How much does a library card cost?
Library cards are free! Staff may ask for a $1 donation, but this is not required to get a library card. Replacement cards cost $2.
Archives: FAQs
Can my child get a card?
A library card will be issued for a child under the age of 16 when a parent or guardian has signed a “statement of responsibility” card and proof of residency has been established. Guardians may be asked to provide documentation of guardianship and the child […]
Where do I go to get a library card?
Please visit the New Cards desk on the first floor. You will need a valid photo ID and proof of address (recent piece of mail, utility bill, or voter card). City of Dubuque residents age 18+ may also apply online.
I will be visiting Dubuque for a short time. Can I get a library card?
The Carnegie-Stout Public Library will issue guest cards for visitors to the community. The fee for this card is $10 and it will be valid for 30 days. Guest cards are limited to having a total of three items on loan at a time.
I live in Wisconsin (or Illinois); can I get a library card?
If you are an out-of-state resident, you may purchase a non-resident card at a Silver, Gold, or Platinum level. For more information, please see “Open Access & Non-Resident Cards” on the Get A Card page.
I do not live in Dubuque County; can I still get a library card?
If you live in the State of Iowa and are a member of a library that participates in the statewide reciprocal borrowing program called Open Access you are eligible for a library card at Carnegie-Stout Public Library. For more information, please see “Open Access & […]
I don’t live in a city in Dubuque County that is contracting for library service. Can I buy a library card?
No. You will need to talk with your city government to express your interest in library use and ask them to contract for library service.
What if I do not live in Dubuque? Can I get a library card?
The Carnegie-Stout Public Library has partnered with the Cascade Public Library, the Dubuque County Library, and the James Kennedy Public Library in Dyersville to form an Agency with the goal of providing library service to residents of Dubuque County who are not eligible for borrowing […]
Am I eligible to get a library card?
Any person who resides in the City of Dubuque will be issued a library card with proper identification (driver’s license or birth certificate with social security card) and proof of address (voting card, utility bill, recently postmarked mail, or a check with address imprinted on […]
Does the library loan laptop computers?
The library has laptop computers available for use inside the building to adults and teens. Please visit the second floor computer help desk. Mini iPads are also available for check out. Please visit the Maker Space on the second floor.
Does the library have wireless internet access?
Yes, the library has free wireless access available to the public throughout the building and in the immediate vicinity outside the building.
Can I use an internet computer?
Yes, with proper identification, computers for internet use are available to those ages 13+ on the second floor. Those ages 13-17 may also use internet computers in the Teen Zone located on the first floor. The Children’s Department, also located on the first floor, has […]
How does someone become a library board member?
Currently, library board trustee members serve four year terms. When a position becomes vacant any Dubuque resident who is 18 years or older is eligible to serve. Nomination papers are available from the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall (13th Street, Dubuque). A person can […]
Who are the Library Board of Trustees?
Find members and more information on the “Board of Trustees” tab on the About Us page.
What is the Recommendations Desk?
Staff at the Recommendations Desk can offer suggestions on what you might like to read, listen to, or watch based on your interests and preferences. Please visit the Recommendations Desk (located on the first floor) to inquire or complete a Book Match form.
When was the library built?
The library was built in 1902. This was made possible by a grant from Andrew Carnegie for the building and the gift of land from Frank Stout in memory of his father Henry Stout. The public library was named after these two benefactors. In 1929, […]
What are downloadable materials?
Downloadable materials are digital versions of books, music, and magazines that you can check out and read or listen to on your smartphone, tablet or computer. The library also has mini iPads available for check out from the Maker Space.
What should I do if I’m having trouble accessing the digital library or logging in to my online account?
Contact the Library at 589-4225. Library Staff can determine if the cause is card related, or technology related.
Can I return items after the library is closed?
Yes. You may return materials 24/7 at the library main entrance drop box, the drive-up drop box on the Bluff Street side of the library, and the drop box in the Asbury Hy-Vee parking lot at Asbury Plaza. You may also return materials at the […]
Does the library charge late fines?
The library has gone fine free; however, your account will be locked if you have items that are seven or more days past due.
Can interlibrary loans be renewed?
This depends on the loaning library. Telephone the Library at 589-4225 and ask to speak with the interlibrary loan librarian who can assist with this request.
Where do I pick up an item borrowed through interlibrary loan (ILL)?
Pick up ILL material at the Circulation desk.
Where do I go to ask for something to be borrowed from another library?
The Reference or Recommendations Desk. This service is not available to new library members for 90 days, temporary residents, those holding guest cards, or Open Access patrons.
Where do I pick up an item that is waiting for me?
Circulation desk or at the Self-Serve Hold shelf between the Check Out Desk and the Children’s area.
How will I be notified when something is ready for me to pick up?
When you apply for your library card you will be asked if you prefer to be notified by mail, telephone, email, or text message. You can change the method by which you are notified at any time by calling the Library at 589-4225.
Can I put an item on hold?
Yes, you can do this from the Library’s web site, www.dubuque.lib.ia.us, by following the link to the Library’s catalog, or you can telephone the Library at 589-4225.
What is the TeleCirc number and how do I use it?
TeleCirc is an automated telephone system that can renew books, let you know when an item is waiting for you or tell you what items you have checked out. You can reach TeleCirc by calling 563-589-0887. If you would like to renew material, have the […]
Do I have to come into the library to renew something?
No, you don’t need to visit the library to renew an item. You can easily renew eligible items by logging into your online account. You may also use your telephone to reach the automated TeleCirc system by calling 563-589-0887 and following the prompts, or you […]
How many times can I renew something?
Most items can be renewed twice, unless noted otherwise on the material (e.g. children’s holiday books) or an item has a wait list. After the second renewal by the same cardholder the item(s) must stay in the library for a period of 24 hours before […]