State guide
Iowa
Iowa’s State Library runs SILO, the statewide resource-sharing program used by libraries for in-state interlibrary loan and the Iowa Locator union catalog. The State Library also promotes statewide reading through All Iowa Reads and maintains a directory residents can use to find local public libraries.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- State library agency
- State Library of Iowa
- Statewide book club kit program
- No statewide public book club kit lending program was found on the State Library site; instead, SILO/Iowa Locator includes bibliographic records for multiple-copy book sets owned by Iowa libraries.
- Statewide kit catalog
- Official page →
- Interlibrary loan
- In-state interlibrary loan runs through SILO ILL, while out-of-state requests are handled through OCLC WorldShare by Iowa librarians.
Official resources in Iowa
Main state library agency page with support services, public resources, and contact information.
Explains Iowa’s statewide interlibrary loan system, Iowa Locator, and multiple-copy records used for book clubs.
Statewide community reading program with current selections, discussion questions, and promotional materials.
Directory residents can use to find Iowa public libraries.
State Library kit program for Iowa public library youth staff; not a public book club kit service.
Key facts for Iowa
- SILO ILL is the system Iowa librarians use to create, process, and record in-state interlibrary loan transactions.
- Out-of-state interlibrary loan in Iowa is facilitated by OCLC WorldShare.
- The State Library maintains Iowa Locator records for multiple-copy book sets owned by Iowa libraries for book club use.
- All Iowa Reads has adult, teen, and kids selections, with one title chosen for each program each year.
- The State Library’s STEM To Go and Storytime Kits are offered to youth librarians and library staff in Iowa public libraries.
Libraries that lend book club kits in Iowa
| Library | city | phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines Public Library Book Club Sets Polk | Des Moines | Not published* | Library book club sets contain 10 copies, can be reserved online through the catalog, and each branch hosts public book discussion groups. |
| Cedar Rapids Public Library Book Clubs & Kits Linn | Cedar Rapids | Not published* | Book Club Kits are available for any group, and the library supports multiple public book clubs. |
| Council Bluffs Public Library Book Club Kits Pottawattamie | Council Bluffs | 712-323-7553 | Official kit list page for the library’s book club kits. |
| Sioux City Public Library Book Club in a Bag Woodbury | Sioux City | Not published* | Adult patrons can place holds on six-copy Book Club in a Bag kits through the online catalog; kits check out for six weeks. |
| Atlantic Public Library Book Club Kits Cass | Atlantic | Not published* | Book club kits with multiple copies check out for six weeks and must be checked out and returned at a service desk. |
| Fort Dodge Public Library Book Kits Webster | Fort Dodge | 515-573-8167 ext. 6224 | Library offers multiple-copy book kits and takes reservations by phone or email. |
| Urbandale Public Library Book Club Kits for Check Out Polk | Urbandale | 515-278-3945 | Standard kits typically check out for 8 weeks; some reserved kits can be booked in advance through staff. |
| Iowa City Public Library Book Club Kits Johnson | Iowa City | Not published* | Library’s More to Borrow page includes book club kits among special borrowing options. |
* Not published: the official page doesn't list it. Call the office to confirm before you rely on it.
What to do next
- Ask your local library to search Iowa Locator or SILO for multiple-copy sets if your club needs several copies of one title.
- Use All Iowa Reads discussion questions and author materials when your group wants a ready-made statewide pick.
- If your title is not in Iowa libraries, ask your librarian whether an out-of-state OCLC WorldShare request is possible.
Not seeing your library or county?
We list a library only when an official government page publishes its rules. If yours isn't in the table above, it may not publish them online yet. Here's what to use instead, in order:
- General Start with the statewide information above. It applies across Iowa, but cities and counties can add their own steps, fees or deadlines.
- Closest verified Nearest places where we have verified local data outside this state (distance from Iowa's population center, for comparison only):
- Winona Public Library Book Club in a Bag, Minnesota · about 160 miles
- Omaha Public Library, Nebraska · about 164 miles
- Three Rivers Library System, Nebraska · about 164 miles
- Call to confirm Ask the official office. They have the current local rule, fee and form.State Library of Iowa
Website →Phone: (800) 248-4483 (as listed on that page, checked Oct 4, 2026)Your city or county office: Local governments →Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the Iowa page on USA.gov can point you to the right office. - Know the current info? Tell us and include a link to the official page. We check every tip before it goes up.
Helpful guides
- What is a library book club kit?
- How to borrow a book club kit from your library
- How to start a book club at your library
- Using interlibrary loan for your book club