How Do I?

Borrow Items

We're so glad you asked! Check out the info here to learn more.

You can place a hold on an item you'd like to borrow in several ways: by visiting us in person, through our online catalog, or by calling us at (573) 334-5279. You'll need your library card number to place a hold. Looking for an item we don't have? Request it here.

Holds can be picked up in several locations! When placing your hold, whether online or in person, you can choose to pick them up from the designated shelf to the left of our User Services desk, or you can let us know you'll be coming through our convenient drive-thru!

We also offer a remote locker system to pick up and return items, located inside the Shawnee Park Center. To pick up your holds at this location, select LitLocker when placing your hold!

Renewing items you currently have checked out is simple. You can do so through your online account, or just give us a call at (573) 334-5279!

If you'd like to borrow an item we don't currently have, you can request it here.

Lost items will be billed to the account they are checked out to. Damaged items will be assessed by library staff to determine the cost of mending or replacement.

Library Services

Read through our meeting room policy, then request a reservation here.

Learn more about notary services here.

We offer several ways for you to access the internet, depending on your individual needs:

  • Free wifi within the library building
  • Free wifi located at several city parks
  • Borrowable mobile wifi hotspots
  • Public computers located near the Adult Services desk, in the Teen Room, and in Youth Services

Learn more about these services here.

While we don't offer curbside service, we have an even better option! Pick up your items using our convenient drive-thru window. Select the drive-thru as your pickup location when placing a hold or call ahead to let us know you're coming for the fastest service.

About the Library

Learn more about donating books to the library here.

Learn more about gifts & memorials here.

Learn more about our Friends of the Library Foundation and how you can be a part here.

Written correspondence may be directed to the board for consideration at meetings. Statements of two pages or less are encouraged. The correspondence may be provided to the library director, the library administrative assistant, or directly to the board via email at board@capelibrary.org.

The public is invited to attend all meetings of the Board of Trustees except those designated as executive (closed) sessions. Members of the public are welcome to address comments to the board as set forth by library policy.

More information about the library's Board of Trustees, including the dates of upcoming meetings, can be found here

Membership as a trustee is open to all persons over the age of eighteen years who reside within the municipal library district of the City of Cape Girardeau and who are interested in the furtherance of the mission of the Cape Girardeau Public Library.

No member of the city government shall be a member of the Board of Trustees. The mayor of the City of Cape Girardeau, with the approval of the Cape Girardeau City Council, appoints the members of the board for three-year terms.

Anyone interested in serving on the library's Board of Trustees may fill out an application at City Hall or online here.

The library has opportunities for volunteering from time to time throughout the library. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at the library, please email the library director

Check here for all of our current job openings. 

If there are no openings, feel free to contact us for inquiries.

We love local authors! Read our author visit policy, then submit a request form here.