New Patron Info

Library Cards

    Library cards are issued free to residents of the City of Anita, Iowa and rural Cass County, Iowa. The Anita Public Library participates in the State Library of Iowa's Open Access Program so anyone providing proof of obtaining a library card from another public library in the state may be able to obtain a library card through this same process. (Residents of Iowa who live in cities that participate in Open Access can apply for a non-resident card with a $40 fee. Residents of other states are also eligible to register for a non-resident card with a $40 fee.)
    To obtain a library card, patrons will need to complete a library card application. Patrons may need to meet at least one of the following criteria: to reside in or around the town of Anita, provide proof of current address such as a current bill, and/or provide some form of photo identification such as a driver’s license. Any child under the age of 18 will need to have parent’s permission, signature, and contact information in order to obtain a library card. After the library receives an application, a postcard will be mailed to the address provided. Patron must return the postcard to the library in order to receive their new card.

    All library cards are issued for 1 year. Upon expiration, a new card will not be issued, but all registration information will be verified. If a library card is lost or damaged, a replacement fee will be charged.

For Parents—
    Parents are responsible for books and materials checked out by their children under 18 years old or still in high school.

Confidentiality Policy—
    The records kept by the library are confidential in nature and will not be made available to anyone without investigative power.

Borrowing Privileges—
    Books, Audio Books / 2 weeks with two 2 week renewals.
    DVDs / 4 at a time for 1 week – no renewals.
    Paintings / 4 at a time for 12 weeks.
    Exchange paperbacks / no time limit-no registration required.

Returning Materials—
    Materials should be returned to the library by the due date during open hours or in the book return when the library is closed.

Holds—
    You may reserve materials by placing a hold on the book desired or ask the Librarian to place a hold for you. You have 3 full working days to pick up material after being notified. If not picked up, the material will default to the next person on the list or be placed on the shelf.

Inter-library Loan—
    Requests for books not in our collection may be made to other libraries that have it. Ask the librarian for assistance with this service.

Overdue, Lost, Damaged Materials—
    There are no fines for any materials that are not returned by their due date. The Library just requests that the materials are returned in a timely manner so others may enjoy them. Any lost or damaged materials must be paid for at current value. Library privileges maybe be denied to patrons who have not paid these fees.

Notices—
    Over Due Notices are sent via US Postal Service or through email bi-weekly. If necessary, patrons maybe called.

For additional information, please refer to our Library Card Registration & Circulation Policy under the Library Policy tab.