By Tess O’Brien
Books, DVDs, audiobooks … umbrellas?
You might not realize it, but Joliet Public Library has way more to offer to cardholders besides reading material. Whether you’re looking for something educational, fun, or a way to spend a rainy day, the library has plenty of unexpected items you can borrow.
Here are seven surprising things you can check out with your library card.
1. American Girl Dolls. Youth Services offers a wide range of kits, including American Girl Dolls! In Youth Services, children are able to check out a kit that includes:
- The doll
- Her book
- Another outfit
- A hairbrush
- A doll bed
The next time you’re at the library, don’t forget to ask for Rebecca, Maryellen, or Addy!
2. Museum Adventure Pass. Life hack! Museum Adventure passes make it easy to plan a fun, low-cost family outing. Your Joliet Public Library card entitles you to access our Museum Adventure passes, which offer free or discounted tickets to places such as:
- Morton Arboretum
- The Volo Museum
- The Lazzadro Museum of Lapidary Art
3. Playaways. Tired of listening to ads while listening to audiobooks? Try a Playaway: a pre-loaded audiobook device you can take anywhere. The library offers a variety of Playaway titles, and they are conveniently located by our CD audiobooks. You can’t miss them— they’re in bright orange cases!
4. Online Tutoring. If you need extra help writing a paper or studying for an exam, you might want to look into using Brainfuse! Brainfuse is an online tutoring and learning program for all ages that is free to access from home through the Joliet Public Library. Brainfuse offers tutoring, career services, dedicated support for veterans, and language learning services.
5. Magazines. Nostalgic for the feeling of flipping through a magazine? Check one out at the library! We have a plethora of titles such as Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Time and GQ.
6. Video games. Want to try a new video game for your Xbox or Switch, but not ready to commit to purchasing? Check one out at the library! We have a wide selection of video game titles for all ages on the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, XBox Series X, PS4 and PS5.
7. Umbrellas. If it starts raining while you’re checking out books, don’t fret! You are able to check out an umbrella at our circulation desk for up to 21 days … just as long as you remember to bring it back!
Discover more with your library card
These seven things are only a fraction of what Joliet Public Library has to offer. From books and movies to museum passes and tutoring, your library card can help you save money and discover something new.
If you have any questions about these items or anything else, don’t hesitate to ask a librarian!