1.Where can I park?
Parking is available in the lot just the south of the library building (up Library Lane, past Ink Pond) in the spaces designated for Library Visitors anytime. After 5:00 PM and any time on weekends, library patrons can park anywhere in that lot. For handicapped parking, drive up the hill and park in the designated spaces at the southeast corner of the building.
2. Can I use all of the library collections?
Yes! All library users have access to the entire library collection (except items that are on reserve for a Cornell class). If you have trouble finding what you need, just ask for help at either our 1st or 3rd floor circulation desks.
3. Can I use my library card at other libraries?
Through a statewide program called Open Access, all Iowa citizen are allowed to borrow material from other libraries in Iowa; the other library will issue you a card for that library.
4. Can I access the catalog and databases from home?
Yes! From the public library’s online databases page follow the directions at the bottom of the page. The computer will prompt you for your last name and the number on your library card.
5. Where can I get help using the library or doing research?
Help is available at either circulation desks.
6. Where can I do word processing?
Four computers on the first floor and fifteen on the third floor have the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint) for use by public library patrons. Color and black and white printing is available on both floors. Color printing is $0.25 per side and black and white printing is $0.10 per side.
7. Where can I access my email?
You can send and receive email from the public access computers either on the first or third floors of the library.
8. What hours is the library open?
Please click here to see our hours.
9. Can I get books that the library doesn’t own?
Please click here to borrow books or articles from other libraries that Cole Library does not own via Inter-Library Loan.
10. Are there volunteer opportunities in the library?
Yes! We always welcome volunteers to help us with a wide variety of tasks; click here for our Volunteer Policy. Please contact Kristin Reimann at 895-4414 or kreimann@cornellcollege.edu if you are interested in volunteering!
11. Does the library have a book sale?
Yes! We have a shelf of books for sale near the first floor Circulation Desk. We continually replenish the shelf as books are sold. The prices are $.50 library discards, $0.50 for paperbacks, and $1.00 for hardcover book and DVDS.
12. Does the library own DVDs or audiobooks?
The library has an extensive collection of audiobooks and DVDs. These materials are located on the first floor of the library. We also have collections of children’s audiobooks and movies available in the Children’s Room.
13. Can I renew my books by phone or online?
Yes! Call 895-4271. Or, if you have computer with an Internet connection available to you, you can renew online. To do so, go to the Cole Library Catalog, then select “Patron” in the blue bar at the top of the page. You will be prompted to enter the barcode from your library card and your last name. Once you click “Login,” you’ll see all the materials checked out to you. If you would like to renew an item, check the box to the left of the appropriate title.
14. What are the fees if I don’t return my library materials on time?
Please click here to see our circulation policies, loan periods, and fine policies.
15. Can I reserve a meeting room in the library?
Cole Library offers meeting room space to members of the library community as part of the library’s role as a community center. To reserve a meeting room space, contact Public Library Director Grace Chamberlain at gchamberlain@cornellcollege.edu or (319) 895-5940. A room reservation form must be filled out and signed prior to the start of the room reservation time. Meeting rooms are not to be used for financial gain. All reservations must comply with our Meeting Room Policy.