The library offers two types of book club kits – Standard and Reserved.

• Standard Book Club Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis and typically check out for 8 weeks, although more time can be given if requested at the time of check out. These kits appear in the catalog and when available have a placeholder tag to be taken to the desk for checkout of the actual kit. Holds can be placed on these through the catalog, but a hold does NOT guarantee that the item will be here on a particular date. If they are in when the hold is placed, the hold will come available and will be placed on the hold shelf to be held for 5 days. These kits cannot be reserved in advance to be picked up on a specified date. They are primarily for on-demand usage. To check availability, search the library catalog for the title you need and look for the book club kit symbol as seen here ⇒    View a printer-friendly version of the list below.

• Reserved Book Club Kits These kits do not appear in the catalog and do not have placeholders in the library. These items can only be reserved through a staff person. Desk staff can take a request, but a reserve is placed by only designated staff. These reservations can be made up to a year in advance and (to the best of our ability) will reserve a kit for a specific date. They typically check out for 8 weeks. To check availability or reserve a kit, please call the library at 515-278-3945. View a printer-friendly version of the list below.

Book club kits must be picked up at the Urbandale Public Library. The cardholder who checks out the book club kit is financially responsible for returning the entire kit (10 books and the container).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I borrow a Book Club Kit?
Book club kits are borrowed with your library card in the same way you would borrow a book. If a standard book club kit is available, there will be a placeholder tag to take to a service desk to check out the kit.

If you wish to reserve a kit in advance, please see a library staff member. All book club kits must be checked out at the Urbandale Public Library.

How do I return a Book Club Kit?
Return the kits to the Urbandale Public Library front desk, not through the book drop. The entire kit must be returned  (10 books and the container).

Can Book Club Kits be reserved in advance?
Some book club kits are available for reservation. For a complete list of those kits, please click here.

How long can my book club keep the books in a Book Club Kit?
The loan period for book club kits is 8 weeks.

Can Book Club Kits be renewed?
Kits cannot be renewed.

What fines do I pay if a Book Club Kit is returned late?
Fines are $1.50 per day, to a maximum of $150.

Who is responsible for returning books in a Book Club Kit?
The person who borrowed the kit is responsible for ensuring that the kit is returned complete (10 books and the container).

If a book is missing from the Book Club Kit, what do I do?
Inform library staff that a book is missing when you return the kit. You will be given more time to find the book before being asked to pay replacement costs. Fines of $1.50 per day will continue to accrue.

Please call 515-278-3945 for more details.