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Get a Library Card!

>CFPL Policy: Library Cards
>All Policies

Library Cards

Any person who resides within the city limits of Cedar Falls, or rural Black Hawk County, or who owns property in Cedar Falls can obtain a library card without a fee.  To obtain a card, you can print out the application form (below) and bring it to the library along with identification showing your name and current address.  Children below the 7th grade must have parental signature to obtain a library card.

>Library Card Application (paper)
>Online Library Card Application  *After completing your online application, please visit the library within thirty days and bring your Photo ID (and proof of address if different than your ID) in order to get your library card.*  

Cedar Falls Public Library will issue library cards in compliance with Open Access rules for statewide reciprocal borrowing. UNI students living in the dorm holding a library card from a library participating in Open Access may borrow books from the Cedar Falls Public Library according to the rules of Open Access. Students will be asked to provide their UNI address and home address as proof of identification.

>Library Card Application- Student

Check-out Periods

Three Weeks:

  • Books
  • Books on CD
  • Playaways
  • eReaders
  • Music CDs

Two Weeks:

One Week:

  • DVDs
  • Magazines
  • Express Books:  one renewal, may not be reserved
  • Adult Launchpads
  • Binge Boxes
  • Video Games
  • Youth Playaway Views
  • Youth Launchpads

Three Days:

  • Express DVDs:  one renewal, may not be reserved

Generally, materials may be renewed two times in person, over the telephone, or online unless the material is reserved for another person.

Item Limits

With the exception of video materials, there is no general limit to the number of materials that can be checked out.

  • Adult and Youth Launchpads are limited to 2 per patron
  • Binge Boxes are limited to 1 per patron
  • DVDs are limited to 10 per patron
  • eReaders are limited to 3 per patron
  • Video Games are limited to 2 per patron
  • Youth Playaway Views are limited to 3 per patron
  • At staff discretion, limits may apply to seasonal materials.

All materials can be reserved in person, over the telephone, or online, with the exception of Express materials. Reserved items will be held for the patron for 3 days.

Returning Materials

Library materials can be returned inside the library at the Service Desk, in the book drop chutes in the Library atrium, in the automated book drop located in the exterior wall just next to the main entrance (nearest the Community Center), or in the drive-up book drop on the State Street side of the Library.

Fines

As of January 1, 2020, Cedar Falls Public Library has eliminated overdue fines on most library materials*. Overdue fines accrued before January 1, 2020 have been waived. Patrons will still be charged for lost or damaged library materials.

The borrower is responsible for lost or damaged materials. The maximum charge is the replacement cost of the material. Fees for lost or damaged materials are determined by the department head.

You may pay fines and replacement fees online.  To do this, visit our catalog page and log into your account.  Once logged in, click on the fines tab and then click on "Make a Payment." Fines must exceed $1 in order to make a payment through our online system.

*Fines of $5.00 per day remain on the following Library of Things items:

  • GoPro Cameras
  • Mobile WiFi Hotspots
  • Musical Instruments

Extended Loan Periods

Materials that can be renewed can be checked out for an extended loan period approved at the circulation desk under certain circumstances such as vacations or special programs. For more information, please see >CFPL Policy: Extended Loan

Extended loan periods are also available for materials checked out through the Third Age Project, or for Homebound.  There are no overdue fines on Third Age Project or Homebound materials.

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