The Slater Public Library provides the following items free of charge for its patrons:
Books
Yes, we have lots of books! We are fortunate to be able to keep a current collection with new items arriving weekly for all ages in all genres including fiction and non-fiction, board books, picture books, beginner readers, juvenile, young adult, and graphic novels.
Large Print Books
We have a large collection of books in 16 point font and higher for ease of reading. In addition to our regular collection, we have a set of books that are borrowed from the Decorah Public Library and change every few weeks.
Digital Collection
The library subscribes to two sources of digital content.
BRIDGES: The collection has fiction and nonfiction titles, as well as books for children and teens. Magazines and video are also available.
E-books and E-audiobooks will check out for 2 weeks (can be returned early). Titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period. This service, powered by OverDrive, is free with your library card. To get started, you will need to install free software.
With hoopla digital, patrons can now instantly read, watch, and listen to their choice of more than 1,000,000 titles (audiobooks, eBooks, comics, music, movies, and TV), for free with their Library card. Content can be streamed from any computer or mobile device by downloading the hoopla digital app for iOS and Android.
The library is charged per check-out, so there is no waiting and no holds. Check outs are limited to 5 per family per month and is available only to patrons who are residents of Slater, Sheldahl, Kelley, Alleman and Rural Story County.
Audiobooks on CD
There are several audiobooks on CD available for checkout. These books are both abridged and unabridged for children, young adults, and adults.
Interactive Media
We have several fun items available to patrons to enjoy and use while visiting the library. There is a Do-It-Yourself Storytime area, light table with magna-tiles, train table, puzzles, Lego sets, Contraptions, games, and more.
Magazines
There are almost 40 different magazines subscriptions to choose from. All issues from the last 12 months are available for check out. The library also has a variety of free magazines available in our entryway. If you have magazines available to donate, please drop them off at the circulation desk.
Newspapers
The library subscribes to the Monday-Saturday version of the Des Moines Register and the weekly Tri-County Times. These items are kept in-house for approximately 2 weeks.
We also have microfilm available of the Slater News and Tri-County Times from 1/18/1890 to 12/30/04 which can be viewed in-house using our microfilm machine which has printing capabilities for $.10 per page.
DVD/Blu-ray
Our video collection has over 3,000 videos rated G through PG13. The collection is kept very current with new items arriving weekly.
Reference
We have a few in-house reference materials in addition to online resources. We also have copies of Story County plat maps, local church directories, and titles concerning Slater and Sheldahl history that may be viewed in the library.
Library Card
Library cards are free to patrons 5 years and older and must be signed by a parent or guardian if 14 and under. A current valid photo ID must be presented when applying for a card, or a piece of mail verifying your current address.
For the first month, new patrons are limited to 3 items at a time, only one of which may be audiovisual. Library cards will change to inactive status if not used for a period of three years.
Loan Policies:
Books
No limits on amount
Checked out for 2 week period with two renewals
Fines—.05 a day
Videos
3 per individual or 5 per family
Checked out for 1 week period with one renewal
Fines—$1.00 a day
If materials are not returned or fines/estimated fines are greater than $5, a patron will not be permitted additional checkouts.
Fines and fees can be paid by credit card at the library or over the phone for a small processing fee.
Need to place requests online?
Click here for directions.