Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about the Waverly Public Library


  • How do I get a library card?

    • Bring a valid photo ID to the Circulation Desk and fill out a short application form. Library cards are free of charge.


  • What if I lose my library card?

    • To get a replacement card bring a valid photo ID and a $2.00 replacement cost to the Circulation Desk. Items may still be checked out with a valid photo ID if you do not replace your card.


  • How do I renew my items?

    • You may request to renew items by emailing waverly@waverly.lib.ia.us, calling 352-1223 (you may leave a message after hours).
    • You may also request to renew by signing into your library account. Click on "My Account", then "Renew my Materials" and use your user ID (14-digit library card number) and PIN to sign in. You must get your PIN from a librarian, and you may change it once you log in. Select items to be renewed and click "Renew Selected Items".


  • How long do items check out?

    • New DVDs: 2 days, up to 2 renewals as long as there are not any holds.
    • DVDs: 7 days, up to 2 renewals as long as there are not any holds.
    • Non-fiction DVDs and Books: 3 weeks, up to 2 renewals as long as there are not any holds.
    • New Adult Fiction, Adult and Young Adult Magazines, Nooks and iPad: 2 weeks, up to 2 renewals as long as there are not any holds.
    • Adult Fiction, Large Print, Audio Books, Biographies, Local/Family History, and Young Adult Fiction: 3 weeks, up to 2 renewals as long as there are not any holds.
    • Children's Books (Board Books, Picture, Easy Reader, Juvenile Fiction), Educational Backpacks, and Youth Magazines: 35 days, up to 2 renewals as long as there are not any holds.


  • How much are overdue fines?

    • New DVDs, Nooks and iPad, American Girl Doll: $1.00 per day.
    • Interlibrary loans: $1.00 per day overdue.
    • Cake pans: $5.00 for a cleaning charge (if returned unwashed).


  • What if I move or change my phone number or email address?

    • If you change your mailing address, phone number or email address please let the library know. 
    • You can change your contact information by signing into your library account.
    • Library cards expire every two years, at which time contact information will be updated if needed.


  • What is my user/patron ID and PIN

    • Your user/patron ID is your 14 library card number. 
    • Your PIN you will need to get from a librarian. You may change your PIN by signing into your library account


  • Why won't my library card work?

    • Your library card may not work for a number of reasons:
      • ​Your account is no longer in good standing because you owe more than $5.00.
      • Your card has expired (this happens every two years, and only so the library can update contact information if needed).
      • You are using a card that has been marked as "Lost".
    • If your card is not working, please contact the library.


  • What if I lose or damage a library item?

    • Fines and fees for lost or damaged items are determined on an individual basis, depending on the item.
    • The patron may be responsible for the replacement cost of the item, as well as any overdue fines and administration fees.
    • Please speak with the Circulation Librarian about lost or damaged items. 



  • What holidays is the library closed?

    • Closes at 5:00 on New Year's Eve
    • New Year's Day
    • Easter Sunday
    • Memorial Day
    • 4th of July
    • Labor Day
    • Thanksgiving Day
    • The Friday following Thanksgiving
    • Christmas Eve
    • Christmas Day


  • Where is the library located?

    • 1500 W. Bremer Avenue, Waverly Iowa 50677
    • Map


  • Where can I return items?

    • Items may be returned inside the library during open hours, or to our drive through book drop. Please note there are two different drops, one for books and magazines and one for DVDs, CDs, and audio books.
    • Items may also be returned to another library within the state of Iowa. When returned to another library the item will show as checked out on your account until it has been received back at the Waverly Public Library. At that time we will back-date the item to the date returned to the other library and adjust fines accordingly. Please use the Open Access return responsibly; there can be postage costs accrued by the returning library, and items that are damaged in-transit are the responsibility of the patron.





  • How do I place a hold on an item?

    • You may request to place a hold on items by emailing waverly@waverly.lib.ia.us, or calling 352-1223 (you may leave a message after hours).
    • You may also request a hold by searching an item in the catalog. If the material is checked out, an option to "Place a Hold" will show on the left-hand side of the catalog screen. Click on "Place a Hold" then sign into your library account using your user ID (14-digit library card number) and PIN to sign in. You must get your PIN from a librarian, and you may change it once you log in.
    • There is no limit to the number of holds a patron may have, however there is a limit to how many of a certain material you may have checked out. Please be considerate of other library patrons when placing holds.


  • Can I receive email notices about my materials?​

    • If you add an email address to your library account you will receive notices when your items are coming due, when your items are overdue, or if you have a hold ready to be picked up. The Waverly Public Library will not send unsolicited mail.
    • You can add or change an email address by signing into your library account.
    • You can also call or email the library to add an email address.


  • Does the library offer any classes or tutoring?

    • ​The library is able to offer basic assistance to users with computer, tablet, or mobile device issues. 
    • Please check our calendar for upcoming technology classes.
    • The library does not offer any tutoring services.


  • Do you proctor exams?

    • ​Yes, we do proctor exams. There is not a fee for proctoring, but the student is responsible for any printing or faxing costs. An appointment is not required, though it is advised to call ahead and inquire about the best time to take an exam, as the volume in the library is subject to change throughout the day.


  • Does the library have Meeting Rooms available?

    • Yes, please visit our Meeting Room page for more information.
    • For inquiries or to reserve a room, please call 319-352-1223.


  • Can I request an item the library does not have?

    • If you would like to request an item from another library, please visit the Interlibrary Loan page.
    • If you would like to suggest an item for the library to purchase, please use this form, or speak with a librarian.


  • What does it cost to print/fax/photocopy/scan?

    • The Waverly Public Library is not able to accept credit or debit cards for payment. Only cash or check, small bills or coins preferred. 
    • The library does offer wireless printing. See this page to get started.
    • Printing costs $0.10 per page for black and white and $0.50 for color.
    • Faxing costs $1.00 per page. Cover pages are available free of charge and we do not charge for sending the cover page.
    • Photocopying costs $0.10 per page, and is available in black and white and color. 
    • Scanning is free of charge and is the responsibility of the patron. Limited assistance is available to help with scanning. If you need help scanning, please call ahead. 


  • ​Do you notarize documents?

    • Not currently, but we hope to again soon!

Welcome to Waverly. Great schools. Diverse housing options. Robust job market. Top-flight indoor rec center. Outdoor recreation adventures of all kinds. Prestigious Wartburg College. And a safe and welcoming community of people who value the good life in a beautiful place.