Services

Library Card
People who live in Grant township and/or the town of Waterloo, are eligible for a free library card.
Non-Resident Library cards for March 2020-February 2021 are $80 for the year, you may purchase a 6 month subscription for $40.
     -When applying for either type of library card, you must show proof of residency by providing us with a photo ID that shows your current name and address, as well as a piece of mail from the last 60 days showing the same information.

Books
We have more than 28,000 books in our main collection

Magazines and Newspapers
We Subscribe to approximately 70+ magazines. Newspapers are kept for thirty days. We subscribe to: USA Today, The Star, Journal Gazette, Butler Bulletin, Hamilton News, and Garrett Clipper.

Circulation Policies
Books and Audio books: 21 days, New Books & Music CD's are 14 days, Magazines & DVD's are 7 days. All Items can be checked out longer for vacation travel. Only one renewal is allowed. Late item fee $0.25 per day.

​Special Collections
We have Large Print books, Spanish language materials, and a collection of Adult Literacy Materials.

Special Services
A Notary Public is available at the library during daytime hours, please call for more information. Staff members will operate the Fax Machine, Copier, Color Scanner or Laminator for you. (charges for these services apply). A Microfiche reader/printer, Overhead Projector, and PC-compatible computers are available for patron use at the library. Free wireless capabilities are available within the library during operating hours.

DRESS CODE

Patrons must have shoes and a shirt on while in the library, which will be enforced to maintain good hygiene. Also, if patrons choose to wear baggy pants that drop below the waist, we ask that you pull up your pants before sitting down so your bare backside does not make contact with the Library's furnishings. We desire to maintain a clean facility for everyone to make use of and enjoy. For reasons of public health and safety, the library reserves the right to ask patrons to leave who are not attired appropriately. Final judgment of what is or is not proper attire shall rest with the library director. If the director is not present, the assistant director will make the decision.
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Donation policy

Book Memorial Donations
We are pleased to accept books given in memory of a loved one. Information available at the library.

Book Donation Policy
The Library accepts donations of books in good condition. These will be placed in the library collection if they follow our book selection policy, otherwise they will be placed in our book sale. Please call the Library in advance of donations.

DEPARTMENTS

Genealogy
Our genealogy department has many local genealogical and historical materials. We have the DeKalb county census records up to 1920, and all copies of The Waterloo Press on microfilm. A microfilm reader/printer is conveniently located in the department of the north side of the main floor.

Home-schoolers
Parents who home-school their children are encouraged to use the library as a resource. We have information and packets to assist in home-schooling. These materials may be checked out for an extended loan period. Please feel free to let us know of any specific ways we can help you.

Computers
Computers with Microsoft Office and internet access available. Library staff will identify specific starting points for searches on the Library's main page which are appropriate to the Library's mission and service roles. The Library cannot control or monitor other material which may be accessible from internet sources. It is not possible to apply the same selection criteria which are used for other materials.

Handicapped Access
Both floors of the Library are accessible. Access to the elevator is through the main entrance on the west side of the building.

Home-bound Access
We will make available home delivery of library materials to patrons who are unable to use the library due to illness or disablility. Call the Library for service and information.

 Community Room
Our meeting room may be reserved by any non-profit community oriented group. Equipment available: projector, screen, laptop, speakers, DVD player, overhead projector, and television. There is no charge for the use of this room by non-profit organizations. All other reservations require a $25 non-refundable usage fee. The reservation must be requested prior to the meeting date. Call the Library for a reservation.
Guidelines for use and an application are available in pdf format.

internet usage policy

1. ACCESS TO INTERNET RESOURCES: 

1.1 Waterloo Grant Township Public Library is a public institution whose mission it is to enhance the quality of life within the community by providing information, advancing knowledge, stimulating thinking, and encouraging recreation. The mission of the Waterloo Library is to ensure that the citizens we serve have the right and means to free and open access to ideas and information which are fundamental to democracy. The Library will protect intellectual freedom, promote literacy, encourage lifelong learning, and provide library materials and information services. It is within this context that the Waterloo Public Library offers access to the Internet.

1.2  The Internet, as an information resource, enables the Library to provide information beyond the confines of its own collection.  It allows access to ideas, information, and commentary from around the globe.  Currently, however, it is an unregulated medium.  As such, while it offers access to a wealth of material that is personally, professionally, and culturally enriching to individuals of all ages, it also enables access to some material that may be offensive, disturbing and/or illegal.

1.3       Library staff will identify specific starting points for searches on the Library’s home page which are appropriate to the Library’s mission and service roles.  The Library cannot control or monitor other material which may be accessible from Internet sources.  It is not possible to apply the same selection criteria which are used for other materials.

1.4  When feasible, the Library will implement software and hardware control mechanisms to prohibit information which the Library has determined to be inconsistent with its mission and service roles.  Such controls will be implemented to the extent feasible given budgeting and programming limitations.  The Library cannot successfully control or monitor the vast amount of material accessible from computers and networks via the Internet.  Individual users must accept responsibility for determining suitability for the content of information accessed when using the Internet.  Parents need to be informed that exclusive reliance on filtering software cannot effectively safeguard children. 

1.5  Information provided by the Internet is not warranted by Waterloo Public Library to be accurate, authoritative, factual or complete.  Waterloo Public Library is not responsible for the content of networked information available.  All users of this service agree to hold Waterloo Public Library harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities directly or indirectly relating to the use of the Internet. 

2. IN-LIBRARY ACCESS:

2.1  The Library upholds and affirms the right of each individual to have access to constitutionally protected material.  The Library also affirms the right and responsibility of parents to determine and monitor their children’s use of Library materials and resources.

2.2  The Library will provide Internet stations throughout the Library.  Library staff is available to provide assistance and to help identify appropriate sites. 

2.3  Library staff cannot provide in-depth training.  We may, however, be able to offer search suggestions and answer questions.

3. CONDITIONS AND TERMS OF USE IN THE LIBRARY:

3.1 3.1    Designated Internet stations will be located where they can be monitored by staff for assistance and security.

3.2  Youth under 18 years of age will be required to have parental or guardian permission to access the Internet.  Patrons are limited to 1 hour each Internet use session, with a maximum of 3 hours daily.  The internet agreement is viewed online before computer access.

3.3 The Internet will be used for educational, informational and recreational purposes only.  You may not send, receive or display text or graphics which may be construed as illegal, unethical or obscene.

3.4 You may not use your own software programs on the Library’s computers

3.5 Failure to use the Internet appropriately and responsibly as defined in this policy and agreement form will result in loss of Internet privileges.