Search for items in the library collection by title, subject, author, or keyword. Search the Catalog
If you have a card with the Jefferson Public Library and know your password, you may access your account to check the due dates of items you have checked out, renew items, place a reserve on items, and see if you have any overdue fines. Access My Account
MISSION STATEMENT The Jefferson Public Library is the life-long learning center of our community and the place people turn to for the discovery of ideas, the joy of reading, the exercise of imagination, and the power of information.
STAFF Jane Millard, Director / Adult Librarian Stephanie Hall, Youth Services Librarian
HISTORY The Jefferson Public Library was founded in 1901. A $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Foundation in 1903 enabled the city to construct the existing library building. In 1967, a new addition was built to house the growing collections. Renovations completed in 1990 made the library handicapped accessible. Catalog and circulation functions became automated in 1995, and the library collection became accessible online in 2006.
GOVERNANCE The Jefferson Public Library is an administrative department of the City of Jefferson. Five trustees, appointed by the Mayor and City Council, set library policy. The trustees employ a director and staff who are responsible for the library’s day-to-day operation. The Library Board of Trustees meets on the first Monday after the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the library basement meeting room. The policies adopted by the Board of Trustees are available to the public for review on the library website. Policies are reviewed annually. The Jefferson Public Library is accredited by the State Library of Iowa, meeting the criteria for high quality library service.
Board of Trustees • Susan Laehn, President • Mary Jane Fields, Secretary • Jane Martino • Mike Piepel • Jerry Roberts
General Information Collections • Books • Board Books • Movies (DVD) • Magazines • Newspapers • Graphic Novels • Large Print Books • Books on CD • Board Games & Puzzles • Cakepans & Cookie Cutters • Travel Packets • Puppets • Genealogy Resources • Yearbooks • Teacher Resource Shelf • Community History Archives of Greene County Iowa
Services • Book Drop • Books for Babies • 1000 books before Kindergarten • Computers and Printers • Color Photo Copier • Creative Learning Center • Digital Newspaper Archives (Jefferson newspapers 1866 - current) • FAX • Genealogy Materials and Research Assistance • Gaming • Home Delivery • Imagination Station (Children's Crafts) • Income Tax Forms • Innovation Station (STEAM Activities) • Inter-library Loan (borrowing books and movies from other libraries) • Internet and Free 24/7 Wi-Fi • Kodak Photo Kiosk • Magazine Exchange • Media Equipment Rental (overhead & slide projectors, screen) • Meeting Room • Memorials • Microfilm Reader/Printer • Notary Public • On-line Catalog • Open Access (returning books to Iowa libraries at no charge • Paperback Book Exchange • Scanner
Programs & Events • Infant/Toddler Story Time– Wednesdays at 10 a.m. (call the Children’s Department for dates and times.) • National Library Week – April • Summer Reading Program – for children and teens - June and July • National Children’s Book Week – May • Make & Take Weekly Craft • Winter Reading Program for adults – January thru March • Teen Events though-out the year for 6th-12th grade students. (call the Youth Department for dates and times.)
All programs are free and open to the public. Please call for more information or stop in the library and pick up the monthly newsletter.
Friends of the Library Mission Statement: The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library are dedicated to supporting and promoting the library through programs, advocacy, and financial support. A very active Friends of the Library group was formed in 1993. Annual fundraisers include a fall membership drive and used book sales in April, September and December. Every dollar raised goes back to the Library to purchase items for public use or support programs for all ages. Annual memberships are available starting at $5.00. If you are interested in becoming a Friend of the Library, want to learn more about their activities, or want to know the date of upcoming book sales, please visit the library website. Check the FAQ for more information
FAQs Can I borrow a book from another library on inter-library loan? Yes. When the library does not own a book that you would like to read, just contact us with the title and author. The library belongs to a national computer network that allows us to borrow items for you from other public libraries across the country. There is a $3.00 charge per book to help defray postage costs.
Can I renew my books over the phone? Yes. Books, movies and magazines may be renewed one time by calling the children's or adult department. You may also renew your items on the library's website: www.jefferson.lib.ia.us
Can I rent a computer game? No. Games can only be played in the library. You may call ahead to reserve a time on the library’s gaming systems.
Do you have story time for children? Yes. Infant/Toddler Story Time is held on Wednesday mornings from 10 - 11 a.m. for birth-5 year-olds. Please use north entry door. Children will enjoy crafts, stories, and related activities. There is no cost. Call the Children’s Department at 515-386-4415 for session dates and times.
Does the library have a Friends group? Yes! Friends of the Library group were formed in 1993. They are very active. Their purpose is twofold; to serve as the Library's ambassadors to the community and conduct Library fundraisers. Annual fundraisers; a membership drive and used book sale in September, a Spring book sale in April, and a December book sale. Each dollar raised goes back to the Library to help purchase items or support programs over and above the Library's annual operating budget. Annual memberships are available starting at $5.00. If you are interested in becoming a Friend of the Library, want to learn more about their activities, or want to know the date of the annual used book sale, please visit the library website at http://www.jefferson.lib.ia.us/.
Does the library have FREE wi-fi and internet-access computers for public use? Yes. The library has several computers available for public use in both the adult and children’s departments. Time limit is one hour per day and computers may be reserved by calling the library at 515-386-2835. They can be checked out with a library card that does not have a fine of more than $1.00. If you don't have a library card, you must present a current photo i.d.
How can I leave a memorial for a loved one? The Jefferson Public Library accepts monetary gifts for the purchase of items to add to our collection in memory of a loved one. Call or stop in and specify the amount of your gift. We will send a card to the family and then choose an appropriate book and inscribe the person's name. Each time that book is checked out; a memory of your loved one is recalled. This is a nice way you can help the library and leave a long-lasting remembrance of that special person.
How do I get a library card? Present current photo identification or a current utility bill to apply for a card. Seventh grade through adults are eligible for a card in the adult department and are required to present their card each time they want to check out an item. Three year old’s through sixth grade are eligible for a card which will be kept on file in the Children’s Department. May I have books delivered to me at home? If you are physically unable to come to the library and live within the city limits of Jefferson, please call the director who will match you up with a volunteer who can deliver items to your home on a regularly scheduled basis.
What is the Creative Learning Center? This hands-on center is intended to help children experience new and unique concepts, encourage imagination, and develop reading skills. Sensory boards, magnetic mazes, shape puzzles, just to name a few, are designed to spark your child's interest in different subject areas. Items are rotated throughout the year, so children will be able to experience new items on a regular basis.
How can I search historical and genealogical records of Greene County? The public library's genealogy collection is available during the library's open hours. The Greene County Genealogical Society's reference room in the library basement is staffed by volunteers on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. The public library collection includes microfilm of the Jefferson newspapers back to 1866, indexes to all cemeteries in Greene County, and other indexes of virtual records including birth, death and marriage records, and newspaper obituaries. These resources along with historical newspapers from Scranton, Churdan, and Grand Junction have been digitized and are available to search online at the Community History Archives of Greene County Iowa at: https://jefferson.advantage-preservation.com/
