Frequently Asked Questions
How to Use This SiteLibrary Card and Borrowing
Computer Use
Reference Questions
Meeting Rooms
Notary
Youth Services
HOW TO USE THIS SITE
How do I print information from the Urbandale Public Library website?When is the library catalog offline?
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How do I print information from the Urbandale Public Library website?
The library does not have special formating for printing pages. Please print through the File> Print option. Width does not need to be adjusted, normal printer settings will not cut off page content.
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When is the library catalog offline?
The library does maintenance every evening between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. This means that all or part of the catalog may not function. Please browse our catalog during operational hours.
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LIBRARY CARD AND BORROWING
What if I have lost my library card?How do I get a library card?
What materials are for loan?
Where do I return my books?
I have forgotten what books I have checked out, how do I find out how many I have, and when they are due?
How much are fines?
Is there a limit on the number of items I can borrow?
Do you have books in other languages?
How do I change my mailing address?
My books are overdue, what should I do?
What if I have a damaged book?
I have lost my book, what do I do?
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What if I have lost my library card?
If a card is lost, stolen or found, notify the Urbandale Public Library ASAP. There is a fee for replacement of a lost or damaged card. Identification and proof of residency is required.
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How do I get a library card?
Upon proof of residency (driver's license, utility bill, check book or bank statement with current address printed), any person in the state of Iowa who is age five or older may obtain a library card free of charge. Your library card is renewable yearly if there are no outstanding fines or fees. To renew your library card, proof of current residency must be provided.
Children under age fourteen must have a parent or guardian sign their application form and library card. Social Security or driver's license number and date of birth are required on all applications. Your library patron information and circulation records are confidential.
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What materials are for loan?
- Audio books
- Blu-Ray DVDs
- Books
- Cake pans
- CD-Rom software
- College Catalogs
- Downloadable Audiobooks
- DVDs
- Magazines
- Music CDs
- Large print books
- Puppets
- Videos
- Video Games
Where do I return my books?
Book drops are located in the library's lobby and a drive-thru drop is available at the north end of the building. You are responsible for all items until they are checked in. Please use the drops.
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I have forgotten what books I have checked out, how do I find out how many I have, and when they are due?
You can check your account through the library's online catalog, or by calling 515-278-3945 option 3.
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How much are fines?
Most items in the library are $0.10 per day.
Equipment has special fees and late fines. To find more information on fines click here.
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Is there a limit on the number of items I can borrow?
- 10 music CDs at a time
- 10 audio books
- 10 VHS videos
- 5 DVDs/Blu-Ray DVDs
- 2 Video Games
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Do you have books in other languages?
Yes. Our library contains a variety of materials for children and adults in
Spanish, Bosnian, and Chinese. Other languages are also available.
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How do I change my mailing address?
You may change your address by accessing your online account through the library catalog, by calling the library (515-278-3945), or by visiting the library in person. For all address change information we require proof of address.
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My books are overdue, what should I do?
All items may be renewed one time by telephone 515-278-3945 option 3, in person or online, unless the title is on hold.
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What if I have a damaged book?
Please do not attempt to repair materials at home. Special supplies are required for mending. Please report any problems to a librarian, but do not attempt to mend any damaged items or equipment.
Please return the book (and if necessary, parts of book) to the library front desk.
Each person is responsible for damaged materials checked out on his/her card. If the book is beyond repair, you will be responsible for the cost of the book.
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I have lost my book, what do I do?
If you can not find a book, you will be charged the cost of replacement.
Refunds (minus service charges) on the cost of the item are made when lost materials that have been paid for are returned to the Library - in good condition - within seven months of the due date.
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COMPUTER USE
Do you have Internet?Do you have wireless Internet?
Is there a time limit for computer use?
Does the library filter or use an Internet filter?
Do you have a scanner for public use? Can I reserve the scanner? Does it cost money?
Are the computers connected to a printer? Can I print in color?
Do you have disks for sale? How much do they cost?
What is on the computer (hardware, software)?
Can I download programs from the Internet? Can I use my own programs?
How do I get on (login) the computers?
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Do you have Internet?
Yes.
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Do you have wireless Internet?
Yes.
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Is there a time limit for computer use?
Yes. You may use the computer for up to 2 hours at a time, with a total of 4 hours in one day.
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Does the library filter or use an Internet filter?
No. Children under the age of 14 must have parental permission to access the Internet. Parents must fill out the appropriate forms at the circulation desk.
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Do you have a scanner for public use? Can I reserve the scanner? Does it cost money?
Yes. A flatbed scanner is available for use in the Reference Department. It has software to allow scanning of photos, documents and other items.
You may call to reserve the computer attached to the scanner. Intermediate computer skills are required to use this equipment. There is no charge to use this equipment.
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Are the computers connected to a printer? Can I print in color?
Yes, you are able to print from all public access Internet computers in color or black & white.
B&W prints are $0.10 per page
Color prints are $0.50 per page
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Do you have disks for sale? How much do they cost?
Yes. These are located at the reference desk.
(1) 3.5" diskette- $1.00
(1) CDRW - $3.00
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What is on the computer (hardware, software)?
SOFTWARE: Internet access using the Internet Explorer web browser.
Microsoft Office 2003 including Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Front Page, Office Project, Picture Manager, Publisher and Visio.
HARDWARE: All of the computers have floppy drives, CD writeable drives and USB ports for use with flash drives, jump drives or thumb drives.
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Can I download programs from the Internet? Can I use my own programs?
Users are not allowed to save to the hard drives on the library computers.
You may save items onto a diskette, CD-RW, or USB port device (thumb drive, flash drive, jump drive).
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How do I get on (login) the computers?
An Urbandale or Johnston Library card is required for residents of the state of Iowa to use the computers.
Those who are not residents of the state of Iowa can present a driver's license from another state or country and will be logged on to a computer as a guest.
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REFERENCE QUESTIONS
How do I get a book if you don't own it? How long will it take?
Is there a charge?
How do I request that the library buy a book, movie, etc. to add to the collection?
Do you have study rooms?
Do you have magazines? Can they be checked out from the library?
Do you have a fax machine? How much do you charge?
Do you proctor tests? Is there a charge?
Do you have a copy machine? How much does it cost?
Do you offer any computer classes?
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Do reference materials check out?
No. All reference materials must be used in the library. Many items have copies that can be checked out from our circulating collection. Check with a reference librarian for more help.
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How do I get a book if you don't own it? How long will it take? Is there a charge?
If the Urbandale Library does not own a particular book you are looking for, we will attempt to locate it from another library for you. Depending on where the book will be coming from, it can take anywhere from 2-4+ weeks. There is a charge for postage.
You can make a request by calling the reference desk 515-331-4488 or by going to the online catalog, clicking on the "I need materials" tab, and selecting interlibrary loan.
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How do I request that the library buy a book, movie, etc. to add to the collection?
You may make a request by going to the online catalog, clicking on the "I need materials" tab, and then selecting Recommend to Order.
You may also call the library and place the request over the phone.
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Do you have study rooms?
Yes, to reserve a room please call the reference desk 515-331-4488.
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Do you have magazines? Can they be checked out from the library?
Yes. The library provides a large selection of magazines (for adults, teens and children). You may check out back issues (but not the most recent issues) of most magazines. They are checked out for a 3 week period.
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Do you have a fax machine? How much do you charge?
Yes, there is a fax machine for the public located at the reference desk. Reference staff will send and receive materials to be faxed.
The following faxing fees apply:
local: $.25 per page,
long distance: $.50 per page,
Overseas: $5.00 first page; $1.00 per page thereafter,
to receive: $.10 cents per page.
The public use fax phone number is 515-331-6737.
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Do you proctor tests? Is there a charge?
Yes. Test proctoring is done by the staff at the reference desk. Both written and on-line tests are proctored. There is no charge for this service. Postage and printing fees are the responsibility of the student. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the reference desk staff to arrange a time for the exam. Most exams are taken in a study room or on an Internet terminal near the reference desk. Contact the reference staff for additional information at 515-331-4488.
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Do you have a copy machine? How much does it cost?
Yes. The library has two black and white copy machines available for public use. One is located near the front entry, the other is located in the reference department. This machine accepts $1, $5, $10 in bills and $.05, $.10, & $.25 in coins. It will also give change.
All black and white copies are 10¢ per page. Both copy machines are self serve.
The library has one color copy machine located in the reference department. Copies are $.50 per page.
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Do you offer any computer classes?
Yes. Staff members offer a variety of 1-2 hour introductory classes. Contact the reference desk at 515-331-4488 for additional information.
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MEETING ROOMS
How do I reserve a meeting room?What are the differences between the study rooms, meeting rooms,
ICN room and conference room?
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How do I reserve a meeting room?
Meetings are scheduled over the phone, in person, or online. Please call 515-331-6765. The meeting rooms may be scheduled in May for the following July 1 - December 31 and in November for the following January 1 - June 30.
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What are the differences between the study rooms, meeting rooms, ICN room and conference room?
The biggest difference is the size of the room.
Large study rooms hold up to 6 people.
Small study rooms hold up to 2 people.
Meeting rooms hold up to 60 people each.
ICN room holds up to 20 people.
Conference room holds up to 17 people.
For more information please look at the meeting room descriptions listed on the Meeting Rooms page, or call the library at 515-331-6765.
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NOTARY
Why are documents notarized?What must a document contain to be notarized?
Is there a fee?
What forms of identification do I need to have something notarized?
Does a notary require the document be signed in their presence?
Can a notary prepare legal documents?
Can a notary notarize photocopies and carbon copies of documents?
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Why are documents notarized?
To deter fraud. An impartial witness (the notary) ensures that the signer of the document is who they say they are. The notary makes sure that the signer has entered into the agreement knowingly and willingly.
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What must a document contain to be notarized?
For a document to be notarized, it must contain:
- text committing the signer in some way,
- an original signature of the signer, not a photocopy (if a signature is required),
- a notarial "certificate" which may appear on the document itself or on an attachment.
Is there a fee?
No. Please call the library (515-278-3945 option 3) to confirm that a notary will be available.
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What forms of identification do I need to have something notarized?
The best forms of identification will include your picture, your physical description and your signature for the notary to compare. It is also beneficial if the identification card is issued by a government agency. A valid driver's license, passport, school or work identification card can all be used. In other words, there must be enough information to verify your identity.
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Does a notary require the document be signed in their presence?
Yes. If the notary certificate states "subscribed and sworn/affirmed to me….," then it must be signed in the notary's presence.
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Can a notary prepare legal documents?
No. A notary does not have the authority to prepare legal documents. The notary's only duty is to perform the notarial act and complete the certificate.
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Can a notary notarize photocopies and carbon copies of documents?
Copy certification is an act where the notary determines a photocopy is a full, true and accurate reproduction of an original, privately held document. Examples of documents for copy certification are: business documents, diplomas, passports, and copies of letters. The notary should supervise the photocopying of the document. Notaries avoid certifying copies of documents that are public records, such as birth/death certificates, court records and deeds.
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