Our Friends Group
- Sponsors and provides funding for library programs/events
- Provides matching funds for grants
- Provides funds for the purchase of items for the library’s collection and computer hardware and software
- Provides volunteer workers for library events
- Maintains ongoing book sales at both locations
- Holds larger book sales at library events several times per year
Friend members
- Are allowed early admittance to sales and first pick of sale items
- Meet quarterly to discuss fundraising ideas and set sale/meeting dates
New members are always welcome, come join us!
Upcoming Events
Fall Sale at Black Road Branch
Fri, October 20 · 5-7 p.m. Friends Members Only
Sat, October 21 · 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Open to the public
Sun, October 22 · 1-3 p.m. Bag Sale
2023 Officers
President – Dave Hlavac
Vice President – John Davis
Treasurer – Frankie Overcash
Secretary – Linda Aguilar
For more information on the Friends of the Joliet Public Library, email The Friends of JPL
Donating to the Friends
- Donations are currently accepted at the Black Road Branch only.
- Click here to view the Library’s Collection Development Policy.
- Monetary donations in addition to regular membership dues are very welcome. These can be for memorials or any purpose(s) you specify.
- Endowments and bequests are also very much appreciated
- Scroll down for a complete list of items accepted.
Donations are accepted at the Black Road Branch
Books that are especially saleable
- Art, photography, cooking, gardening, sewing and craft books
- Rare books, brand new books, signed books and special books
- Collectible books, especially those that are uncommon, clean, unmarked, whole and complete.
- Antique or collectible books, regardless of condition, including first editions and autographed copies
Books
- Hard cover fiction and non-fiction
- Children’s fiction and non-fiction books
- Paperback fiction and non-fiction (please no romance, such as Harlequin)
- Comic books (must be complete)
- Computer/software manuals less than 5 yrs. old
- High school and college textbooks less than 10 yrs. old (without excessive handwriting or highlighting)
- Encyclopedias less than 10 yrs. old
- Local high school/college year books
- Local church directories and cookbooks
CDs and DVDs
- Music CDs, all languages, all types of music
- Commercially recorded Videos, CDs, DVDs, Audiobooks and Cassettes
- Children’s videos, DVDs, games and puzzles
All items accepted may be new or used, but must be in GOOD condition.
Other items
- Unopened packages of greeting cards/stationary in good condition
- Music scores/sheet music
- Foreign language and current ESL materials
- Plays/scripts
- Craft supplies in good usable condition
- Art prints and posters
- Craft/sewing/crocheting/ knitting instruction sheets
- Computer software and console games (no more than 3 years old)
- Vintage posters, photos, artwork, postcards
- Travel brochures (less than 3 years)
- Maps, menus and other printed material (especially of local interest)