Owner’s Manual

Your guide to the Dodgeville Public Library

How to Get a Library Card

The Southwest Wisconsin Library System member public libraries in Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, and Richland Counties have agreed to use this system-wide card. It is also accepted by almost all other Wisconsin public libraries as a result of reciprocal borrowing agreements.

  • Where to apply

You may apply for a library card at the Dodgeville Public Library, or at any SWLS Member Library.

  • Access a printable library card application form here (Adobe Acrobat format)

Download this form, fill it out and stop by the Dodgeville Public Library with the completed form, picture identification and proof of current address. Library staff will process your card in about 5-10 minutes and you may check out materials that same day.

If you prefer, the Library will be happy to mail your card to you. The first time you use your library card, you will need to show Library staff a picture identification before you check out any materials.
Questions?? Comments?? Please contact the Library at 608-935-3728 or email the library director.

  • Replacement Cards

There is a $1.50 fee for replacement of lost or stolen library cards. Please be sure to let us know if the card is lost or stolen.

Checking out Materials

You will need to present your library card in order to check out library materials. You may use a family member’s card only if you have the card with you. You are responsible for any materials checked out on your library card.

  • How many items can I check out?

There is no limit on the number of items you may check out. Popular items such as videos, DVDs, and new bestselling adult fiction are checked out for 14 days.

  • Where do I return my checked out items when you are closed?

Materials may be returned inside the library during our regularly scheduled open hours. The outside book drop is provided for your convenience, and can be used anytime.

  • Where is the book drop?

The book drop is located on the northwest corner of the building, to the left of the library entrance.

  • How do you know my books aren’t overdue when I return them in the book drop?

Materials returned in the book drop on the day they were due will not be counted as overdue. Items returned in the book drop when the library is closed are checked in the next morning before we open, using yesterday’s date.

  • May I return Dodgeville Public Library materials to another public library in the area?

We prefer that Dodgeville Public Library materials be returned to us. However, materials may be returned to other libraries within the Southwest Wisconsin Library System and neighboring library systems.

Please be aware that you are still responsible for the items until they reach us and that you may receive overdue notices. To avoid fines, please ask the returning library to indicate the day you returned our materials to them.

Fines, Charges and Replacement Costs

  • How much are overdue fines?

We do not charge fines for overdue Dodgeville Library items.

  • What happens if I lose or damage a book?

You will be charged for any damage that occurs to the material while it is checked out to you. Lost items will be billed at the replacement cost of the item plus a cataloging fee.

  • Do you charge for photocopies and printouts from the library’s internet and word processing computers?

Yes, the library charges (15) fifteen cents per page for photocopies and black and white printouts. Color printouts are (30) thirty cents per page.

Renewal

  • How many times can I renew library material?

Most material can be renewed twice, as long as no one else has requested it.

  • Can an item be renewed by telephone or email?

Yes, as long as no one else has requested it. The item does not need to be present to renew it. You will need to provide your card number at the time of renewal whether you wish to renew an item by telephone or by email.

  • Can I renew an item without my card?

Yes, and please remember that you will need to provide your library card barcode number at the time of renewal whether you wish to renew an item by telephone or by email.

Be sure to have your library card handy when you call to renew by telephone.

Be sure to include your library card barcode number in the body of the email message when you send a renewal request.

If you come to the library to renew an item in person, you do not need to have the item with you, but again, you will need to provide your library card or a photo ID.

  • Is it possible to renew an item I got on interlibrary loan?

Materials obtained through Interlibrary Loan may be renewed if there is no other patron waiting for the item. Also, renewals are granted following the policies of the owning library.

Holds, Reserves and Requests

  • What if what I am looking for is not in right now or you don’t own it?

You may ask that currently unavailable material belonging to the Dodgeville Public Library be placed on hold for you. When the item is returned, you will be notified by phone. You will be have (7) seven days to pick up the material.

We can also borrow materials from other libraries on interlibrary loan. Interlibrary loan materials will be sent back if not picked up by the end of the (7) day notice for pick up.

Please notify us if you no longer want or need an item that you have requested be reserved for you.
Read about borrowing from other libraries.