RiverShare to UNION CATALOG TRANSITION
The Clinton Public Library will transition from the RiverShare Library Consortium to the new Clinton County Union Catalog, effective July 1, 2026. This change will affect how patrons request and receive materials that are not readily available for check out at the Clinton Public Library. We appreciate your patience and support as we navigate this transition to continue delivering library services that meet our community’s needs.
Please read through our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information about this transition. Additional information will be shared in the coming months as plans are finalized.
What to Expect and When
Big system changes don’t happen overnight, and we know it helps to have a clear picture of what’s coming and when. Below is our tentative timeline for the transition, including when certain services may be paused and when the new system will be put into place. These dates are current as of April 16, and we encourage you to check this page for the latest information, including any temporary closures or service updates as the transition approaches.
Friday, May 1
• Holds from RiverShare libraries will stop
Thursday, May 21
• Last day to use Polaris for cataloging and circulation
Friday, May 22 & Saturday, May 23 | CLOSED
• Library closed while Clinton County exports CPL data
Friday, May 22 – Tuesday, May 26
• No access to either library system (ILS)
Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day | CLOSED
Tuesday, May 26 – Friday, May 29
• Insignia works on system conversion
• CPL staff will have limited access for basic checkouts
Monday, June 1 – Wednesday, June 3
• Clinton County verifies migration data
Friday, June 5 – Closed from 10AM - 1PM
• CPL staff training on Insignia
FAQ
Transition Timeline and Other Details
*as of April 16, 2026
Q. Why are we leaving RiverShare?
A. Due to evolving budget constraints, joining the Clinton County Association of Public Libraries lending system is the best solution. This change ensures that patrons will continue to have access to requested materials while maintaining our high-quality programs and services.
Q. How much money will this transition save the library?
A. We will save approximately $26,000 annually after the first year. These savings come from no longer paying for a five-day delivery service and using a less expensive software system.
Q. How will the library utilize savings?
A. Money saved from this transition will be used to purchase new books for all ages. Patrons will get quicker access to popular new materials as more copies will be readily available in the library. Our patrons are encouraged to request titles they would like to be purchased online or at the library’s circulation desks.
Q. How long will this transition take?
A. Library leadership anticipates that the transition to install the new Clinton County catalog software system will take approximately a few days to one week. The transition to the new Clinton County Union Catalog will take place over late May through early June 2026. Key system changes will occur between Friday, May 22, and Wednesday, June 3, with staff training scheduled for Friday, June 5.
Q. How will RiverShare items be returned to their home libraries after this transition happens? For example, what if I have a book from Bettendorf checked out and it’s not due back until after the library becomes a part of the Clinton County Union Catalog?
A. It’s all good! Patrons will return all items, including RiverShare materials, as usual at the Clinton Public Library. All RiverShare items will be returned to their home libraries through the special ordering system, called InterLibrary Loan, as this change goes into effect. Individuals can return RiverShare items to the library that owns them, but that is not required or expected of Clinton Public Library patrons.
Q. As this transition goes into effect, will the due dates of my checked out library materials change?
A. Possibly. To make things easier for everyone during the transition, due dates may be extended for items checked out during this period. Any changes will be clearly communicated before the system change begins, and details will be shared on our website, social media, and newsletter.
And remember! CPL remains fine free, so there’s no need to worry if things take a little extra time during the transition.
Q&A: What This Means for You
Q: Is the Clinton Public Library becoming a county library?
A: No—CPL remains a city library serving the Clinton community. We’re joining the other city libraries in Clinton County in a shared catalog system so we can work together more efficiently while continuing to operate locally.
Q: What is the Clinton County Union Catalog?
A: It’s a shared library system used by city libraries throughout Clinton County. Think of it as a shared “book network” that helps libraries collaborate behind the scenes while still keeping their own hours, staff, and local identity. The libraries that are already a part of the Clinton County Union Catalog are: Camanche Public Library, Curtis Memorial Library (Wheatland), DeWitt Community Library, and Lost Nation Public Library.
Q: Will this change how I use the Clinton Public Library?
A: Day-to-day library use will stay familiar. While there may be short-term adjustments during the transition, our focus is making the change as seamless as possible for patrons.
Q: Will I still be able to borrow books from other libraries?
A: Yes! While RiverShare borrowing will end, we’ll continue helping patrons request materials through Interlibrary Loan, so you’ll still have access to a broader collection beyond CPL’s shelves.
Q: Will the library be closed?
A: Yes, briefly. The library will be closed during key parts of the system changeover. All closures and limited-service days will be shared in advance on our website, social media, and newsletter.
Q: Who can I talk to if I have questions?
A: Us! Our staff is always happy to help; whether you’re tracking down a book, wondering about due dates, or just want the latest info on the transition.
New Clinton County Catalog Information
Q. Will this change how patrons navigate the online catalog?
A. Yes, the online catalog will be different from the catalog we currently use as part of RiverShare. The Clinton County Association of Public Libraries uses an online system called Insignia. Patrons can preview what the online catalog will look like by visiting DeWitt Community Library’s website here.
Q. How can I learn to use the new catalog?
A. Library staff are committed to helping patrons navigate the new online catalog with ease. Please ask us your questions when you visit the library. We’re here to help! Additionally, in-person trainings will be offered in June and July, and an online tutorial will be available on our website.
Q. What if I can’t find the materials through the new Clinton County catalog?
A. Patrons will be able to request materials that are not available through the Clinton County catalog through a separate, special ordering system called Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Requests can be made by speaking with a staff member, either in person or by calling the library. Special deliveries through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) will take approximately 2-3 weeks to arrive.
Q. How often will there be a delivery service?
A. The Clinton County lending service will deliver twice a week. Interlibrary Loan (ILL), the special ordering system, will continue being delivered once a week.
RiverShare Access Impact
Q. Can I still order books from RiverShare libraries?
A. Patrons will still be able to request materials from other libraries, including those that are a part of RiverShare, through a separate, special ordering system called Interlibrary Loan (ILL). Special deliveries through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) take approximately 2-3 weeks to arrive. Requests can be made by speaking with a staff member, either in person or by calling the library. Patrons will not be able to receive RiverShare items through the five-day delivery system that is currently offered. This delivery service will no longer be available, effective July 1, 2026.
Q. Can I still visit other RiverShare libraries and check out materials in person?
A. Yes, Clinton residents are still eligible to sign up for a RiverShare library card. However, to get a new RiverShare card and check out items, interested individuals must visit a RiverShare library in person.
Please note that Clinton Public Library patrons who choose to also sign up for a RiverShare card will not have access to the five-day delivery system that is currently offered. This delivery service will no longer be available, effective July 1, 2026, so items from RiverShare libraries must be checked out and returned directly at those locations.
RiverShare libraries include Bettendorf Public Library, Clinton Community College Library, Davenport Public Library, LeClaire Community Library, Muscatine Community College Library, Musser Public Library, Scott County College Library, and Scott County Library System.
Q. What will happen to my RiverShare Libby card for e-materials?
A. Clinton Public Library patrons will no longer have access to RiverShare e-materials on Libby. However, many of the titles offered through RiverShare can still be accessed on Libby using a Bridges library card. Active Clinton Public Library cardholders who live within the City of Clinton have access to Bridges e-materials on Libby.
This webpage will have the most up-to-date information and we’ll continue posting updates online and in our newsletter as the next chapter unfolds.
Please reach out to the Clinton Public Library Director, Susan Mesecher, if you have additional questions at smesecher@clintonpubliclibrary.us or (563) 242-8441.