Circulation
Circulation is a library term that refers to checking out library materials and renewing and returning what you have borrowed from the library. This page gives general information about circulation at the Idaho Falls Public Library.
The information on this page is governed by the library’s circulation policy.
Page content:
Borrowing Limits
Library patrons may check out a total of 50 items at a time (the limit on DVDs and Blu-Ray is 10).
Temporary borrowers may only check out 2 items at a time.
Borrowing Periods
Most items at the library can be borrowed for 3 weeks. Exceptions include:
- DVDs and Blu-Rays: 1 week
- Quick Reads: 1 week*
- New Fiction: 2 weeks
- Book Club Sets: 6 weeks*
*One-time checkout; cannot be renewed.
Fees
The Idaho Falls Public Library charges fees for lost or damaged items. The library does not charge late fines, but does suspend borrowing until overdue materials are renewed or returned.
Patrons may view outstanding fees by signing in to their library accounts and clicking on the Fines tab. Fees may be paid in person at our second-floor service desk in Idaho Falls or at one of the branch service desks in Iona or Swan Valley.
Hold Requests
To request an item currently checked out to another patron, search for the item in our online catalog and click the “Place Hold” button. You may also call 208-612-8460 or visit any library service desk to place a hold.
Patrons may pick up holds in Idaho Falls at our second-floor service desk and in Iona and Swan Valley at the staff service desks.
To cancel or suspend a hold request before it is fulfilled, log into your library account and open the Holds tab.
Notifications
To enable courtesy notifications for upcoming due dates, overdue reminders, or holds ready for pickup, use our online support form or visit any library service desk. Notification options include:
- Automated phone calls
- SMS text messages
- Email notifications
- Phone calls + email
- SMS text + email
Notifications are not mandatory and are provided as a courtesy service only.
Renewals
Patrons may renew most library items up to 3 times after the original checkout. Quick Read books, book club sets, and items with hold requests cannot be renewed. Expired library cards may also prevent renewals (renew your expired card).
To renew your library checkouts:
- Call our automated renewal number at 208-612-8198.
- Log into your online account at idfalls.ent.sirsi.net.
- Visit any library service desk.
- Call 208-612-8460.
Returns
To return your library checkouts, use one of our book returns:
Idaho Falls
- Inside book return on the first floor
- Inside book bin on the second floor
- Drive-through book return on the east side of the library*
- Outside book return by the north doors (facing Broadway St)*
Iona
- Inside book return at the end of the staff desk
- Outside book return by the library entrance*
Swan Valley
- Return books to the staff desk
- Outside book return across from the library entrance*
*Available after hours
For information about library cards, including how to renew an expired card or troubleshoot login errors, visit our library cards page.