How Do I?

Borrow Items

Thanks for asking! Learn more here

Yes! You can use your Oshkosh library card at other Winnefox Library System locations.

We’d love to connect you with a new great book or author! Our Discover Your Next Read page offers great resources, including staff picks and new releases. Also, staff at each service desk can offer Readers' Advisory help, including tips on using our catalog to find read-alike authors.

Our online catalog will tell you which collection a book or other item belongs to, but because the catalog is shared by the thirty Winnefox libraries, it will not tell you which floor or section of the building it is in. Oshkosh Public Library has a service desk on each floor; our staff will be happy to get you to the right place. You can also view our building maps here.

The Winnefox app lets you take the library with you on the go. Learn more here.

You can check out up to 75 total items on your card. Learn more here.

To log into your library account, you’ll need your library card number and PIN (usually the last 4 digits of your phone number). Click on Account and follow the prompts.

You can place a hold on an item by visiting us in person, through our online catalog, or by calling us at 920.236.5203. Keep your library card handy; you’ll need your card number to place a hold. 

You’ll receive an email or phone call notifying you that your hold is available. You can also sign up for text alerts

Holds are located on the shelves next to the first floor Circulation Desk. If you can’t find your hold, let a staff person know and they will be happy to assist. 

Items may be renewed up to two times by going to your Account online, by telephone at 920.236.5203 or in-person. There are no renewals on items with holds, Lucky Day best sellers, Lucky Day DVDs and reference books. Renewals of Interlibrary Loan items may be allowed upon request, subject to approval by the lending library. Call Adult Services to request a renewal on an Interlibrary Loan item at 920.236.5205.

We understand that sometimes accidents happen. Please refer to our Fines and Fees policy for a description of fees associated with lost and damaged materials. Fines can be paid by going to your Account online, by telephone at 920.236.5203 or in-person.

Good news! If you find a lost library item after paying for it, you may receive a refund within a year of having paid for it, no receipt necessary. Just bring the newly found item to the first floor Circulation desk. 

Library materials can be returned at any Winnefox library. In Oshkosh you have a few options.

Oshkosh Public Library would love to hear your suggestion. Please fill out our Recommend for Purchase form . If the library decides to purchase the item, you will be placed at the top of the holds list for it.

Library Services

The library offers books and so much more! The best way to find out what Oshkosh Public Library can help you with is to browse our Services page.

Oshkosh Public Library is a great place to be. Everyone is welcome to use the library to read, study, research, utilize library resources, and attend programs. Our Youth Services area has fun areas for kids available anytime the library is open, including a puppet show area, puzzles, train table, play kitchen area, and rotating hands-on learning in Explorer’s Grove. For a full view of programs and events, please visit our events calendar.

Oshkosh Public Library has larger meeting rooms available for public use for a fee and smaller study rooms and meeting spaces (for 1-2 or 3-5 people) to use for free. Please visit our room reservation page to learn more. 

We can help! We’ve created a guide to help you get started learning about your house.

Staff at the second floor Reference Desk in Adult Services can help you get started. Oshkosh Public Library has many print resources and online resources, including access to ancestry.com (in-library use only). Learn more here.

Oshkosh Public Library offers a wide variety of resources to help you with specific informational needs to help you be a life-long learner. You have access to newspapers, directories, journals, databases, and online learning, including Gale courses. The best way to find out what we can help you learn about is by visiting our Research and Learn page.

About the Library

If you’re interested in the library’s rich history, please visit our Library History page.

If you’re interested in the library’s hours, contact information, and location, please visit our Library Information page.

We are a community-driven library and would love to hear from you. Please visit our Contact Us page to submit your comment.

Library Board Meetings are governed by Wisconsin Open Meetings Law and all members of the public are welcome to attend. Each agenda has a time reserved for public comments. Here is a list of the meeting dates.

Library board members are chosen by the mayor and approved by the City Council.  If interested, fill out the City of Oshkosh Application for Appointment to City Boards and Commissions. Learn more about our Board of Trustees.

We appreciate that you would like to support the library! Being a regular library patron supports the library by demonstrating the value the library has for the community. You can also support us by giving your time (please visit our Volunteer page) or contributing financially (please visit our Support the Library page). Finally, spread the word! Libraries are safe places that offer something for everybody. You can help us by talking about your positive library experiences with others.

Love libraries? We’re glad you’re considering working at one. Applicants must be 16 years of age to work at Oshkosh Public Library. Please visit our Employment Opportunities page for more information.

No positions available at Oshkosh Public Library? You can also check out opportunities at other libraries in the Winnefox system by visiting their job opportunities page.

We love to hear your ideas. Please fill out our Propose a Program form.

 We love to hear your ideas. Please fill out our Propose a Program form.