Press ReleaseIowa City Public Library to adjust Phase 3 reopening guidelines 


The Iowa City Public Library (ICPL) will adjust the Phase 3 guidelines of its reopening plan beginning Friday, April 2, 2021. Until further notice, computer sessions will be limited to 30 minutes and browsing will be limited to 15 minutes.

These adjustments were made after careful deliberation by the ICPL Leadership Team and the Library Board due to increasing COVID-19 positivity rates in Johnson County. The 14-day average has been over 5%, which meets the Library's established guidelines to adjust services.

Library Director Elsworth Carman expressed that "seeing the public back in the Library stacks this past week has been so energizing for all of our staff. We hope that by making this adjustment to Phase 3 we will keep the community safe."

The services which are currently available include: 

Phone, Chat, & Web-based Services

  • Chat, email, and phone reference available
  • Virtual programming


Limited Browsing; Bookmobile; and Technology Access

  • Browsing for materials limited to 15 minutes.
  • Quick holds pickup.
  • Quick holds pickup from Bookmobile.
  • Limited technology access including 30-minute computer access, printing, and scanning.
  • Department of Transportation (DOT) Kiosk, located on the second floor.

Masks and social distancing are required for all services. 

Computer and DOT Kiosk Access Details:

  • Hours of operation: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday, noon - 5 p.m. 
  • Capacity: 10 computer stations on the second floor.
  • Session Length: 30minutes, rolling sessions, no extensions.
  • Registration: No advance signup.  Walk-ins only from Linn Street lobby doors. Check in at the welcome desk.
  • Printing: Free black-and-white printing available, limited to 10 pages on the second floor.
  • Faxing: Free, limited to 10 pages.
  • Headphones and charging cords are available for use.

Hold Pickup Details:

  • Cardholders are invited to visit icpl.org to put items on hold.
  • Please wait to receive notification that materials are ready before visiting the Library.
  • Pick them up in the Library Lobby.

For more information, visit icpl.org/covid or call the Library Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. or Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. at 319-356-5200.

The Iowa City Public Library is a center of community life that connects people of all ages with information, engages them with the world of ideas and with each other, and enriches the community by supporting learning, promoting literacy, and encouraging creativity.

Phase April 4