Unfortunately, due to cuts in federal funding, the State Library of Iowa is no longer able to offer Brainfuse HelpNow, VetNow, and JobNow to Iowa libraries. In order to still offer an educational and test prep site, we are now able to offer Mometrix.

Mometrix eLibrary provides a wide range of study materials to help test-takers, including flashcards, practice tests, and guides, covering subjects from foundational education to specialized trades and advanced academic fields. This online resource is available to all Iowa residents and authorized users and is funded by an appropriation from the Iowa Legislature.

To access Mometrix, visit our link under online resources or use the link below.

MOMETRIX

myLIBRO is available at Belmond Public Library!

With myLIBRO you can:

Search the catalog
You can search the catalogs for both Belmond Public Library and BRIDGES.

Access your account
Use the app's voice-enabled "virtual assistant" text chat interface to see your checkouts and holds for both physical and digital items, due dates, and items ready for pickup.

Manage multiple cards
Add multiple cards to your profile to manage the accounts of your children, spouse, or other loved ones.

Getting started is easy.
Download the app on Apple or Android.

After downloading, open the app and press 'get started':
1. Under library, select "Belmond Public Library"
2. Enter your full library card number. Don't know your number, give us a call (641-444-4160)
3. Enter your library PIN (the last 4 digits of your card number)
4. Tap "Sign In"

Once signed in:
• Tap the three vertical lines in the top left-hand corner to see menu options such as Settings and Quick Tour
• From the menu select Profile to display your library card as a scannable barcode
• Search the catalog using Search or My Account (see your checkouts and holds in My Account only)

Need more help? Check out the myLIBRO User Guide

If you have questions about myLIBRO or want assistance adding it to your phone or tablet, feel free to stop by or contact us at 641-444-4160.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: Is myLIBRO the same as Libby?
A: No. myLIBRO is a separate app all together. Libby connects you to the BRIDGES library for all digital media and downloads. myLIBRO is a one stop all things your library. With myLIBRO you can manage your library account, view and renew all physical and digital checkouts, search our card catalog, put physical books on hold, view our calendar of events, receive library notifications, and more! 

Q: Will I still need Libby if I can read ebooks and listen to audiobooks on myLIBRO?
A. This is up to you. myLibro does give you access to the BRIDGES collection. You are able to listen to audiobooks and read your ebooks through the app. If you prefer the look and feel of Libby, continue to use Libby. 

Q: I can't log in. I don't know my library card number.
A: Contact the library and we can help you get set up with the app. Need some hands on help? Our staff can walk you through the app in person. Simply stop by the library and ask for assistance.

Do you have a child age under the age of 5 years old?
If so you can register them to receive a free, age-appropriate book delivered monthly to your home.

The program is completely free and available to all residents with a Belmond, Iowa address [50421 zip code].
If you don't live in our affiliate area, check to see if it's available where you live!

To register your child, visit https://imaginationlibrary.com/
On the home page, select "Can I register my child?" or "Check Availability". Once you enter your zip code and location information, you will have access to register online or print a from to fill out and return. We highly encourage you to use the online form to ensure that all information is correct. It's easy and only takes a couple of minutes.

If you choose to print and fill out a registration form, you can either scan and email your application to the library, mail it or drop it off at our library at your earliest convenience. 

For parent resources CLICK HERE.

Have questions? Contact the library at 641-444-4160

Friends of the Belmond Public Library is proud to provide Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through sponsorship from area businesses and organizations.

LOOKING AHEAD: CLOSURES

Thursday, November 27 for Thanksgiving

Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25 for Christmas

Thursday, January 1 for New Year's Day

            
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The Friends of the Belmond Public Library was formed in 1995.  They are an auxiliary group of the Library Foundation.  Their mission is to maintain an
association of persons interested in the library, to focus public attention on the library, to lend financial support, to coordinate volunteer efforts,
and help promote the programs and services of the Talbot Belmond Public Library. 

The Friends do so much to support the library. This includes a yearly allocation for the purchase of books, maintaining 4 little free libraries in Belmond, hosting bilingual story time during the Cinco de Mayo festival, their Books for Kindergarteners initiative, and more! They are able to provide these things through fundraising and volunteering. Perhaps you have visited the Friends annual book sale during the Fall Festival, or the table at the summer market, or maybe even an omelet breakfast thanks to the Knights ot Columbus. 

As a Friend, you will have the satisfaction of supporting one of our most important educational institutions, playing an important role in making books and other materials available to the community. 
You will also have the opportunity to volunteer for various events and programs.

  You can join for as little as $10.00 per year as an individual, or $25.00 as a family.
If you are already a Friend of the library, please stop by today to renew your membership. 

Please contact the library with any questions. 
The library would love to have you as a Friend!

Silver Elite by Dani Francis
Genre: Fantasy/Romance

Silver Elite has all the makings of a really good dystopian romance. The pacing was fast, the characters were interesting, and the cliffhanger ending reveal will definitely have me eager to see what book two brings. The world building is average. Readers get a lot of informaiton on the fantasy realm, the overall idea of what is going on, but there are a few holes that I predict will be filled in future installments.

Francis does a really good job of building the characters. I have to admit, I enjoyed the side characters more than the main chracters. I think this is due to the over the top nature in how they are written. Wren is stubborn, angry and in control of herself. Cross on the otherhand is dark, broody and just plain mean. It took about 75% of the book before I began to enjoy the romance element of the story. Up until that point, Francis was beating readers over the head with how tough and dark Crow was. At times his actions towards Wren were abusive. It wasn't until Francis gave readers a glimpse of the complex nature if the chracters and their softer dynamic edges, could I fully appreciate that part of the story. I adored the side characters. I would love to see more of them in subsequent novels.

The book floats between adult and new adult. There is some spicy heated moments, so if you like you romantasy clean, you can certainly anticipate and skip those scenes if needed. 

I think Silver Elite is a solid book one. It's easy to follow, has a good combination of action, romance, and mystery. I am really interested in seeing how the book continues and Francis grows as an author.

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Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove
Genre: Scifi/Horror

Of Monsters and Mainframes was so much fun! It's a quirky combination of horror and scifi told from multiple points of view. There is plenty of humor and emotion through out the story. The relationship between ship mainframe, Demeter and the med unit, Steward, felt almost human in its interactions. Throw in monsters, and you have plenty of action mixed in with themes of found family and self acceptance. Looking for something different that is completely entertaining? For me, this was it. I really do recommend it. The writing is very well done, quick witted and kept me totally engaged from page one. Given I'm in a bit of a reading slump, that's huge!

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Kiss me at Christmas by Jennifer Baylis
Genre: Holiday Contemporary Romance

Kiss Me at Christmas is a heartwarming endearing book filled with humor and romance. It’s a wonderful happy ending holiday read. It’s sure to give readers a healthy dose of warm fuzzies.

Harriet is overworked and not in the holiday mood. Her daughter as made other plans for the holidays instead of spending time with her. However, after taking the fall for a couple students after they break into the local theater, she finds herself directing the Christmas performance.

The characters are pretty developed and solid. I liked the banter and the overall story. It’s a great cozy Christmas read. Definitely one I would recommend if you feel like getting into the holiday spirit.

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The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
Genre: Magical Realism

The Lost Story is a wonderfully written novel with familiar fantasy elements like the Chronicles of Narnia or Alice in Wonderland. Told from two points of view, this dark enchanting tale had me hooked from the beginning.

Emilie is searching for a sister she never met. She reaches out to Jeremy who has a knack for finding lost people and things. Years before, he and his friend Rafe, disappeared in the same woods. Appearing 6 months later, Rafe has no memory of the time and Jeremy refuses to speak on the matter.  At first it seems like a clear missing person mystery but soon things twist and turn into almost some kind of psychedelic dream. As Rafe, Jeremy and Emelie enter the woods, it's discovered that not all fairytales are on paper. Eventually the truth is learned about Jeremy and Rafe's disappearance. Along the way, the three discover more about the woods, themselves, and ultimately the choices they will have to make.

The images Shaffer creates are vivid and laid out in such a way that I was fully immersed. The Lost Story is charming with even a romance, while covering harder themes such as grief, loss, abuse and more. This is definitely going to be a reread for me and certainly one I will recommend.