Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a library card?
It’s free for anyone living in the city of Clinton or in rural Clinton County*. To get a card, you must have a photo ID and proof of your current address. For children under the age of 14, we require the photo ID and signature of a parent or guardian. Read more on the Library Cards page. *certain exceptions may apply.
How do I pay my fines?
You can pay your fines at any of the circulation desks in the library. We accept cash, coins, credit/debit card and check. You can also pay your fines online HERE.
How do I download eBooks or eAudiobooks?
All you need to borrow digital titles in a library card and an internet connection. Our eBooks come through Overdrive whether you use the Overdrive App, the Libby App, or your computer browser.
If you need assistance, their help site has many links and goes over specific devices. Click HERE to go to their site. You can also get one-on-one help at the library. Please call (563) 242-8441 to make an appointment, or attend Device Advice!
How do I change my information in my library account?
There are two ways to change your account information. You can bring a photo ID into the Clinton Public Library and have library staff update your information at the Information desk. You can also sign into your account online, click on the “My Record” link, and make the necessary changes under “Contact Information and Preferences” or “Change Logon.”
How do I place a hold?
Requests for materials may be placed online or by phone. To place a hold online, a library card and password are required.
To place a request online, first log into your account, and search our catalog for the materials you’d like to request. Once you’ve found the item you’re interested in, click on "Place Request" on the right. Choose your pickup location from the dropdown menu, and click on Submit Request. The library will contact you when your item is ready to be picked up.
To place holds over the phone, call (563) 242-8441 and talk with library staff.
How do I renew materials?
Most items may be renewed as long as no one else is waiting for them. The new due date is based on the date you are making the renewal, NOT on the original due date. Materials may be renewed in person, by phone or online.
To renew library materials, please have the following ready:
The library card number used to check out the materials
The title OR the barcode number from each item to be renewed.
To renew items online:
Log into your account, then click on Items Out. On the right side you will see how many renewals you have left for an item. On the left, click on the check boxes next to the titles you want to renew, then click on Renew Selected Items. You can also renew all of your items by clicking on Renew All Items.
You can also renew over the phone with our automated phone renewal system.
Toll-Free: 1-888-534-6130
Local: (563) 823-5565
How do I view my reading history?
You may choose to have the library keep a list of items you’ve checked out as a part of your online personal account. The list will be kept for 5 years, or up to 500 items.
To turn Reading History on or off yourself:
Log into your account, then click on My Account, then "My Record". Click on "Contact Information and Preferences", then check the box next to "Maintain Reading History". Finally, click on "Submit Change Request".
The Reading History list is not editable; you cannot keep only selective titles on the list. You may click on the column headings to change the sort order: author, title, format, checkout date or loaning library.