Request a Library Item

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I Want To

The State Library catalog contains thousands of items related to library science, Iowa history and culture, state documents, kits for libraries to borrow and more. There are two ways to request items from the State Library:

  • State Employees can use their State Library card number to submit a form for the item (or items). If an item is not in the State Library collection, our librarians can request it from another library that owns it.
  • Iowans can contact their local public library to initiate an interlibrary loan request for a State Library item. The item will be sent and returned via IA Shares, the statewide, twice-weekly delivery service for public libraries facilitated by the State Library.
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Browse the State Library Catalog

The State Library catalog contains special collections of Library Science titles, books on Iowa history and culture, state documents, STEM and Storytime kits available for checkout by Iowa public libraries and more. Create an account with your State Library card to save lists and request titles. You may also contact your local public library to request an interlibrary loan of a book in the collection. 

State Library Catalog

Woman selecting a book from shelves in the State Law Library.
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Library Item Request Form

State employees must have a State Library Card to request a library item. Find out more and apply for a State Library Card.

State employees can use their State Library card to request items from the State Library or other libraries within our network. If the State Library does not own the item requested, we will attempt to borrow from another library.

Submit a Library Item Request

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Find a Public Library

If you are not a state employee, contact your local public library to initiate an interlibrary loan request for items in the State Library collection.

Screen grab of Find My Local Library tool showing map of Iowa with colored dots representing public libraries across the state.
Online Resource

Find a Library

There are more than 540 public libraries in Iowa. Browse an interactive map of all public libraries, powered by the Iowa Library Directory.

Find a Library
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Out of State Interlibrary Loan Requests

Iowa librarians can use the forms linked below to manage out of state interlibrary loan requests for their patrons. 

Out of state interlibrary loan is facilitated by OCLC WorldShare. Search for the item in OCLC's WorldCat. If item is in WorldCat and not in the Iowa Locator, use the forms below. Note: OCLC Resource Sharing subscribers should use their own OCLC account.

For questions or additional assistance, contact your District LRT.

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STEM To Go & Storytime Kits

STEM To Go and Storytime Kits are offered to youth librarians and library staff who develop and execute youth and teen programming in Iowa public libraries. Find out more at the link below.

Zoo storytime kit featuring books, animal puppets and figurines.
Resource for Libraries

STEM To Go & Storytime Kits

Available for checkout to Iowa libraries via the State Library Catalog and sent via IA Shares, the kits are designed to enhance library STEM programming and storytimes.

Find Out More & Browse the Kits
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