Give us a call during our open hours at 641-236-2661 or email us at clerks@grinnelliowa.gov. Open hours are Monday to Thursday 10 am to 7 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 2 pm to 5 pm.
Go to the Job Openings page to see available positions and download an application. Paper applications for open positions can also be picked up at the desk.
Library Card
Any resident of Iowa can sign up for a free library card. Some of our digital services – such as our Iowa Adventure Pass, streaming video, and digital books services – are only available to residents of Grinnell, rural Poweshiek County, and our contracting communities of Kellogg, Oakland Acres, and Searsboro.
To get a library card, please bring the following:
- A current photo ID such as state issued ID card or driver's license, passport, community ID, or student ID
- Proof of permanent address such as a billing statement received at the address, a check with the printed address, a voter registration card, a rental agreement, a car registration form, or a paystub or paycheck
If you forget to bring in proof of address, we will mail your card to you.
Library cards come up for renewal every third year. Cards can be renewed in person or by calling 641-236-2661.
If your card was misplaced or stolen, report it to the library immediately. A $2 fee will be charged to replace lost cards that have not expired. There is no fee to replace a stolen card. Identification is required to replace a lost or stolen card.
Your four-digit PIN acts as a security code for your library card and is necessary to log into some of our services. If you need to update your PIN, call us at 641-236-2661 or stop by the main desk.
Library Services
We can request items not in our collection through Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Items must have a publication date at least six months prior to the date of your request. Please contact a staff member to get started. We will notify you when your item is ready to pick up. Due dates are set by the lending library and may differ from our usual checkout periods. Want to explore what's out there? Try searching the Iowa Locator website for items in libraries across the state. You can also search the WorldCat catalog website for materials from libraries worldwide (availability may vary).
Holds can be placed in person, online, or through the Libby app.
If you would like staff assistance placing a hold on an item that is currently checked out, please call us or stop in at the front desk. To place a hold online, log-in to your account and select "Place Hold" next to the item you would like to request. We will notify you when the item is available for you to check out.
If an item is currently checked in, staff can place a 3-day Courtesy Hold for you. Please call us to request a Courtesy Hold.
eBook and eAudiobook holds are processed through Libby, and you will receive a notification from the Libby app when the item is ready for you to check out.
The Library does not charge late fines. You can pay lost or damaged item fees in person by check or cash. We are unable to accept credit cards.
Fees are charged for lost or damaged items. If items are not returned or renewed after 50 days, they will be considered lost and you will be billed for replacement. If items are returned after being billed, the replacement fee will be removed from your account.
Accounts with balances meeting or exceeding $50.00 may be referred to a collection agency to facilitate the collection of fees.
Library cardholders who are at least 18 years old and are residents of Grinnell, rural Poweshiek County, or contracting cities (Kellogg, Oakland Acres, and Searsboro) can reserve a FREE Iowa Adventure Pass by clicking on “Reserve Your Adventure Pass” here or by contacting staff at the library.
Our Adventure Pass includes admission options to Blank Park Zoo, Science Center of Iowa, and Blue Zoo Aquarium.
Zoo and Science Center passes allow entrance for up to two adults and two children. Additional tickets may be purchased at the gate. Blue Zoo passes allow for two free child admissions with the purchase of one adult admission.
From a Mobile Device
- Connect to the DCL-Public wi-fi network and accept the Terms & Conditions
- Open the document that you would like to print
- Select "Share" and then select "Print" from the menu
- Select the FRONT DESK COPIER or DCL GROOVIX PRINTER from the printer options list
- Select "Color" or "Black and White" and "One-Sided" or "Two-Sided" depending on your preferences
- Pay staff at the front desk
- Single sided B&W copies (8.5x11 and 8.5x14): $0.15
- Double-sided B&W copies (8.5x11 and 8.5x14): $0.20
- Single sided color copies (8.5x11 and 8.5x14): $0.50
- Double-sided color copies (8.5x11 and 8.5x14): $0.75
- Single sided B&W copies (11×17): $0.25
- Double-sided B&W copies (11x17): $0.40
From a Laptop or Mobile Device
- Connect to the DCL-Public wi-fi network and accept the Terms & Conditions
- Open a browser and go to https://dcl.groovix.net/print
- Enter your library card barcode number and PIN
- If you do not have a library card, please see staff for a Guest Pass
- Choose "Select Files to Print" and upload your PDF, DOC, or JPG file
- Go to the Print Release station at the east end of the building and enter your library card barcode (or guest pass) number and PIN
- Follow the prompts on the screen and deposit funds into the vending unit
Fax
You may use our self-service fax machine to send or receive faxes. If you would like to receive a fax at the library, please contact us at 641-236-2661 for our fax number. Faxing fees can be paid via cash or check at the front desk. The charge for sending and receiving faxes is $1.00 per page, with a maximum charge of $10.00.
Sign into desktop computers with a library card or guest pass. Computers use a Linux operating system and connect to the internet. Public computers automatically shut down five minutes before the library closes.
An accessible computer station is available in the library. Please visit this link for details.
We offer free notary services. Request an appointment using the Notary Appointment form.