Borrowing Materials

Check Out Periods & Limits

Place a Hold on Material

Is the item you want checked out? It’s easy to get on the waiting list, and when your turn comes, we’ll notify you automatically. You can place a hold on an item in several ways:

• Log in to your library account using your library card number and your PIN. When you find an item you want held for you, click on Place Hold.
• Call the library at 319-377-3412 and ask for the information desk; our staff will help you with your hold request.
• Stop in at the library and we can help you in person.
• Download the MLN app for iPhone or Android.
  • Apple
  • Google Play

You have ten days to pick up your hold once you are notified.

Renewing Library Books

Renewing your materials is very simple – choose the option below that’s easiest for you!

• Log in to your library account using your library card number and your PIN.
• Call our self-serve phone line at 319-398-7405.
• Call the library at 319-377-3412.
• Stop in at the library and we can help you in person.
• Download the MLN app for iPhone or Android.
  • Apple
  • Google Play

You will not be able to renew your materials if you have $20.00 or more in fines, if there is a hold on the item you wish to renew, or if you have reached the limit of how many times you can renew your item. Most items can be renewed twice. Quick Picks cannot be renewed.

Returning Materials & Finding Book Drops

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to return your library materials. Materials can be returned to any of the metro libraries: Cedar Rapids (downtown or Ladd branch), Marion, or Hiawatha. Cake pans, games, puzzles, and vinyl cannot be returned through a book drop. Please return these items inside the library during normal operating hours.

You may also use the book drops located in local Hy-Vee stores. If you can’t find the drops, just ask at the Hy-Vee Customer Service desk and they’ll point you in the right direction.

For more details on our library cards and policies, please review our Circulation Policy.

Fines

• Beginning July 1, 2020, there are no fees as long as an item is returned. Cardholders who were prohibited from checking out materials due to unpaid fines will once again be able to check out materials. Fees will still be assessed if an item is not returned to the library after 30 days. Reminders will be sent to help enforce due dates.
• Lost item fines may be paid online or at any Metro library. Patrons can also log into their account online to pay their fine.