Library Card:

To checkout materials or use the public access computers at the Independence Public Library, you must have a library card.  Those who are residents of Independence, Iowa; or residents of Iowa who qualify for Open Access by living in an incorporated city with a library or a city or rural area that contracts for library service qualify for a free library card.   For those younger than 13, a parent must accompany you and sign your card application.  Those younger than five may use the library with a parent or guardian.

Checkout and Fines:

We have materials in the following formats:  Books, Magazines, Audiobooks, DVDs, downloadable ebooks, downloadable audiobooks.  Our checkout period for everything except DVDs is three weeks.  DVDs have a one week checkout period.  Fines for DVDs are $1.00 per day.  Fines for other materials are $.10 per day.  Use our NEIBORS program to download ebooks or audiobooks...they will expire and you won't have to worry about a fine (just read or listen before they disappear)!

Other items that can be checked out or logged into for in-library use only are desktop computers, laptops, early literacy computers, study rooms, and children's puzzles. 

In-Library Use:

Everyone is welcome to use the library to browse books, magazines, and newspapers.  The library carries the following newspapers: The Independence Bulletin Journal, The Shopper's Reminder, The Winthrop News, The Waterloo Courier, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, The Wall Street Journal, and The Farm Bureau Spokesman.  The library subscribes to over 70 magazines.  Browse the current issues at the library and check out earlier issues.