Ottumwa Public Library

If you're one of those people for which one is just never enough, the library offers a photocopier. Copies of letter sized and legal sized pages are $.15 per single-sided page. The library's copier can also make copies up to 11 in. x 17 in. for only $.30 per single-sided page.

EBSCOhost provides library users with access to multiple databases over the internet. Through EBSCOhost, patrons will find many thousands of full-text articles, citations, and abstracts from magazines, newspapers and other reference tools. Patrons can access EBSCOhost from within the library or at home. Home users will need to enter their library barcode number in order to acces the service. Patrons can setup their own personal accounts, called My EBSCOhost, from within the EBSCOhost service. Once completed, patrons will have new options available including a folder to store articles in, new publication alerts which inform the user of a newly published copy of their chosen magazine, and much more. EBSCOhost database has several different looks including the Student Research Center and Searchasaurus. EBSCOhost is also available in Spanish.

The library offers faxing services to the general public. The public can both send and receive faxes at the library. The fee for faxing is $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. There is no charge for patrons sending faxes to local or toll-free numbers. For international numbers, the fees are $6.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page. The fee for receiving a fax is $1.00 per page (with no charge for the cover page if it exists).

Located on the first floor of the library, the library's meeting room is available for members of the public to use for non-commercial purposes. The meeting room can accommodate a maximum of 75 people. Advanced booking is required. Please call the library at (641)682-7563 for further questions and to reserve the room.

We currently offer two microfilm readers to the public. While the library primarily uses microfilm, both machines are also capable of reading microfiche cards up to 105 mm x 190 mm. Both readers have printers attached to them to allow for the printing of microfilm materials. Each printer is capable of printing in either letter (8.5 in. x 11 in.) or legal (8.5 in x 14 in.) size. The charge for printing microfilm materials is $.50 per exposure.

On selected Thursdays and Fridays, the Children's Librarian conducts a preschool story time in the children's section of the Ottumwa Public Library. The librarian will read a couple of stories based upon the theme of the week. Afterward, the children work on a craft that is thematically related to the the stories the children have just heard. For more information about current story times please contact the children's department at (641)682-7563 ext. 208.

The library has six computers available for use by the public. The use of the computers is first come first serve. Each person is guaranteed one hour of access to the computers. Because the limited number of computers available the library asks that people limit their use of the computers to once per day. Software available on the computers includes: Word 2003, Excel 2003, PowerPoint 2003, Access 2003, and Easy CD-Creator. Five of the six computers include CD Burners.

The library is your toll-free on-ramp to the information super highway. We offer wireless internet connectivity free of charge to the public. The wireless connection is available only during library hours. The SSID of the connection is Library_PUBLIC. Unfortunately, the library does not have wireless connection equipment available to loan. Users must bring their own equipment.