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Checking Out

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1. How many items can I check out?

Borrowers may have a total of 100 items checked out at a time, with the exception of new card holders who will have a limit of 3 (three) items checked out at a time, temporary residents who will have a limit of 1 (one) item checked out at a time and guest card holders who will have a limit of 3 (three) items checked out total for period of time the card is valid.
In order to maximize access to some small collections in the Library, each borrower is limited to five (5) DVDs, two (2) “Books To Go” and two (2) "DVDs To Go." Borrowers may have a total of three (3) Interlibrary Loan items on their account at a time.

2. How long is the check out period?

DVDs, magazines, children’s holiday books, and “Books to Go” have a seven-day checkout period. All other materials are checked out for three weeks.

3. Can I renew items?

Most items can be renewed once. Exceptions include Books-to-Go and Children’s 7-day holiday books. If, however, there is a waiting list for any item that item cannot be renewed.

4. How many times can I renew something?

Once; after the second check out by the same cardholder the item(s) must stay in the Library for a period of 48 hours before that same cardholder can check the item(s) out again.

5. Do I have to come into the Library to renew something?

No, you may use your telephone to reach the automated renewal system TeleCirc by calling 589-0087 or you can call Circulation at 589-4225, or you can also renew materials online from the Library’s web site at www.dubuque.lib.ia.us by following the link to “My Account.”

6. What is the TeleCirc number and how do I use it?

TeleCirc is an automated telephone system that can renew books, let you know when an item is waiting for you or tell you what items you have checked out. You can reach TeleCirc by calling 589-0887. If you would like to renew material, have the items in front of you when you call, as well as your library card, and follow the prompts on the telephone. Please contact Circulation Services for a more in-depth explanation at 589-4225.

7. Can I put an item on hold?

Yes, you can do this from the Library’s web site, www.dubuque.lib.ia.us, by following the link to the Library’s catalog, or you can telephone the Library at 589-4225.

8. How will I be notified when something is ready for me to pick up?

When you apply for your library card you will be asked if you prefer to be notified by mail, telephone, or email. You can change the method by which you are notified at any time by calling the Library at 589-4225.

9. Where do I pick up an item that is waiting for me?

Circulation desk or at the Self-Serve Hold shelf between the Check Out Desk and the Children's area.

10. Where do I go to ask for something to be borrowed from another library? (known as interlibrary loan)

Adult Information. This service is not be available to new library members for 90 days, temporary residents, those holding guest cards, or Open Access patrons.

11. Where do I pick up an item borrowed through interlibrary loan (ILL)?

Pick up ILL material at the Circulation desk.

12. Can interlibrary loans be renewed?

This depends on the loaning library. Telephone the Library at 589-4225 and ask to speak with the interlibrary loan librarian who can assist with this request.

13. Can I still check out if I have an overdue item or a fine?

You may continue to check material out until your account shows fines or fees of $10.00 or more. At that time you will not be allowed to borrow materials until the account is paid.

14. How much are the late fees?

Most material is fined at $.20 (twenty cents) per day. “Books to Go,” DVDs, and interlibrary loan materials are fined at $.50 (fifty cents) per day. Maximum fine accrual per item is $10.00.

15. Can I return items after the Library is closed?

Yes. Materials returns boxes are located at the main entrance, two drive-up boxes on Bluff Street side of the Library, at Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School located at 2001 Radford Road, in the parking lot of the Hy-Vee grocery store at Asbury Plaza, and these are available 24 hours each day. Material return boxes are also located in the Kennedy Mall at the Information Desk and available 7 days a week during regular mall hours