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Contact Information--Classroom Enrichment Materials--Online Teacher Request Form--Hands-on Learning--Classroom Visits--Library Tours--Homework Alert--Computer Use--Homeschool Resources

The Main Library Building of the Joliet Public Library is located in the Joliet City Center at 150 N. Ottawa Street. The Youth Services Department is located near the Chicago Street entrance. The Black Road Branch is located at 3395 Black Road. However, ALL services to schools are handled from the Main Library location. As a member of the Prairie Area Library System (PALS), we have connections to all Illinois libraries.

Contact Information
Outreach Librarian, Patricia Johnson 815-740-2672 (school visits, library tours, classroom visits to the library, resource use, and library tours)
Youth Services Manager, Linda Ward-Callaghan 815-740-2662
Teen Services Librarian, Andrea Sowers 815-740-1064
Coordinator of Teachers Requests, Linda Jimenez 815-740-2662
Youth Services Department 815-740-2662
Media Center 815-740-2664
Circulation Desk 815-740-2660
Reference Desk 815-740-2666
Fax 815-740-6161
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Classroom Enrichment Materials (Teacher Requests)
Click here to request your materials online!
If your school is located in the city limits of Joliet and has a signed agreement on file with Joliet Public Library, you are eligible to participate. You may call to request books or other materials on any topic or select them in person at the Main Library.

Books, records, cassettes and CD's from the library may be checked out at the Main Library by Joliet teachers for six weeks to be used in the classroom. Juvenile videos and DVDs may be checked out for one week. Seasonal and holiday selections are limited to five books per classroom. Other topics are subject to availability.

All materials must be at an Easy or Juvenile level and intended for classroom use only. Curriculum related adult items may also be checked out for six weeks. No personal items of any kind (i.e. popular videos, bestsellers, etc) may be checked out with your teacher checkout privileges.

Items can be sent to you via courier only if your school belongs to the Prairie Area Library System or District 86. If you prefer, you may pick them up in the Youth Services Department of the Main Library.  Only teachers from the Plainfield School District may request that their books be sent to the Black Road Branch for pick-up. Books sent out to teachers need to be returned in the boxes in which they were sent to insure accurate records. At least 48 hours notice must be given if you call and request that materials be selected for you. Due to the great demand, items checked out with teacher privileges CANNOT be renewed after their original checkout. For more information on how to check out materials for your classroom, contact Linda Jimenez at 815-740-2662

If you are a Joliet resident who is a homeschooling parent or currently employed as a teacher outside of Joliet and hold a valid Joliet Library card, you may also be eligible for teacher checkout privileges. Current proof of employment is required.
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Hands-on Learning
We have kits designed to supplement learning on popular topics in classrooms, preschools, and at home.
Classroom Boxes--These kits, designed for children in grades 3-8, cover a variety of popular curriculum and research topics.  Each box includes books about the topic at various reading levels and covering several subcategories within the topic.  These boxes are perfect for classroom or homeschooling use.
Storytime Boxes--These kits, designed for children ages 3-7, cover a variety of topics of interest to young children.  Each box includes many books and supplemental materials.
Game Bags--These kits, designed for ages 3-6, introduce a book about each topic and a game to reinforce the information from the book.  These kits are perfect for parent-child interaction, and most kits are available in both English and Spanish.
Book Bags--These kits, designed for grades preK-2, contain a book and supplemental materials on the topic.  Many kits have projects, games, and journals to enhance understanding of the topic.  Many of the kits are available in English and in Spanish.
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Classroom Visits
The Outreach Librarian is available to come to your classroom and present a library program for the students. This presentation will be geared to the proper grade level for the class and subject matter can be varied according to the teacher's wishes or suggestions. The presentation will provide students with information about the library and will provide instruction about how to get a library card. Bookmarks will be provided for students at the end of the program. Presentations can be scheduled for either morning or afternoon sessions. Call Patricia Johnson at 815-740-2672 to schedule a classroom visit.

The Young Adult Librarian can be scheduled for presentations to Junior & Senior High School classrooms. These presentations can vary from book talks to conversations about library services. With notice several weeks in advance, a presentation on a specific subject might be possible.
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Library Tours
Teachers who wish to bring their students to the library for a tour must call and schedule a time. It is most beneficial to the students if one classroom is scheduled at a time, but somewhat larger groups can be accommodated if enough advance notice is given. The tours take about 30 minutes.

Tours may include a number of things and are varied according to the teacher's request and the age of the students. Some of the possibilities might include a story time, research assistance, brief talks about our public computer areas (Online Information Center and the Media Center). Please inform us of any special requests when the tour is scheduled. Classes can also be scheduled with time for informal library visits which allow students to browse and check out books with a valid library card.

Homework Alert
If you will be assigning student homework that requires the use of the library and/or library materials, please notify the Outreach or Young Adult Librarian in advance. When notified in advance, books on the selected subject can be placed on our "in-library-use-only" shelf. This allows all students access to the materials necessary to complete the assignment.

You may telephone the Outreach Librarian (Patricia Johnson) or the Young Adult Librarian (Andrea Sowers) to request this service or you may use our "Homework Alert" forms. These are available upon request or submit a form online. If your school provides suggested reading lists to students, please provide us with a copy. (fax: 815-740-6161)
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Computer Use
Computers with word processing, educational software and Internet access are available in both buildings to patrons with a valid library card from any Illinois public library. Patrons must use their own card for computer access and must not allow anyone else to use their card. Click here for our computer use policy.

 Joliet Public Library offers two levels of Internet access - 'Guided' and 'Unrestricted'. It is the parent/guardians right as well as responsibility to choose which level is preferred for their child. A sticker is placed on the child's library card that indicates the parent’s choice. Click here for our filtering policy.

Parents and teachers are welcome to call the library at 815-740-2666 for more information.

Homeschool Resources
Homeschooling parents are encouraged to use our library facilities as their school library.  Joliet residents are entitled to teacher privileges including six week loans.  Our many educational resources include hands-on learning kits, videos, interlibrary loan privileges with all Illinois libraries, literacy games, curriculum planning literature, and learning-based programs and events.
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Youth Services

Phone: (815)740-2662

Main: 150 N. Ottawa St, Joliet IL 60432

Branch: 3395 Black Road, Joliet IL 60431

Last Modified: 11/29/10 lky