Fines and Overdue Information
Effective January 1, 2022, the library has permanently eliminated overdue fines on all books, periodicals, and audio books!
Fines will continue to be charged for overdue DVD's and ice skates/snowshoes.
Fines will continue to be charged for overdue DVD's and ice skates/snowshoes.
How do you renew?
All items can be renewed a maximum of 1 time, as long as no one else is on hold.
- Call us at 641-648-2872 to renew over the phone.
- Log in to your online account at iowafallslib.com and click on ‘Access Account’
- The Patron Number is the full number on the back of your library card, excluding spaces. Your PIN is the last 4 digits of your library card number, excluding spaces.
- Stop in the library with your card and we will renew.
What happens if you don't return materials on time?
Library materials no longer accrue overdue fines, but remember to return or renew items on time, as the following procedures will be enacted:
Robert W. Barlow Memorial Library Overdue Materials Procedure:
1st Month Overdue – Phone call or letter (if unable to reach by phone) to patron notifying them of overdue material.
2nd Month Overdue – Check of the account status and a search of the shelves to see if overdue material is located on the shelf. Overdue letter with an Iowa Code (see below) is mailed out.
3rd Month Overdue – Check of the account status and a search of the shelves to see if overdue material is located on the shelf. Library materials are now subject to the replacement cost of the items. Invoice for materials is mailed with Iowa Code letter.
4th Month Overdue – Check of the account status and a search of the shelves to see if overdue material is located on the shelf. Account info for the patron is given to the Iowa Falls Police Department for collection. Those patrons outside city limits may be notified by the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office.
5th Month Overdue –Items will be considered lost and will be deleted from system and replaced. Items will be billed to patron on their account. Any item returned after deletion from system may be subjected to a $5.00 processing fee.
Patrons with overdue DVDs will periodically be called throughout the month, when staff time allows.
1st Month Overdue – Phone call or letter (if unable to reach by phone) to patron notifying them of overdue material.
2nd Month Overdue – Check of the account status and a search of the shelves to see if overdue material is located on the shelf. Overdue letter with an Iowa Code (see below) is mailed out.
3rd Month Overdue – Check of the account status and a search of the shelves to see if overdue material is located on the shelf. Library materials are now subject to the replacement cost of the items. Invoice for materials is mailed with Iowa Code letter.
4th Month Overdue – Check of the account status and a search of the shelves to see if overdue material is located on the shelf. Account info for the patron is given to the Iowa Falls Police Department for collection. Those patrons outside city limits may be notified by the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office.
5th Month Overdue –Items will be considered lost and will be deleted from system and replaced. Items will be billed to patron on their account. Any item returned after deletion from system may be subjected to a $5.00 processing fee.
Patrons with overdue DVDs will periodically be called throughout the month, when staff time allows.
What happens if you damage or lose an item?
Damaged Items:
Library users are expected to pay an item's full replacement charge if damaged while borrowed on a library card account. Charges will be assessed for any item returned that is no longer in appropriate condition for continued circulation. Determination of “appropriate condition” is made by library staff.
A minimum $5.00 processing fee will be charged to patron for repair of item and if an item needs complete replacing, the fee would be the full replacement cost for the item.
Lost Items:
If you are unable to locate the item(s), please call us ASAP. If you let us know, we can give you additional time to look for the item(s).
If you are still unable to locate the item(s), you will be charged an item's full replacement charge. Borrowing privileges and computer use will be temporarily withheld until arrangements have been made for the return of the item(s) and payment of the fines. If needed, please ask us about a payment arrangement.
We are always willing to work with you so you can continue to utilize the library!
Library users are expected to pay an item's full replacement charge if damaged while borrowed on a library card account. Charges will be assessed for any item returned that is no longer in appropriate condition for continued circulation. Determination of “appropriate condition” is made by library staff.
A minimum $5.00 processing fee will be charged to patron for repair of item and if an item needs complete replacing, the fee would be the full replacement cost for the item.
Lost Items:
If you are unable to locate the item(s), please call us ASAP. If you let us know, we can give you additional time to look for the item(s).
If you are still unable to locate the item(s), you will be charged an item's full replacement charge. Borrowing privileges and computer use will be temporarily withheld until arrangements have been made for the return of the item(s) and payment of the fines. If needed, please ask us about a payment arrangement.
We are always willing to work with you so you can continue to utilize the library!
Where can you return materials?
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Items can be returned in the outside book drop that is located to the left of the main entrance doors. The outside drop box is open for returns 24/7. It is checked frequently and the materials are not at risk of being damaged upon return.
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Items can be returned in our inside book drop that is located to the left of the front desk during open hours.
Ice Skates and Snowshoes must be returned inside during open hours and placed in the blue bins in front of the book drop. 
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You may also return the materials to any Iowa library and they will return the items to us.