Does the library have a fax machine I can use?

No. None of the Library locations have a fax machine.

However, both the Aalfs Downtown Library and Morningside Branch Library have scanners that can send documents to an email address. There is no charge for scanning and emailing.

Frequently Asked Questions Archive

What is the history of the Sioux City Public Library?

The Sioux City Public Library has its roots in the “Young Men’s Literary Association of Sioux City,” a group that came together in 1869. They held their first recorded meeting on October 26 of that year, during which they established a constitution and by-laws. In their first year, the library acquired 332 volumes and raised funds through membership dues, proceeds from lectures, and donations. Initially, the library was located in the petit jury room of the adjoining courtroom in Judge Hubbard’s block on Fourth Street. However, on December 11, 1877, the association transferred control of the library to the city government, officially establishing a free public library for the citizens of Sioux City.

As the library continued to grow, it had to be relocated to different city buildings downtown every few years due to lack of space. In 1910, the Library Board reached out to Andrew Carnegie for funding to build a new library, as the need for more space persisted. Although the initial request was denied, a generous local resident donated a property, and Carnegie’s preferred architect, Edward L. Tilton, was hired to design the new building. The Carnegie library was eventually built at Sixth and Jackson Streets and was dedicated on March 6, 1913. The Main Library remained in the Carnegie building until it moved to its current location at 529 Pierce Street in 1990, which was a former bank building.

Throughout the years, several neighborhood branches and even a book mobile were established and later closed. For almost 150 years, the residents of Sioux City have enjoyed access to free, high-quality literature and resources that have continued to evolve and expand.

Does the library take photos at programs?

Program participants should expect that photographs/video will be taken at events and used on the Library’s social internet sites and/or website.

Does the library have a Notary Public?

No. The Sioux City Public Library does not have a notary public on staff.

Banks and credit unions often have a notary public on staff to witness the signing of important documents. Since they deal with so many financial documents that need to be notarized, many banks may offer notary services for free to their customers. They may charge a fee for notary services to people who don’t bank there.

What is my PIN?

The PIN is defaulted to the month and day of your birthday. Two digits for the month and two digits for the day — MMDD.

For example, if your birthday was May 5th, your PIN would be 0505.

Where can I return library materials?

Materials checked out from the Sioux City Public Library can be returned to any of the three library locations (Aalfs Downtown Library, Morningside Branch Library, and Perry Creek Branch Library). All libraries have bookdrops where materials may be returned after hours.

How do I request a book the library does not own?

Can’t find something in our catalog?

If you have a full-service Sioux City Public Library card in good standing (no fees on Library account at or above $5), we can try to borrow the item from another library through interlibrary loan or consider purchasing the item for our collection.

If what you’re looking for is:

Published more than a year ago
Self-published (not by a local author or on a local subject)
Out of print
An article in a publication that we do not own

Click here to see about requesting an Interlibrary Loan

OR

If what you’re looking for is:

Published within the last year or due out within the next 6 months
Written by a local author or on a local subject
Has mass appeal

Click here to Suggest a Title

Note: We reserve the right to fill your request with the service that best meets the needs of the library. If you do not qualify for a full-service card, please check with your home library for access to these services.

How do I get a library card?

Sioux City Residents

Full-Service Library Card:

Borrow materials and special collections, and use the Library’s digital resources. Available for anyone living inside the city limits of Sioux City.
Must be a Sioux City resident who is 18+, or under age 18 with a parent/guardian’s signature.
Apply for a card online (Ages 18+ only) or visit any Sioux City Public Library location to apply for a card. You can print and fill out the application before coming to the Library. Bring a valid photo ID. (If your photo ID does not have your current address, you may use a current utility or phone bill, vehicle registration, voter registration card, apartment lease, or official government document.)

Children’s Card

Borrow up to three youth print materials at a time. Available for anyone under the age of 18 living in Sioux City at the child’s or a parent’s request; the child must be present and able to write their first name (with accommodation if handicapped/disabled).
Visit any Sioux City Public Library location to apply for a card. You can print and fill out the application before coming to the Library.

Non-Residents

Full-Service Card

Borrow materials and special collections, and use the Library’s digital resources. Available for anyone living outside the Sioux City city limits by purchase. Current options are $10 for one month, $25 for one quarter, or $85 for one year. You can print and fill out the application before coming to the Library.

Open Access Card

Borrow books, movies, and magazines. Available for individuals living in Iowa but outside Sioux City’s city limits if the library in their hometown participates in the Iowa Open Access Program. For a list of participating libraries, visit the State Library’s website.
Visit any Sioux City Public Library location and bring a valid ID with your name and current address to apply. You can print and fill out the application before coming to the Library.

COOP Card

Borrow books, movies, and magazines. Available for students and employees at Briar Cliff University, Morningside University, Western Iowa Tech Community College, Unity Point Health (St. Luke’s), Mercy Medical Center, Heelan High School, or Sioux City Community School District who live outside the City limits or on-campus.
Visit any Sioux City Public Library location and bring your institution or school ID with a second form of identification containing your home or current address to apply for a card.

For details, please see the Circulation Policy or call the Circulation Desk at (712) 255-2933 ext. 2211.

What does “Fine Free” mean?

If you are a resident of Sioux City (or own property in Sioux City, or are a resident of one of the surrounding towns and have purchased a full-service card), worrying about overdue fines is a thing of the past!

While full-service cardholders will no longer accrue overdue fines, the Library will continue to charge for lost and damaged items. An item becomes “lost” when it is 4 weeks overdue. If the “lost” item is returned in good condition within 90 days, the replacement charge will be removed from your account, and you will only be responsible for the $5 processing fee. We recommend that you renew materials you’d like to borrow longer to avoid replacement costs and processing fees.

For more information visit our ‘Fine Free’ webpage here.

Can I print to the library’s printers from my personal device?

Yes, using the Library’s mobile print service, you can print remotely or within the library from smartphones, tablets, and computers and pick up your printouts at the library. The cost is cost 25¢ per page for black and white copies and 75¢ per page for color copies. To print, simply select one of the following options:

Upload documents to the web printing portal:

https://print.princh.com/

For Printing at Aalfs Downtown Library: Enter Printer ID 108221

For Printing at Morningside Branch Library: Enter Printer ID 108222

Email documents to the unique email address of the designated branch:

Aalfs Downtown Library

Black and White: aalfs-bw@ewprints.com
Color: aalfs-color@ewprints.com

Morningside Branch Library

Black and White: mside-bw@ewprints.com
Color: mside-color@ewprints.com

Also, anyone with an iOS or Android smartphone can download the “Princh” mobile app for free from their app store. Once the app is downloaded, you can select either the Aalfs Downtown Library or the Morningside Branch Library and send your printing job via the app.

MobilePrinting only works during regular library hours.

How do I stream movies?

With the free app Kanopy and your full-access Sioux City Public Library card you can enjoy critically acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, award-winning foreign films, classic cinema, kids entertainment, and more. Watch on TVs, mobile phones, tablets, or online with the free Kanopy app for Apple, Android, and many other devices.

Once you download the Kanopy app you will be prompted for your library card number and you will be asked to set up a Kanopy account using an email address.

How do I check out eBooks or eAudiobooks?

With the free Libby app and your full-access Sioux City Public Library card you can read ebooks, emagazines, and listen to eaudiobooks on your smartphone, tablet, eReader, computer, and more. Each full-access library card holder can have five items checked out at a time on the Libby app and magazines do not count against that total. The Libby app is available for download on Apple, Android, and many other devices.

Once the app is downloaded it will prompt you to select your home library (Sioux City Public Library), enter your library card number, and your PIN (month and day of your birthday, two digits for the month and two digits for the day — MMDD). Once you have signed in with that information, you are all set to read!

Where can I find a list of all library policies?

Policies are available on our Publications and Policies page.

Can I pay fines and fees online?

You no longer have to wait until your next visit to take care of library fees! You can now quickly and easily pay library fines by credit card from any internet-connected device using your Sioux City Public Library card number and four-digit PIN (month and day of your birthday — MMDD) to sign in at epay.siouxcitylibrary.org