Library Services
The Library strives to be the best choice for information, quality collections, outstanding programs, and exceptional services in the Iowa City area. Infomation about the services we provide can be found below.
Collections at ICPL
Collections are at the core of the Library's mission and we strive to provide materials to satisfy all ages and interests, as described in a Board approved Collection Development Policy. Books, videos, audiocassettes, art prints, compact discs and interactive multimedia are selected by professional librarians who consult review journals, standard selection tools and popular media to identify titles that will interest, teach, inspire and entertain someone in the community we serve.
The collection is divided into categories for selection and assigned among 15 selectors with responsibility for selecting new and withdrawing outdated or worn-out materials. Using a Collection Plan as their guide, they identify titles, old and new, that patrons can use to find out how-to-do-it, to gain a base of knowledge on a topic or to simply provide an enjoyable experience. The public is invited to make suggestions for additions to the collection either through an electronic form in our catalog or by asking at any public service desk for a Purchase Suggestion form.
Login with your Library card for free live tutoring in Math, Science, Social Studies, and English.
- Park or Ride the Bus for Free - Get bus passes and parking validation with the Library's Park-n-Read and Ride-n-Read programs.
- At Home Services - ICPL provides free of charge services to patrons who are unable to come to the Library.
- Outreach Program - Provides Library materials for satellite libraries to over 20 community sites in Iowa City, Hills, University Heights, and rural Johnson County.
- Project Safe Place - ICPL is an official Safe Place Site of the national Project Safe Place outreach and prevention program.
- Readers' Advisory - Browse through our booklists, read reviews, and find other websites for book lovers. Sign up to receive NextReads reading suggestions via email.
- Listeners' Advisory - Links to current music releases and popular award winners.
- Viewers' Advisory - See what the critics have to say about new films or research other movies you're looking for.
Get free one-on-one help with your writing. This public service offered by the UI Rhetoric Department.
