FAQs

My Account

How do I get a library card?
It’s FREE and EASY! Library cards are free for anyone living in the city of Muscatine or in rural Muscatine County*. To get a card, you must have a photo ID and proof of your current address. For children under the age of 12, 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 download an ebook?
Learn more here!

How do I download an audiobook?
Learn more here!

How do I change my address/email/phone number/username/password in my library account?
There are two ways to change your account information. You can bring a photo ID into the Musser 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 change my password?

Passwords are needed to check your account or to place your own holds, either online or at the library. Your password may be any combination of numbers and letters, up to 14 characters. Passwords are case sensitive, which means that UPPER or lower case letters matter. A password is not needed to search the library catalog.

If you’ve forgotten your password, you may reset it online, or bring a photo ID to the checkout desk to have it changed.

To change your current password, log into your account. Choose My Account, then My Record. At the bottom of the page, choose Change Logon and follow the instructions.


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) 263-3065, and choose the appropriate option:

  • To make item requests, dial extension 152.


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 (call our automated Tele-circ system at 888-534-6130 and choose option 1), 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.


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. Turn this option on yourself online or talk to the staff at the checkout desk.

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./su_spoiler]

Interlibrary Loan

What is Interlibrary loan?
Musser Public Library can borrow materials not in our RiverShare catalog from other libraries for our patrons.

How likely am I to get what I request?
About 85% of requests are filled.

What can't I get through interlibrary loan?
Newly released DVDs, newly published books, ebooks and digital movies, eReaders, computer software, or entire issues of magazines are unavailable.

How much does it cost?
There is no fee for this service.

How long will it take?
Most requests are filled within 2 weeks. Materials that are in high demand, hard to find, or owned by only a few libraries may take longer.

How can I check the status of my request?
Contact the Interlibrary loan specialists at 563-263-3065 or refmus@muscatineiowa.gov

What happens when my interlibrary loan materials come in?
You will be notified by phone or email. Once you are notified, the materials will be held at the Holds Shelf at the Library.

How long can I keep my interlibrary loan materials?
Loan periods for most items are the same as if they were owned by Musser Public Library: 3 weeks for books, 1 week for CDs and DVDs. In some cases loan periods may be shortened. The due date will be noted on the cover of the book. It is in your best interest to pick up your materials promptly.

Can I renew my interlibrary loan materials?
No.

What are the restrictions on these services?

  • If the Musser Public Library owns or has ordered the item you want, it cannot be requested through interlibrary loan.
  • You may have up to 8 active requests per card at one time.
  • Your card cannot be expired and you cannot owe more than $5 in fines, fees or other charges.
  • Patrons with Computer Access library cards are not eligible for interlibrary loan services.
  • Students should request course materials through their school library.
  • Copyright restrictions may apply to some photocopy requests.

Give

How do I donate money to the library?

How do I volunteer at the library?
Find out more here!

Misc.

How do I book a meeting room?
Find out more here!