Library Services

Library Services

The Independence Public Library offers a full range of library services; including circulation of books, audio, and video materials, reference services, outreach to homebound patrons, and programing for adults, teens and youth.  Select Your Library Card to see options for obtaining a card at the Independence Public Library. 

Reference Assistance

Reference service is available by calling the library at (503) 838-1811 during open hours.  After hours, contact us by e-mail and we will respond when the library is open, or for immediate assistance contact L-Net, the statewide reference center.

Outreach Activities

Those who live within the City of Independence, but who are unable to visit the library for medical reasons are encouraged to Contact Us to arrange for homebound delivery of library materials.

Collections

The library print collection includes non-fiction materials with an emphasis on general information and practical topics for all ages in English and Spanish.  Fiction collections include general fiction, mystery, western, science fiction and inspirational titles.  A growing large print collection is also available.  The children's area features picture books, easy readers, juvenile fiction and juvenile non-fiction in English and Spanish.

Non-Print collections include books on cassette, books on CD, downloadable audio books, VHS video, DVD video, downloadalbe video and CD Rom software. 

Visit our catalog to view titles and topics.

Community Space in the Library

The library meeting room is available for use by local community groups who meet the criteria described in the Meeting Room Policy.  The meeting room will comfortably seat 20-30 at tables or 50 in a classroom configuration.

Library Programs

• Family Story Time
  An hour of stories, games, songs and finger plays for pre-school children and their parents or caregivers. See Events calendar for current schedule.
• Baby Toddler Lapsit Story Time
  A half hour program for babies and their parents.  This highly interactive program will introduce the youngest children to stories, babysign, fingerplays and songs.
• After School, Saturday and Summer Programs for Children and Young Adults
  Educational and craft programs for ages five and up. Programs are typically held once a month with additional programs during the summer. The Events calendar lists current activity schedule.
• Programs for Adults
The library offers programs for adults several times a year, with a wide range of topics. The Events calendar includes all upcoming library activities.

Ongoing adult events include :

• Conversation Club/Club de Conversación is held the third Tuesday of each month between September and May at 7pm.  The group meets to practice English and Spanish language skills in a relaxed, informal setting.  All adults and teens are invited to attend.

• Write It Yourself Workshop is held the first Monday of each month, September through May at 1pm.  Join this monthly writers’ workshop at any time.  Share ideas, and learn new techniques.