Borrowing Basics

Borrowing from the WDM Library

Patrons must present their library cards to check out materials or verify card information for a look-up.

Patrons are responsible for all items checked out on their cards.

The library makes no attempt to assume the rightful role of parents in monitoring or controlling their children's reading or access to library resources. Materials are not marked to indicate approval or disapproval of their content. All card holders have access to the entire collection.

To avoid an overdue fine, items must be returned on or before the day they are due. This includes items returned in the outside book drop.

Please report any change of name, address, or telephone number to the library.

The usual borrowing period is three (3) weeks.  Most items can be renewed twice (two additional periods) unless a hold has been placed. 

Some equipment, like hotspots or educational kits, has different checkout periods.  

The following items cannot be renewed:

  Magazines

  Reserve Items (an item someone else has put on hold)

LOAN PERIODS - from the WDM Library Policy Manual

Adopted by Board Action 6/20/2023

For various reasons, including recent acquisition, high demand or special arrangement, the library may adjust loan periods to be longer or shorter upon review and approval by a library administrator.

  • Books, DVDs, compact discs and educational kits are checked out for three (3) weeks and may be renewed twice for additional three-week periods unless a hold has been placed on the title. 
  • Magazines are checked out for three (3) weeks with no renewals. The most recent issue does not circulate.
  • Newspapers may only be used in the library. 
  • Home use loans of tablets check out for 14 days and can be renewed twice, according to availability. 
  • In library loans of tablets are due back by the end of business the same day as the loan was made. No holds are permitted on these devices.
  • Internet hotspots check out for 14 days and can be renewed twice, according to availability.

With so many patrons needing access to the library’s limited resources, overdue fines are charged to encourage patrons to return their library materials on time:

From WDM Library Policy Manual

OVERDUE MATERIALS, LOST AND DAMAGED MATERIALS AND FINES

Adopted by Board Action 4/19/2022

  1. The library expects items borrowed to be returned in good condition on, or before, their due date. To ensure the prompt return of public property, the library charges overdue fines according to the Fines and Fees Schedule.
  2. If library materials are lost or damaged, the borrower must pay the replacement fee, which is in the item record. As an alternative, for materials other than electronic equipment or educational kits, patrons can provide a new or like-new replacement copy, to be approved by library staff.
  3. Library borrowing privileges will be suspended if fines, damages, fees, or assessments for lost materials more than $10.00 are not paid and will remain suspended until they are paid.
  4. Patrons are required to bring to the library staff’s attention any issues regarding inaccurate charges within three months of an item’s due date to receive consideration for an adjustment.
  5. The library may offer programs that allow for alternative options to payment of fines (such as a payment plan or a fine alternative program).

UNPAID FINES AND FEES, AND DELINQUENT MATERIALS

Adopted by Board Action 4/19/2022

The library will take action against patrons who have excessive unpaid fines and fees, and/or who have not returned items borrowed on their cards or on their minor-aged children’s cards. The library asserts its right to pursue recovery through legal measures including Section 714.5 of the Code of Iowa. This may include:

  1. Referring delinquent materials to the West Des Moines Police Department as stolen City property;
  2. Referring delinquent materials and/or excessive fines and recovery fees to a collection agency;
  3. Referring fines or fees owed for delinquent materials to the Iowa Department of Revenue.

LATE AND DELINQUENT INTERLIBRARY LOAN MATERIALS

Adopted by Board Action 4/19/2022

Materials borrowed through interlibrary loan or consortium borrowing come from libraries with varying fine schedules, and borrowers returning items past their due dates are subject to fines up to $20.00 per item.

When interlibrary loan or consortium materials are lost, the replacement charge may be billed up to $120.00 per items (a standard consortium fee) or the actual value of the material, which may exceed $120.00.

FEE SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE)
Adopted by Board Action 4/19/2022

  • Replacement library card 1.00
  • Overdue fine for DVD .50 per item/per day, Maximum $5.00
  • Overdue fine for print materials .10 per item/per day, Maximum $5.00
  • Overdue fine for educational kits .50/day, Maximum $5.00
  • Kit Bags/ Boxes 5.00
  • Recovery fee if sent to a collection agency 10.00 per account
  • Interlibrary Loan (borrowed from another library) Costs vary
  • Insufficient Funds Fee for Returned Checks 25.00 (paid directly to City Offices)
  • Printing and Copy Fees .20 per page for black ink only, .50 per page for color
  • Replacement bag (puzzles, etc.) 1.00
  • Educational Kit Replacement per replacement cost listed in the item record
  • Equipment Fees:
    • Hotspot replacement 150.00
    • Tablet replacement 600.00
    • Hotspot or Tablet Charging Cable 20.00
    • Hotspot or Tablet Power Block 20.00
    • Hotspot or Tablet Carry Case 15.00
    • Tablet Display Adaptor 20.00
    • Hard-sided (Otter Box style) Tablet Case 40.00
    • Tablet Returned in Book Drop 25.00

 

 

 

OVERDUE MATERIALS, LOST AND DAMAGED MATERIALS AND FINES - from the WDM Library Policy Manual

Adopted by Board Action 4/19/2022

  1. The library expects items borrowed to be returned in good condition on, or before, their due date. To ensure the prompt return of public property, the library charges overdue fines according to the Fines and Fees Schedule.
  2. If library materials are lost or damaged, the borrower must pay the replacement fee, which is in the item record. As an alternative, for materials other than electronic equipment or educational kits, patrons can provide a new or like-new replacement copy, to be approved by library staff.
  3. Library borrowing privileges will be suspended if fines, damages, fees, or assessments for lost materials more than $10.00 are not paid and will remain suspended until they are paid.
  4. Patrons are required to bring to the library staff’s attention any issues regarding inaccurate charges within three months of an item’s due date to receive consideration for an adjustment.
  5. The library may offer programs that allow for alternative options to payment of fines (such as a payment plan or a fine alternative program).

Patrons must present their library cards to check out materials, or confirm registration information (if they forgot or misplaced their card). Each patron is held responsible for everything checked out on his or her card.

Lost library card replacement fee: $1.00.  Expired cards are replaced at no charge.

Checks returned Insufficient Funds will be assessed a $25 return charge – this fee must be paid directly to WDM City Hall.

The usual borrowing period is three (3) weeks.  Most items can be renewed twice (two additional periods) unless a hold has been placed.

Some equipment, like hotspots or educational kits, have different checkout periods.  

The following items cannot be renewed:

  Magazines

  Reserve Items (an item someone else has put on hold)

There are several options to renew: 

  In the Library:  You can renew items in person at the first floor Circulation and Accounts desk

  On the Phone:  Call Circulation and Accounts at 515-222-3404 to renew by phone.  It's helpful if you have your library card number handy. 

  Via the Web:  You can renew your items via My Account on the web.  You will need your library card and PIN.  

  On the App:  Items not on hold for someone else can be renewed via our WDM Library Mobile App  

From your web browser (desktop or mobile) to our Online Catalog and Login with your Barcode (the number on the back of your library card or key card – NO spaces) and your PIN. 

Note: if you do not yet have a PIN, you will need to set it up with staff – call or email the library.

Once you’ve logged in, it will say My Book Cart and My Account. Click on My Account.

It will default to showing your Checkouts – the materials you currently have out.

Click the checkbox next to the items you want to Renew and click on the Renew Marked button. If you simply want to try to renew all your checked out items, you can click Renew All.

It will then ask you “The following item(s) will be renewed, would you like to proceed?” Click Yes to proceed. Under Status it will now list your new due date.

If an item cannot be renewed because of an existing hold, it will indicate that “Not all renewals were successful” and will say ON HOLD in the status next to the un-renewed item(s).

First, search our Catalog to see if we own the item you're interested in.  We do not Interlibrary Loan materials we already own - you will need to place a hold. 

If you find we do not own it, please submit an Item Request Form for the material.  Why?  In an effort to make our collection as robust and inclusive as possible, we want to have our selectors determine if it's something we can add to our collection.  If we are unable to purchase the materials, we will place the ILL request for you, if possible.  You may want to read more about guidelines for our Interlibrary Loan Service.  

If your request is time sensitive, such as "I need this by Dec 1st for a class", please put that in the Notes field on the Item Request Form, as that may affect how we fulfill your request.