What do OSB and BRB mean?

OSB = Ottawa Street Branch
BRB = Black Road Branch

How do I find parking at the Ottawa Street Branch?

Get details about parking for the Ottawa Street Branch.

The parking deck at 110 N. Ottawa St. (put 118 N. Ottawa St. into map apps for an accurate route to the garage entrance) is a convenient location near the library. Bring your parking ticket to the Circulation desk or Adult Services desk for a validation stamp that will allow you to park in the deck for 2 hours for free.

If you remain parked longer than two hours, you are responsible for paying for additional time. Please note: free parking applies only to the Ottawa Street Garage; the Scott Street Garage is pay-by-the-hour.

How to Get/Use Your Validation Sticker

Take a ticket: When entering the garage, take a physical ticket from the dispenser.

Visit the library: Go to the circulation desk or adult services desk to receive your validation sticker.

Apply your sticker: Place the sticker on your parking ticket, but do not cover the QR code or barcode.

Exit the garage:

  • Go to the exit gate.
  • Scan the QR code on your entry ticket at the scanner.
  • Scan your validation sticker at the scanner.
  • Complete payment (discount applied for 2 hours) Payment options include: credit card, Apple Pay and Google Pay. To pay with cash, visit the pay station located in the center stairwell near the elevator.
  • The gate will open.

Garage parking is free on Saturday and Sunday and $1 per hour Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-7 p.m.

On-street parking is also available in the downtown area. Two-hour free parking is available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday in downtown Zones A, B, and C. Look for new signs identifying these zones and restrictions. Parking is still free on weekends.

Can I send a fax at the library, and if so, what is the cost?

You can send a fax at the library for $1 per page for faxes sent to the US/Canada and $2 per page for faxes sent internationally. Stop by the Adult Services desk to get started.

If you pay with a debit or credit card, you will automatically be charged $5 and refunded the difference by your bank within 2-3 business days.

The library cannot receive faxes.

Learn more about printing, faxing, copying and scanning at the library.

Can someone at the library notarize documents?

Joliet Public Library does not provide notary services. 

The Joliet Township office, located at 175 W. Jefferson St., provides notary services. Call 815-726-4781 or visit their website for more information.

Can I return items to another library?

With your Joliet Public Library card, you can borrow and return items to any library in the Pinnacle Consortium, which includes Plainfield, Fountaindale, Lemont and White Oak, which serves Romeoville, Crest Hill and Lockport.

Interlibrary loans, or books placed on hold and borrowed from a library outside the Pinnacle Consortium, must be returned to the library you requested it from.

How do I know which museum passes are available, and how do I use them?

Start at our Museum Passes page, where we have information about two different types of passes. 

  • Museum Adventure Passes can be checked out at either branch location for discounts at participating Chicagoland cultural destinations. To get a pass, visit one of the service desks with your Joliet Public Library card and we will print out the pass of your choice. Limited passes are available and must be checked out in person on an adult card.
  • Explore More Illinois is a free service provided by Joliet Public Library that provides instant online access to free and discounted tickets to museums, science centers, sporting events, zoos, park districts, theatres, and other fun and local cultural venues. Visit the website and log in with your library card to access passes.

What is my pin?

When you first receive your library card, you will use a 4-digit PIN to log in to access digital services. By default, your PIN is the last four digits of your library card number or your primary telephone number. 

Once you log in, you may change your PIN. If you have forgotten your PIN, there is a link to reset it on the catalog login screen.

How do I reserve a meeting or study room? And how can I tell that my room is reserved?

If you want to reserve a study room or meeting room, start on our Reserve a Room page. 

  • To reserve a study room in advance, you must have a Joliet Public Library card in good standing. You can submit your reservation request online, in person at the Adult Services desk or by calling Adult Services. If you do not have a JPL card, visit the Adult Services desk at either branch to reserve on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • To reserve a meeting room, submit a reservation request online or visit the Adult Services Desk. Reserve your room at least 5 days in advance. Rooms may be reserved for the current month and the subsequent two months. Need to cancel? Notify us at least 24 hours before the event. Room setups are the responsibility of the reserving party. Read our meeting room policy.

For questions about your submitted reservation or to check its status, please email meetingrooms@jolietlibrary.org. All new meeting room reservations must be made through our online reservation portal.

Do you accept donations? If so, what types of donations are accepted and how can I donate?

The Friends of the Joliet Public Library accepts donations. Donations of gently used materials can be made at either library branch. Please visit the Circulation desk. 

Donations may be dropped off Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., with a limit of 3 boxes per visit. Please pack donations in a disposable box or bag.

We are unable to accept the following items:

  • Magazines
  • Newspapers
  • Encyclopedias
  • VHS/Beta tapes
  • Textbooks

When is the library open?

The Joliet Public Library is open every day, except during the summer when it closes on Sundays. Normal open hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Sunday closures start Memorial Day weekend and last through Labor Day weekend.

Can I place an item on hold?

You may place a hold on an item in our catalog by going to My Account on the library’s home page and logging in with your library card.

Holds may be placed on any of the catalog computers in our branches as well. Items will be held for pick up for 5 days.

If you need help placing a hold, please ask a staff member or call us at 815-740-2660.

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