The name of our library was inspired by the article "What is a 'document'?" by Michael K. Buckland. This article sparked a lively discussion in a University of Iowa library class taken by our founder Cassandra Elton. As a result, the antelope became a kind of unofficial mascot with her student cohort. As Elton was working on the project that became Antelope Lending Library, the spirit of the antelope - the idea that if a document can be anything then a library can be anywhere - seemed the perfect fit for this one-of-a-kind library.

Since 2012, Antelope Lending Library has been an endeavor of The James Gang, a local non-profit incubator that helps folks like us with big ideas make them a reality.

Your help is what makes it possible for our service to continue! The best way to support us is by using our services. Visit our bookmobile, sign up for home delivery, pick up a free snack, and attend an English Class. The more people who use our services, the easier it is to show grantors and donors why the work we do is so important. You can also donate books, money, or time to support our organization. You can shop locally to purchase items for our organization or yourself, with proceeds going to our organization. Direct monetary donations can be made online or through the mail (Antelope Lending Library, 450 HWY 1 W #126, Iowa City, IA 52246). If you are interested in donating books or volunteering, text/leave a voicemail at 319-343-6872 or email us at info@antelopelendinglibrary.org and we'll work out the details. If you are interested in volunteering, contact info@antelopelendinglibrary.org or call 319-343-6872.

Our stops change every season. Check out our schedule to find a stop near you!

To check out library materials just sign up for a free membership account when you visit the bookmobile. A photo ID or proof of address are NOT required. If you are under 14 you will need an adult's signature. Then, when you visit, just tell us your name and we’ll look you up - no need to keep track of a library card.

We don't have late fees or lost fees, we just ask that you return your books so that others can enjoy them, too! Bring your returns to any of our scheduled bookmobile stops or 24/7 to any of our book drops: Breckenridge Estates (4494 Taft Ave SE, Iowa City), Open Heartland (3 E. Benton St, Iowa City), Public Space One South (538 S Gilbert St, Iowa City). You can also return your items to the Coralville Public Library, Iowa City Public Library, North Liberty Community Library, or Solon Public Library and they'll get them back to us as well. If you are unable to return your items at any of the above locations, text us or leave a voicemail at 319-343-6872 or email us at info@antelopelendinglibrary.org and we can help find a solution. Remember: It's never too late to return a library book!

We are always accepting book donations! We use donated books in our circulating library collection, for our book sale fundraisers, to help stock local Little Free Libraries, and more. We ask that if your books have any identifying information in them (names, addresses, etc) that you black them out or remove them before donating to make processing them easier. If you have books you would like to donate, email info@antelopelendinglibrary.org or text/leave a voicemail at 319-343-6872 to arrange a pick up or drop off. Thank you for thinking of us!

Funding for our library is made up of grants, service contracts, individual donations, fundraising events, and in-kind donations. You can donate to us online or through the mail at Antelope Lending Library, 450 HWY 1 W #126, Iowa City, IA 52246.

The shelves in our bookmobile are specially built at an angle so the books stay on the shelves even while in transit. However, not even the slanted shelves will keep all the books on if we hit a big bump or take a corner too quickly!

We are an independent bookmobile service operating in Johnson County and beyond. We are not a part of any public library, but we do contract with local public libraries and organizations. If you are interested in contracting with us, email info@antelopelendinglibrary.org or text/leave a voicemail at 319-343-6872.