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! Popular items such as videos, DVDs, and new bestsellers are checked out for 14 days. Other items can be borrowed for 28 days.

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

There is a book drop near the entrance of our Leffler Street location. There is also a book drop near the back door of our Annex at 301 North Iowa Street.

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

Items put 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?

Materials can be returned to other libraries within the Southwest Wisconsin Library System.

Materials returned to libraries in neighboring systems (such as Mount Horeb or Spring Green) may take up to a week to be checked in and come off your account.

Please be aware that you are still responsible for the items until they reach us and that you may receive overdue notices.

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 to the material while it is checked out to you. Lost items are billed at the replacement cost of the item plus a cataloging fee.

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

Yes, the library charges (15) fifteen cents per page for photocopies and black and white prints. Color prints 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.

  • Can I renew an item without my card?

No, you will need to provide your library card barcode number at the time of renewal.

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 follow the policies of the owning library.

Holds, Reserves and Requests

  • What if the item I want is not available right now? Or you don’t own it?

We can place a hold for you! When the item is available, you will be notified by phone. You will be have (7) seven days to pick up the material.

We can also bring materials from other libraries for you. You will be have (7) seven days to pick up the material.

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.