The University of Iowa Libraries has returned to pre-pandemic policies for returning library items. We have added some returning options for those unable to come to campus in person. We do appreciate the following safe-handling procedures for returning books and media items:

  • Do not clean, disinfect, or microwave library materials before returning them. For example, do not use water, Lysol, or any other cleaner on materials.
  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before handling library materials for return.

Materials you send to the Libraries will be received as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact lib-maincirc@uiowa.edu

If you are in the Iowa City area, please return books at the Main Library drop box (125 W. Washington Street, return slots available at both the south, north, and Madison Street entrances–the Madison Street drop boxes are only available when the library is open), or any of the other Campus Libraries drop boxes. Interlibrary Loans (ILL) should be brought into the Library and handed to Service Desk employees. ILL items have vinyl bands that could come off of items left in drop boxes which could make them difficult to identify and may delay the item being removed from your account.

If you want items checked out to your account to be returned on the date you sent them, please print these slips

If you have tools or electronic equipment, please return these items using pre-pandemic instructions.

If you are away from Iowa City or are unable to bring books to the Libraries for return, you may send them using UPS. The Libraries will pay the return shipping charges. You may request a UPS shipping label to return books. The system of remote returns at libraries across the Middle West has been terminated.

If you are printing your own label to ship via UPS or FedEx, use this address:

University of Iowa Libraries
100 Main Library
Circulation Returns
125 W. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA  52240

If you are printing your own label to ship via the U.S. Postal Service, use this address:

University of Iowa Libraries
100 Main Library
Circulation Returns
Iowa City, IA  52242-1420

If you are using Campus Mail to send items from one campus location to another this address is sufficient:

100 ML      Circulation Returns

Note the postal code differences. US Mail (USPS) delivered to University of Iowa postal code 52242 is delivered to one building. Campus Mail sorts that mail and delivers to individual campus buildings. The postal code for downtown Iowa City (52240) lists the University of Iowa buildings with numbered addresses as any other building downtown. These addresses were created for the E-911 service. The USPS does not have these addresses in their database.