Using the Clear Lake Public Library
Obtaining a Library Card
Library cards will be issued free of charge to residents of Clear Lake and rural Cerro Gordo County. Photo I.D. with proof of current address is required. A parent or legal guardian must accompany any child in 5th grade or below to sign his or her application for a library card and to provide proof of address. Open Access cards are also available to other Iowa residents without charge.
My Account Online
Residents of Cerro Gordo County may use their library card number and a PIN number to establish their online account. Library items may be requested or renewed online, and persons may also view their borrowing history on the library website. A library card number is also required to access some library databases and to access all digital books, magazines and music.
Loan Periods and Renewals
Most items loan for two weeks. Movies and tablets loan for 7 days. Puzzles and board games loan for 30 days. Most items can be renewed if not reserved for another person.
Fines
There are no overdue fines on books, magazines, or DVDs. The library charges replacement costs on all lost or damaged materials. Patrons with more than $5 owed on their account are not allowed to check out library materials.
Interlibrary Loan
Clear Lake and rural Cerro Gordo County card holders may request items not available at our library through interlibrary loan (ILL). Residents of other communities should request ILL materials from their local public library. There is a $1 postage charge for each item received through interlibrary loan from colleges/universities, to be paid at the time that the item is picked up.
Public Computers
Public access computers are available in the adult department. These computers also have word processing capability. There is also an Internet computer station in the Youth Department that children in 5th grade or under may use. WiFi access is also available in the library.
*Internet Use Policy