FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here's some basic help
How to get a library card
The Southwest Wisconsin Library System member public libraries in Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, and Richland Counties have agreed to use this system-wide card. It is also accepted by almost all other Wisconsin public libraries as a result of reciprocal borrowing agreements. Iowa residents may apply for a Prairie du Chien Memorial Library card, but there will be a yearly fee, currently $20.00.
The Southwest Wisconsin Library System member public libraries in Crawford, Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, and Richland Counties have agreed to use this system-wide card. It is also accepted by almost all other Wisconsin public libraries as a result of reciprocal borrowing agreements. Iowa residents may apply for a Prairie du Chien Memorial Library card, but there will be a yearly fee, currently $20.00.
Where to apply
You may apply for a library card at the Prairie du Chien Memorial Library, or at any SWLS Member Library. Forms are available at the front desk of the Library, and producing a new card will usually only take a short time. You will need a current driver’s license or state ID. Children 16 and under will need a parent/guardian signature, and the driver's license or state ID of the signer. Children must be six years old, or in 1st grade and able to sign their names themselves.
You may take your card with you, or if you only have time to drop off the application, the Library will be happy to mail your card to you.
Questions?? Comments?? Please contact the Library at 608-326-6211 or email the library director.
Replacement Cards
There is a $3.00 fee for replacement of lost or stolen library cards. Please be sure to let us know if the card is lost or stolen.
There is a $3.00 fee for replacement of lost or stolen library cards. Please be sure to let us know if the card is lost or stolen.
Checking out materials
You will need to present your library card in order to check out library materials. You may use a family member's card only if you have the card with you. You are responsible for any materials checked out on your library card.
How many items can I check out?
There is no limit on the number of items you may check out with the exception of video and DVD materials. There is a limit of 4 DVD/videos that may be checked out per household.
Where do I return my checked out items when you're closed?
Materials may be returned inside the library during our regularly scheduled open hours. The outside book drop is provided for your convenience, and can be used anytime.
Where is the book drop?
The book drop is located on the southwest face of the building, to the left of the library entrance.
How do you know my books aren't overdue when I return them in the book drop?
Materials returned in the book drop after we close on the day they were due will not be counted as overdue.
May I return Prairie du Chien Memorial Library materials to another public library in the area?
We prefer that Prairie du Chien Memorial Library materials be returned to us. However, materials may be returned to other libraries within the Southwest Wisconsin Library System and neighboring library systems.
Please be aware that you are still responsible for the items until they reach us and that you may receive overdue notices. To avoid fines, please ask the returning library to indicate the day you returned our materials to them.
Fines, charges, and replacement costs
Fines, charges, and replacement costs
How much are overdue fines?
Video and DVD fines are $1.00 per day. All other fines are ten cents per day.
Video and DVD fines are $1.00 per day. All other fines are ten cents per day.
Is there a grace period for overdue materials?
There is no grace period.
What happens if I lose or damage a book?
You will be charged for any damage that occurs to the material while it is checked out to you. Lost items will be billed at the replacement cost of the item.
Do you charge for photocopies and printouts from the library's internet and word processing computers?
Yes, the library charges 25 cents per page for photocopies and black and white printouts. Color prints or copies are not yet available.
Yes, the library charges 25 cents per page for photocopies and black and white printouts. Color prints or copies are not yet available.
Renewal
How many times can I renew library material?
Most material can be renewed twice, as long as no one else has requested it. DVDs may not be renewed.
Can an item be renewed by telephone?
Yes, as long as no one else has requested it. The item does not need to be present to renew it. You will need to provide your name at the time of renewal whether you wish to renew an item by telephone.
Most material can be renewed twice, as long as no one else has requested it. DVDs may not be renewed.
Can an item be renewed by telephone?
Yes, as long as no one else has requested it. The item does not need to be present to renew it. You will need to provide your name at the time of renewal whether you wish to renew an item by telephone.
Can I renew an item without my card?
Yes; please remember that you will need to provide your name at the time of renewal when you wish to renew, and we may ask you to identify the items you are renewing. You do not need to have the item with you.
Yes; please remember that you will need to provide your name at the time of renewal when you wish to renew, and we may ask you to identify the items you are renewing. You do not need to have the item with you.
Is it possible to renew an item I got on interlibrary loan?
Materials obtained through Interlibrary Loan from a member library may be renewed if there is no other patron waiting for the item. Renewals are granted following the policies of the owning library. If the item was borrowed from outside the Southwest Wisconsin Library System, we may not be able to get permission to renew it.
Holds, reserves, and requests
Materials obtained through Interlibrary Loan from a member library may be renewed if there is no other patron waiting for the item. Renewals are granted following the policies of the owning library. If the item was borrowed from outside the Southwest Wisconsin Library System, we may not be able to get permission to renew it.
Holds, reserves, and requests
What if what I am looking for is not in right now or you don't own it?
You may ask that currently unavailable material belonging to the Prairie du Chien Memorial Library be placed on hold for you. When the item is returned, you will be notified by phone. You will be have (7) seven days to pick up the material.
We can also borrow materials from other libraries on interlibrary loan. Interlibrary loan materials will be sent back if not picked up by the end of the (7) day notice for pick up.
Please notify us if you no longer want or need an item that you have requested be reserved for you.
We provide services to our community!
We provide services to our community!
Homebound delivery
We can offer homebound delivery of library materials to those Prairie du Chien city residents with medical conditions or physical disabilities that prevent them from leaving their home. Library staff selects materials and a volunteer delivers them twice a month; please contact the Director for further information.
Internet access
Access to the Internet is provided free of charge. At this time, the Internet is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Printouts from the Internet are 25 cents per page. Access is one-half hour per day.
Access to the Internet is provided free of charge. At this time, the Internet is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Printouts from the Internet are 25 cents per page. Access is one-half hour per day.
Written parental permission needed for juvenile internet access
Children under the age of 16 must have a signed parental permission slip on file in order to use the Internet. The parent or guardian must come to the library to sign the form. The Parental Internet Permission slip will not be sent home with the child.
Special Programs
Drop-in storytime
Tuesdays at 10:00 am, except during the Summer, but please check calendar page for changes. No registration is necessary.
Drop-in storytime
Tuesdays at 10:00 am, except during the Summer, but please check calendar page for changes. No registration is necessary.
Summer library program
The Summer Library Program is open to kids entering kindergarten through 5th Grade – but the performances are open to all, young and old. Join us this summer!