Thank you for your patience during our closure. Here are the answers to some of the questions that you have about how to use the library while we are closed to the public.

Why is the Clive Public Library closed and how long will we be closed?

The City of Clive is heeding the CDC's warning to cancel programs and limit public gatherings due to COVID-19 concerns.

All programs will be held virtually until further notice.

Can I place a hold on new materials?

Currently, we are accepting holds for curbside pickup. Please place your holds via our website or the mobile app at least 24 hours in advance. We are encouraging our patrons to use our website and resources, including Bridges and hoopla. We are currently limiting the number of holds to 10 per patron.

Please watch your emails to be notified when your holds are available for you.

The library does not reserve times for you to come pick up your items, please check our hours and let us know when you are in the parking lot.

What about books that I have that are due?

The library book drop is open 24 hours per day and is located outside the front doors of the library. Please return books that have come due or renew them, if eligible, online or by calling the library at 453-2221.

Due dates were extended until June 1st for all materials that were due between March 16th - April 9th. If you had items that were due on June 1st, and you returned them BEFORE August 1st, there will be no fines assessed.

If an item was due before March 16th, we did not automatically extend the due dates. If you returned those items BEFORE August 1st, there will be no fines assessed.

Items that were checked out after June 1st ARE subject to our usual overdue fees.

All overdue items will accrue fines beginning August 1st, 2020.

You can still pay current fines online.

All items will be backdated when checked in so that you are NOT accruing fines during the 7 days that items were in quarantine.

Should I bring my items back to the library?

The book drop is open at all times. The library will start assessing fines on August 1st.

Please be aware that all items are put into 7 day quarantine before they are checked in off of your account for the safety of our staff and the next patron that checks them out.

All items will be backdated when checked in so that you are not accruing fines during the 7 days that the items were in quarantine.

If you recieve an overdue notice while your items are in quarantine please check your account again at the end of the week before you call the library.

What if my library card is set to expire while you are closed?

We have TWO options for you to renew your library membership:
OPTION A: Come to the library during curbside hours, with your CURRENT driver's license, to be shown to the library staff while you remain in your car.

OPTION B: Send us a photo of your CURRENT driver's license to staff@cityofclive.com and we will renew your library membership.

Can I sign up for a library card digitally?

YES! Due to the library being closed to the public, we are now offering people the opportunity to sign up for a digital library card. (NOTE: Cardholders must be a resident of Clive or rural Polk County to access some digital resouces) Sign up HERE.

Where can I find updates on this situation from the City of Clive?

The latest updates can always be found HERE.

I have a question? Is there anyone that can help me?

Library staff is in the building answering questions during library hours or until the situation is no longer safe. 515-453-2221

You can also send an email to staff@cityofclive.com with your questions.

Any voicemail or email will be answered within 24-48 hours.

I want to use the Clive Public Library digital collection but I don't live in Clive, can I?

The digital collection that Clive Public Library offers (hoopla, Bridges/Libby) is available to our Clive and Polk County residents only.

You can use these same resources (excluding hoopla in most libraries) at your home town library.

Digital collections are based where you pay your home property taxes. That is why even though you have a library card in Clive, West Des Moines and Waukee if you are RESIDENT of Urbandale you will need to use your Urbandale library card to access Bridges.

I want to reserve an Adventure Pass, Can I do that?

Some of the event locations are opening again. They are under new guidelines like many places in Iowa. Please contact the location that you are thinking of reserving before clicking the date.

What can I expect when the library opens again?

Due to social distancing measures we will only allow 10 patrons in the building at a time for a maximum of 30 minutes per day.

No seating will be available.

Masks will be required to be worn by both library staff and library patrons above the age of 2 years old.

There will be no access to the public restrooms or the public water fountain.

Technology computers will be available by appointment only and for 30 minutes per day.

Why did I receive an overdue when I returned the item?

All items are placed in 7 day quarantine BEFORE being checked in off of your account. You are not responsible for any fines during those 7 days of quarantine.

Research conducted by OCLC (Online Computer Library Center), the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle has found that the Covid-19 virus is still detectable on some library surfaces, such as: Hardcover book, Softcover books, DVD/CD cases, Board books, Magazines. Researchers studied these surfaces both stacked and unstacked, the virus was still detectable after 6 days.

As the library only has the space to stack the quarantined items. The decision was made to quarantine items for 7 days for both the safety of the library staff and library patrons.