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Library Policies

Hours | Telephone Numbers | Services

Hours

Monday - Thursday  10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday - Saturday  10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday  1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Telephone Numbers

Circulation/Reference: 515-278-5233

Services

The Johnston Public Library provides a wide variety of services and materials, including but not limited to:

  • Books
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Reference
  • Compact Discs
  • Audio Tapes
  • DVDs and Videos
  • Interlibrary Loan
  • Photocopy Machine
  • Personal Computers
  • Color Printers
  • CD Roms
  • Conference Rooms
  • Quiet Study Room
  • Summer Reading Program
  • Storytime
  • Special Programs
  • Puppets
  • Census Materials
  • Telephone Directories
  • Audio-Visual Equipment
  • Local History
  • College Catalogs
  • Tax Forms and Publications
  • College Test Proctoring
  • Specialty Cake Pans
  • Computer Access From Home To Library's Collection
  • Book Sale Nook
  • Large Print Books
  • Home Bound Delivery

Becoming a Card Holder

People who are residents of Johnston, rural Polk County, or participating Open Access towns, and are age 5 or older may become a cardholder. All that is required is proof of address and a photo ID. Children under the age of 14 must have a parent or legal guardian sign their application form. Your library card is free and is renewable if there are no outstanding fines or fees. There is a $1.00 fee to replace a lost or damaged card.

Checking Out and Renewing

You must have a valid library card to check out materials. When you check out, the staff will remind you of any outstanding delinquencies. You must be at least 18 years of age to check out audio/visual equipment. All items may be renewed once, in person or by telephone, provided that no other borrower has reserved them.

Returning Materials

During library hours, please return books to the inside book drop. An outside drop is provided for after hour book returns. You are responsible for all items placed in the returns.

If There is a Problem

Please report any problems, but do not attempt to repair any broken or damaged materials. If library materials are lost or destroyed, the borrower must pay the replacement price of the item. A fee will be charged for any damage to materials. Library privileges will be revoked if any fines, damage fees or replacement charges are not paid.

Holds

If we own an item but it is checked out, you may place a hold and you will be contacted when the item is returned. To expedite delivery of hold items, please be sure the library has your current phone number and email address on file.

Request for Purchase

If you know of an item you think we ought to own you may make a recommendation. We try to purchase most requests and will reserve the item for you when it arrives.

Interlibrary Loan

Ordering library materials from other agencies usually takes a week or two.

Check–Out Periods

Books
Audio Cassettes & Books on CD
Compact Discs
Cake pans
CD-ROM's
DVDs & Videos
Magazines
Internet computer in library use
Audio visual equipment
3 weeks
3 weeks
3 weeks
3 weeks
7 days
7 days
7 days
1 hour
1 day

High demand items may have shortened check–out periods.

There is a non-refundable fee charged for these items to cover repairs and maintenance.

Audio cassette player $ .50
Overhead projector $3.00
Slide projector $3.00

Fines Per Day

Fines are 10 cents per day on the following:
Books, Audio Cassettes, Books on CD, Compact Discs, Puppets, Records, Magazines, Cake pans, CD-ROM, Videos & DVDs.

Fines for Audio/Visual Equipment are $5.00 per day.

Library Board

Five trustees appointed by the mayor and city council, set library policy. The trustees employ a director and staff who are responsible for the library's day–to–day operation. The board periodically reviews every policy. This brochure points out some of the library's most important policies. The policies in their entirety are available at the Circulation Desk.

Gifts/Memorials

The Johnston Public Library Foundation would be pleased to accept monetary donations or memorial contributions to further enhance our library.

Parents

The library maintains collections of materials for all ages, interests and viewpoints. Anyone, regardless of age, may select from the entire collection. It is the responsibility of the parents to monitor their own children's use of library materials.

Unattended Child Policy

To protect your child while using the library, the Johnston Public Library has an unattended child policy. Children age 3 and under must be accompanied by a parent at all times. Children under age 9 should not be left in the library by themselves. Disruptive young people age nine and older may, if necessary, be asked to leave. Parents should attend programs with their young children. In the case of the older children, parents should arrive at the conclusion of a program and before the library's closing.