We're here to help…
- set up a new account or update your existing one
- troubleshoot digital library materials or services
- answer questions about local resources or research topics
- provide personalized recommendations for books or movies
Have comments or suggestions? Send us those too.
Phone
(319) 356-5200
Chat
Can't find something?
Request it from another library through Interlibrary Loan or suggest we purchase it. Request through Interlibrary Loan / Suggest a Purchase
FAQ
You have two options to renew your library card. Call us at (319) 356-5200 with your card number while we are open. Or to renew by chat or email, send us your library card number, current address, phone, and email.
To apply for a library card online, visit icpl.org/register. Full library privileges will become active after you bring a photo ID to the Help Desk or Bookmobile. You can skip the online registration and bring your ID to the Help Desk or Bookmobile as well.
If your ID does not show your current address, bring an official piece of mail (e.g., a utility bill, digital copy of a lease) to confirm your address and receive your card. If you do not have a permanent address, talk to staff at the Help Desk.
Find more information, including info on the Access to Information & Materials (AIM) card, on the Library Cards page.
Yes! Go to the second floor and ask for help at the Info Desk or Page Station.
- Black and white printing: 10¢ per page
- Color printing: 50¢ per page
- Outgoing domestic faxes:
5 pages free; $1 per additional page - Scanning: Free!
The Library does not accept incoming faxes for patrons.
Visit the Computers & Technology page for more information.
Yes! We have first-come, first-served study rooms on the second floor. Ask at the second floor Page Station to see if a room is available.
Need to reserve a room for a future meeting? Please review our Meeting Rooms page and the eligibility requirements for reserving a public meeting room. You can request a meeting room from there.
Regular Library hours are:
- Monday through Thursday: 10am to 9pm
- Friday: 10am to 8pm
- Saturday: 10am to 6pm
- Sunday: 12 to 5pm
Check our Holiday Hours page for changes.
You don't have to! We will automatically renew eligible items for you. Here are the exceptions when something won't renew:
- the account is expired or blocked due to unpaid fines or replacement fees
- an item is on hold for another person
- an item is ineligible, such as art prints or equipment
- the item has reached its renewal limit
Visit the Borrowing page for more details about renewals.
Resident cardholders can get ebooks and audiobooks through ICPL. Those who have Open Access cards need to go through their home library.
You have a two ways to borrow ebooks and audiobooks through the library. You can start looking by going to search.icpl.org and limiting the results to "eBook" or "eAudio." The catalog will guide you through the checkout process and get the book for you. You can also check it out through the catalog then head to the app to keep reading.
The other way is to go directly through the websites or apps. OverDrive/Libby books can be found online at libbyapp.com. The app is available on iOS and Android devices. Audiobooks and ebooks on hoopla work the same way. Visit the hoopla website or download the app on iOS or Android.
We can print tax forms any time of year at the second floor Info Desk. Printing tax forms is free for the first 10 pages and 10¢ per additional page.
Feel free to look at our Taxes page for other resources.
For help on any of our online collections and resources, just Ask Us! We are happy to help via phone, email, chat, or in person.
For questions about software or equipment featured in our Digital Media Lab, stop by our Digital Media Lab Help Hours.
Info Desk staff can help look up answers to general computer or device questions. In-depth hardware support is not offered.
Yes. Call us at (319) 356-5200 or visit the first floor Help Desk to check for your item.
Yes, and more. Visit the Online Resources page to see the full list.
All online resources can be used in the building and most are available at home if you live in Iowa City, Hills, University Heights, Lone Tree, or rural Johnson County. You will need your library card and password to access them.
Ancestry can only be used at the Library.
Thanks for asking! Financial donations can be made online from the Donate page. Checks can be mailed to the following:
ICPL Friends Foundation
123 South Linn Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Used books can be donated at the first floor Help Desk, though there are some items we can't accept.
If you shop on Amazon, consider ordering from AmazonSmile and choosing "Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation" as your charity of choice.