What Joliet Public Library does

Joliet Public Library is a municipal government entity that operates a two-branch public library system in Joliet, Illinois, serving the local community with free physical and digital collections, technology access, programming, and community gathering spaces. The Ottawa Street Branch downtown occupies a Burnham-designed 1903 building (expanded in 1991 by 49,000 sq ft and renovated in 2022 via the $10.5M Project Burnham initiative), while the Black Road Branch on the west side (opened 2002) is currently being refreshed under Project Black Road. The service portfolio spans traditional lending, a Digital Media Studio with 3D printing, audio/video booths, and a green screen, plus digital platforms (The Palace Project, Boundless, and a proprietary mobile app with virtual library card functionality) and a JPL On-the-Go mobile outreach van that extends services to schools, daycares, parks, and senior facilities.

Underlying technology centers on the Polaris library catalog system plus partner-operated digital content platforms; the library does not operate proprietary AI or proprietary technology stacks. The business model is tax-funded: core services are free to all residents with a library card, with ancillary, non-trivial revenue streams from Friends of the Library book sales (2–3 per year, supporting literacy programs with $150,000+ in lifetime contributions since 1968), a branded merchandise storefront via Eich's Sports, and grants (Rebuild Illinois $6.3M, Will County ARPA $269K, NASA Universe of Learning). Customer segmentation is horizontal — covering children, teens, adults, seniors, schools and educators, job seekers, and genealogy researchers — delivered via community-led outreach (school visits, the mobile van, neighborhood pop-ups) and event-driven engagement (Star Wars Day, Summer Reading Challenge, traveling exhibits such as NASA Discover Exoplanets and Violins of Hope). Founded in 1875 and now employing 101–250 staff, JPL operates as a statutory public service rather than a commercial enterprise.

Name

Joliet Public Library

Legal name

Joliet Public Library

Website

https://jolietlibrary.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1875

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Municipal public library in Joliet, Illinois operating two branches (Ottawa Street and Black Road) plus a mobile outreach van. Provides free collections, a Digital Media Studio, community programming, and traveling exhibits funded by local taxes, grants, and Friends of the Library donations since 1875.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO), Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community library programs
• Library lending collections
• Digital media studio
• Mobile outreach services

Headquarters

HQ city

Joliet

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Library Funding (Tax Revenue): Government-funded public library supported by local tax revenues. Core services provided free to all residents. The $10.5 million Project Burnham renovation funded through state grants and library reserves, not new property taxes.
2. Friends of the Library Book Sales: Friends nonprofit organization holds 2-3 book sales per year at both locations featuring hardcovers, paperbacks, audiobooks, movies, music. Proceeds fund literacy programs and library events. Over $150,000 donated since 1968.
3. JPL Store Merchandise: Spiritwear storefront selling library-themed merchandise including shirts and hoodies through Eich's Sports storefront. Library receives proceeds from sales.
4. Grants: Funding from government grants including $6.3 million Rebuild Illinois Community Development Initiative, $269,000 Will County ARPA grant for outreach van, NASA Universe of Learning Grant for Discover Exoplanets exhibit.
5. Friends Membership Dues: Friends of the Library membership starting at $5, providing early access to book sales and other benefits.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Joliet Public Library operates two branch locations (Ottawa Street and Black Road) plus a mobile outreach van to deliver free lending of physical and digital collections, a Digital Media Studio with 3D printing and recording equipment, community programs for all ages, traveling exhibits, and meeting/event spaces to Joliet, Illinois residents. Core services include book and media lending, digital resource access, technology classes, children's and teen programming, local history and genealogy resources, museum passes, and job/career support — all provided free with a library card.

Product overview

The Joliet Public Library operates as a dual-branch public library system offering both physical and digital services. Its core offerings center on traditional library collections and lending, augmented by technology-forward services including the Digital Media Studio for maker activities, and multiple digital platforms (The Palace Project, Boundless, mobile app) for remote access. The library provides community engagement through programs like Summer/Winter Reading Challenges, traveling exhibits, the History Today podcast, and annual events including Star Wars Day and Brick Fest. An outreach van extends services beyond physical locations. The Friends of the Library nonprofit supports fundraising while the JPL Store offers branded merchandise.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Palace Project: Digital collection platform for ebooks and audiobooks, replacing the Boundless app. A project of Lyrasis, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization.
• Friends of the Joliet Public Library
• Project Burnham
• Project Black Road

Products and services

• Library Collections and Lending Physical and digital lending services including books, media, video games, kits, and special collections available at two branch locations and through interlibrary loan for Joliet residents with a library card.
• Digital Media Studio Technology and maker space featuring 3D printing, audio/video recording booths, green screen room, T-shirt printing, Cricut machines, and button making available to patrons with a library card.
• Joliet Public Library Mobile App Mobile application for iOS and Android providing catalog access, virtual library card, event registration, eResources browsing, ISBN scanning, and account management for Joliet Public Library patrons.
• The Palace Project Digital collection platform providing access to ebooks and audiobooks through a mobile app, featuring titles available without holds or checkouts, operated by Lyrasis nonprofit.
• Boundless by Baker & Taylor Digital content platform offering ebooks, audiobooks, streaming videos, and PDF activities through web and mobile app with personalized reading goals and curated content carousels.
• Digital Resources and Databases Online databases and eResources including Mango Languages, Consumer Reports, Ancestry.com, plus access to Libby/Overdrive, Hoopla, Axis360, ComicsPlus, and Tumblebooks for digital reading and streaming.
• JPL On-the-Go Outreach Van Mobile outreach vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, books, and display equipment bringing library services to schools, daycares, parks, neighborhoods, and community events throughout Joliet.
• History Today Podcast Monthly podcast exploring Joliet's local history, genealogy tips, and community stories, hosted by the Local History Librarian and available on YouTube.
• Community Services Patron services including proctoring exams, voter registration, meeting room reservations, museum passes, drive-up services, ESL/literacy programs, job seeker resources, and homework help.
• Friends of the Library Book Sales Fundraising book sales held 2-3 times per year at both branches by the Friends of the Library nonprofit, featuring hardcovers, paperbacks, audiobooks, movies, and music, with proceeds funding literacy programs and library events.
• JPL Store Online merchandise storefront selling Joliet Public Library branded apparel and merchandise through third-party vendor Eich's Sports, with local pickup or shipping options.

Quantifiable outcome

• 700+ square feet of interactive NASA Discover Exoplanets exhibit display
• +2 more outcomes

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Lyrasis / The Palace ProjectcoreTechnology or Integration · 2 December 2025The Palace Project is a project of Lyrasis, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting archives, libraries, and cultural heritage. Offers Joliet patrons access to ebooks and audiobooks through the Palace app with titles without holds, waits, or checkouts. Vision is to strengthen libraries as digital centers of communities.
• NASA's Universe of LearningflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2024NASA grant program providing Discover Exoplanets exhibit (700 sq ft interactive display). Joliet is the only Illinois library selected among 10 partner libraries nationally. Includes training, $1,000 for programs, facilitation kit, and access to NASA experts.
• Friends of the Joliet Public LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit support organization since 1968. Sponsors programs and events, provides matching funds for grants, funds collection purchases and computer hardware/software, provides volunteers, maintains book sales. Donated over $150,000 to date. Officers include President John Davis, VP Laurence Dent, Treasurer Ron Likovic, Secretary Catherine Fountaine.
• DuPage Children's MuseumflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to host The Questioneers: Read. Question. Think. PLAY! traveling exhibit based on Andrea Beaty's book series. Interactive STEAM exhibit for children featuring Ada Twist, Rosie Revere, Iggy Peck, Sofia Valdez, and Aaron Slater characters.
• Jewish Community Centers of Chicago (JCC)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresented Violins of Hope exhibit showcasing Jewish stories of resilience through Holocaust-era violins. On display August-September 2023 at Ottawa Street Branch.
• College of DuPage McAninch Arts Center / Cleve Carney Museum of ArtflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to bring Elements of Timeless: Frida Kahlo exhibit during Hispanic Heritage Month. Featured recreations of Frida's bed, dresses, corsets, and blue house model. Sponsored by Old National Bank.
• Wild Birds Unlimited, JolietminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for LIVE Bird Cam at Black Road Branch. Wild Birds Unlimited provides education and partnership for the camera near bird feeders overlooking forest preserve.
• Duly Health and Care Field / Joliet SlammerscoreGTM or Marketing Partner14th Annual Star Wars Day (2025) moved to Duly Health and Care Field, home of the Joliet Slammers baseball team. Expanded venue with merchandise vendors, artists, authors, games, and food. Star Wars Night continues at Slammers game.
• 9 Partner Libraries (NASA Universe of Learning)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner libraries hosting Discover Exoplanets exhibit: Nederland Public Library (CO), Crowley Public Library (TX), Live Oak Public Library (GA), Cyrenius H. Booth Library (CT), Morton Mandan Public Library (ND), Coloma Public Library (MO), Madison County Public Library (NC), Sioux Center Public Library (IA), Safford City-Graham County Library (AZ)
• Old National BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Youth Art Gallery and Frida Kahlo Elements of Timeless exhibit. Financial support for community programming and exhibits.
• City of Joliet, Joliet Township GovernmentcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartners in Star Wars Day event providing sponsorship, venue support, and community collaboration for annual galactic celebration.
• Recovery Community Center of Joliet (RCCJ)minorGTM or Marketing Partner2024 Giving Tree partner supporting individuals and families affected by addiction. Butterfly symbol representing transformation and rebirth. Paper Giving Tree at Black Road Branch and traditional tree at Ottawa Street.
• Cornerstone ServicesminorGTM or Marketing Partner2023 Giving Tree partner. Nonprofit providing progressive, comprehensive services for people with disabilities promoting choice, dignity, and community integration.
• Eich's SportsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal storefront for JPL Store spiritwear merchandise. Customers can pick up orders locally or have items shipped.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Lyrasis: Nonprofit consortium that operates The Palace Project digital lending platform used by JPL. Not a direct peer but a strategic ecosystem partner and infrastructure provider that influences JPL's digital collection capabilities.

Regional players

• Shorewood-Troy Public Library District: Adjacent Illinois library district serving Shorewood and Troy townships near Joliet with overlapping patron base and similar municipal-library services — relevant as a regional competitor and potential collaboration partner.

Direct peers

• Naperville Public Library: Another large Illinois suburban public library system serving a similarly sized Chicago-collar community with two branches, comparable digital lending, programming, and community-partnership models. Most structurally comparable to JPL in scale and service mix.
• Columbus Metropolitan Library: Highly regarded multi-branch suburban Midwestern library system known for innovation in digital media spaces, community partnerships, and capital reinvestment — comparable in scale and trajectory to JPL.
• Plainfield Public Library District: Adjacent Illinois library district serving a neighboring southwest-suburban community with overlapping patron potential and similar programming, collections, and digital-service mix.
• Aurora Public Library District: Illinois public library serving a comparable mid-size city with multiple branches, maker/technology services, and community outreach programming. Direct geographic and demographic peer to Joliet in the greater Chicago southwest suburbs.
• Indianapolis Public Library: Mid-size Midwest city public library with multiple branches, a central Digital Media Lab, traveling exhibits, and strong community partnerships — structurally similar to JPL in scale, programming depth, and Midwest municipal context.

Broad incumbents

• Chicago Public Library: The largest public library system in Illinois, operating 80+ branches with extensive maker spaces, digital labs, and cultural programming. Sets the regional benchmark JPL is benchmarked against; broader in scope but overlapping patron base and services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/jolietlibrary
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@jolietpubliclibrary361
• Facebookfacebook.com/jolietpubliclibrary
• Instagraminstagram.com/jolietpubliclibrary

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Joliet Public Library