Library Policies

Getting a Library Card

Cottage Grove city fees offset the cost of a library card for all city residents or anyone owning or renting property inside the Cottage Grove city limits. Some Cottage Grove mailing addresses are not technically within the city limits. These cards are renewable annually.

Must be 18 years old or have a parent/legal guardian signature. You will need photo ID and current proof of address. Card costs are paid by taxes for those living or owning property within the city's taxable boundary. For those not residing in the city limits an annual fee is required:
- $55.00 Family Card
- $35.00 Senior Card

Loan Periods

Books and Magazines 4 Weeks
New Books 2 Weeks
Movies 1 Week (Limit 10)
CDs 4 Weeks (Limit 10)
Audio Books 4 Weeks (Limit 10)

Late Fees (Per Day)

.50 Movies
.20 All other materials
Call us or go log into your account to renew

Library Services

Internet Access - 1 hour limit
Printing/Copying .25 per page $1.00 per page for color
Free wifi - CG Library Guest

Library Ethics and Guiding Principles

Code of Ethics [American Library Association]

Freedom to Read Statement [American Library Association]

Freedom to View Statement [American Library Association]

Library Bill of Rights [American Library Association]

Behavior in the Library

Unattended Minors

Can I leave flyers for my business or services to post in the library?

The library does not allow soliciting, petitioning, or distribution of written materials for political, charitable or religious purposes. This includes business flyers that are not part of a partnership with the library or the city of Cottage Grove. Unauthorized solicitation or distribution of materials may result in being asked to leave the library or being restricted from the building's use.

Category: Library Policies

Do I need headphones to listen to my videos/music/etc.?

The library does not allow electronic equipment (public access computers, cell phones, tablets, computers or other personal devices) to play at a volume that disturbs others. There are headphones that can be checked out for up to two hours at a time (library use only) or earbuds that can be purchased for $1. Library staff may ask individuals to turn down/off the audio on their device if it is at a volume disturbs others.

Category: Library Policies

How can I get a library card?

Library cards are free to residents within the city limits of Cottage Grove. For out of town cards, the annual fee is $55 for members 62 years and younger or $35 for members 63 years and older.

Card holder must be 18 years or older or have a parent present.
Bring a current government photo ID and official proof of address
- ex: drivers license & water bill, military ID & rental agreement
Card holder will need to fill out a library application

Card costs for residents are paid by taxes for those living or owning property within the city's taxable boundary.

Category: Library Policies

Does the library have wi-fi?

The library has free wi-fi that's available within the building. Connect to "CG Library Guest"

Category: Library Policies

Does the library have public access computers?

The library has seven public access computers available for patrons to use. They are capable of browsing the web and have Microsoft Office installed. Patrons can also access the research databases and library catalog via the public access computers.

We have a one hour computer use limit per day.

The library provides no content filtering of any sort, and parents are urged to supervise their children's use of these machines if this is a concern. Downloading of obscene or objectionable material will not be tolerated, and patrons who are found to be doing so may be asked to leave and/or banned from use of these machines.

All computers may be used as a library catalog computer; there is a shortcut on each desktop to the library catalog and Learning Express Library.

Category: Library Policies