the cost is $5 per request. Requests are limited to books. Most materials arrive within two weeks. You will be notified via phone or email when materials arrive, or if the Interlibrary Loan Department is unable to borrow the requested material.