How do I get a library card?

A Jefferson Parish Library card can be picked up at any of our branch locations. Library cards are free to Jefferson Parish residents or Jefferson Parish property owners.

To receive a card, you must fill out an application at a branch and present current identification with proof of address indicating residence or property ownership in Jefferson Parish. With proper identification, a card will be issued and valid the same day.

For patrons age 17 and younger, Jefferson Parish Library offers parents and guardians five tiers of circulation access so they can choose what is most appropriate for their family.

  • Board books (ages 0-4)
  • Easy books and materials (ages 0-8)
  • Juvenile books and materials (ages 6-11)
  • Young Adult books and materials (ages 11-18)
  • All Access (includes Adult Collection)
  • Access to circulating digital content may also be restricted.

Beginning June 1, 2024, parents and guardians will need to fill out a minor card application for all new and renewing cards. All parents and guardians are welcome to review and reset their minor child’s circulation access at any time.

Can I get a card if I don't live in Jefferson Parish?

If you live outside of Jefferson Parish you can get a library card by paying a fee of $25. To receive a card, you must fill out an application and present current identification with proof of address. With proper identification, a card will be issued and valid the same day. The card is valid for six months from date it was issued.

What if just need to use the computer?

A Guest Computer Card is also available for $2.00. The card is valid until midnight of the day purchased.

Can I get a card if I live in Orleans Parish?

The library extends reciprocal library privileges (with some restrictions) to people who have valid New Orleans Public Library cards.  To receive a card, you must fill out an application, and present your ID. 

How do I get account updates?

Don’t miss out on important notifications about your library account, including when your holds items are ready for pick up, due date reminders, and overdue notices. Please make sure an updated email address is on record. It’s how you will be notified about overdue items. To update your email address, or to sign up for email notifications, contact your local library branch.

You may also sign up for text messaging for account notifications. Message and data rates may apply based on wireless carrier. To sign up for text messages, call or visit your local branch. 

Can I access my library account through the Internet?

You can view a list of items you have checked out, review due dates, renew items under certain conditions and place holds through the internet. Your library card number and PIN is required.

To log in, click on the Login link at the top of any page.

If I cannot access my account, what should I do?

First, be sure that you are entering your library card number in its entirety. All library card numbers begin with 224000.

If you are still unable to access your account, you may contact any branch location for personal assistance, or contact our online Ask-A-Librarian form.

How to renew items

You can renew items:

  1. Online through your account
  2. Call TeleCirc at (504) 885-8588

Are computer classes and tech assistance available?

Yes; the JPL Technology Training Team assists library customers with the use of computers and technology through hands-on classes, programs and individual appointments. Classes and programs are offered weekly at the East Bank Regional and West Bank Regional library locations.

Click here for more information on the Technology Training Classes.

Are computers available to the public?

Every JPL branch features publicly accessible computers with the Windows 10 operating system and the full suite of Microsoft Office 2016 programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Access; as well as Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, Windows Media Player and more.

Customers can use public computers for an unlimited amount of time during regular library hours, as long as no one is waiting to use a computer.

Can I print from my phone or tablet?

Yes; JPL now offers mobile printing to better serve customers on the go. No flash drive? No problem! Library patrons now have the ability to use a personal computer or mobile device to email documents to the library’s public printers and then visit their preferred branch to release, pick up and pay for their documents.

You can use this link to submit your print jobs to any library printer.  Print jobs can be paid for by putting fund on your library account.
https://mobileprint.jplibrary.net/myprintcenter/#

Does JPL offer free Wi-Fi access?

Free Wi-Fi is available at all JPL locations 24 hours a day. Users must accept the on-screen "Internet Use Agreement" before using the service.

Patrons can connect to SSID:  jpl-guest and accept the TOA.

Can I photocopy, scan and print materials at the library?

Yes; available services and associated fees are listed below.

Copies, letter or legal size paper, black-and-white, per page: 15¢
Copies, letter or legal size paper, color, per page: 50¢
Copies, 11" x 17" paper, black-and-white, per page: 25¢
Copies, 11" x 17" paper, color, per page: 75¢
Scan to USB Drive: No Charge

Books by Mail

Computer with books

If you are a resident of Jefferson Parish and are unable to leave home because of a temporary or permanent disability, the Jefferson Parish Library BOOKS BY MAIL service will send you books and other library materials free of charge.

The PDF iconattached application must be filled out completely and signed by a physician, nurse, or social worker who can verify that you are disabled and unable to leave home.

TO GET STARTED:

Send the following two forms to us through the mail or have someone drop it off for you.

  1. The BOOKS BY MAIL APPLICATION completed and signed by you; and
  2.  The BOOKS BY MAIL READER PROFILE listing the types of materials you want to receive.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

It’s just like checking out a book!

  1. Once you have sent in your registration materials, you will receive your first BOOKS BY MAIL delivery in a mailing pouch. You will use the same pre‐paid pouch to return the books by giving them to your mail carrier.
  2. Reverse the address card attached to the front so that the Jefferson Parish Library address is showing. The card shows that the book return is pre‐paid so you pay no postage.

Book a Librarian

Do you need help filling out a job application? Are you wondering how to get started on a resume? Do you need help applying for Social Security?

YOU'VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!

book a librarian logo

JPL’s Book a Librarian service allows you to reserve appointments with our professional and skilled librarians for up to one-hour of uninterrupted, personalized reference, or technical assistance. Assistance is available Monday through Thursday from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the West Bank Regional Library (2751 Manhattan Boulevard in Harvey).

How to schedule an appointment

  • Call (504) 364-3720 and speak with a library staff member or you can leave a message detailing how you can best be contacted or email the info to WBR-Reference@jplibrary.net.  Your call or email will be returned within two business days.  Limit two sessions per person per week.

Librarians can help with all sorts of questions, including:

  • Finding a good read, for you or your book group
  • Filling out an application
  • Typing a letter or resume
  • Downloading eBooks and/or audiobooks
  • General library resources, including databases
  • A research project for school
  • Consumer and health education
  • Genealogy resources
  • Local historical research using newspaper archives
  • Other JPL Digital Content
  • Using your digital device
  • Using the Internet and/or creating an email address

The following types of assistance are not provided:

  • Tax preparation
  • Financial/legal/medical advice
  • Computer hardware repair
  • Business/commercial enterprise startup
  • Computer instruction

Please note, there may be some requests that we are unable to assist with if they fall outside the scope of the library's mission.
For example, we cannot offer advice (e.g., legal, medical, financial) except to advise users of reputable sources of evaluative information.

Confidentiality:
Jefferson Parish Library observes a strict confidentiality policy. Your question(s) will always remain confidential.

How to Book a Meeting Room

Before booking a meeting room, please review the meeting room policy.

The library provides meeting spaces for organizations as part of our mission to facilitate community interaction for the people we serve.

  • Before booking a meeting room, please review the Jefferson Parish MEETING ROOM POLICIES, REGULATIONS, RULES, REQUIREMENTS and PROCEDURES. You will be required to acknowledge you have read and agree to these policies in order to submit your reservation.
  • Nonprofits are required to provide proof of status (tax ID number) in order to reserve a room at no cost (no more that 12 reservations per calendar year). 
  • Reservations must be made two (2) weeks in advance and up to six (6) months in advance.

Fees

All meeting room reservations must be paid two (2) weeks prior to the reservation date.  If payment is not received, the reservation will be cancelled.  

Accepted Forms of Payment:  Cash, check, money order in person or online with a credit card. 
Make Checks Payable to Jefferson Parish Library 
mail to Attention:  Meeting Room Coordinator 
4747 W. Napoleon Ave
Metairie, LA 70001-2310

Rooms Fee Rate
East Bank Regional Library
           Jefferson & Napoleon Room Combined $160/hour
           Jefferson or Napoleon Room (separate) $75/hour
           AV Conference Room $50/hour
West Bank Regional Library $125/hour
Any Branch Library meeting Room $50/hour
Technician Assistance during reservation $50/hour
Cancellation Fee
All cancellations must be made in writing ten (10) calendar days in advance
$20

Click here to reserve a meeting room online.

STEP BY STEP TUTORIAL GUIDE ON RESERVING A MEETING ROOM

  1.  Select if you would like to reserve a meeting room BY ROOM or BY DAY

Meeting room reservations step-by-step guide 1 graphic

  1. BY ROOM:  Select the location – Select the Date you wish to reserve and click APPLY – Choose a time from the list for the date you selected

Meeting room reservations - select hours graphic

  1. You will then be on the CREATE A RESERVATION page to complete the request form.  All required fields are indicated with an asterisk.

Meeting room reservations step-by-step guide graphic

Use Interlibrary Loan

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) borrows items not found in our collection from other library systems. Before borrowing through ILL the library may attempt to purchase your request if it is new and we think it will improve our collection.  We can borrow books, periodicals, microfilm, and microfiche. We can also request photocopies for some items. The charge for photocopies is $.15 per printed page. Jefferson Parish Library can only borrow ILL items for people, 18 years of age or older, with resident Jefferson Parish library cards.  See the Jefferson Parish Library Interlibrary Loan policy for full details.

Click Interlibray Loan for the ILL request form.  (Remember to search LOAN SHARK before filling out the ILL request form)

Interlibrary Loan


 


 


 

INTRODUCING LOAN SHARK

Get books from all other Louisiana public libraries and State Library of Louisiana! You can request books and check the status of your requests yourself in LOAN SHARK.  Click below.

Loan Shark ILL

[Remember to click the Please Login link in the upper right-hand corner. Your username is your library barcode number. Your pin is the last four digits of your telephone number.]


Have any questions? Need a renewal?  
Contact us:
By phone (504) 838-1114 (Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm)
By email ill@jplibrary.net

Support the Library

FJPL logo Friends of the Jefferson Public Library

Donations of new and used hardcover and paperback books, LPs, CDs & DVDs are accepted at the Sorting Center, which is located in the Jefferson Parish Library Administration Building (on the right side of the East Bank Regional Library) on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-1pm.

As of March 1, 2015, VHS & Audio Cassette Tapes are no longer accepted for donations.

The Friends Store has re-opened! The hours are Sunday & Monday from 1pm to 4:45pm,
Tuesday-Thursday from 10am to 6pm and Friday & Saturday from 1pm to 4:45pm.

Contact the Friends of the JPL at (504) 455-2665 or friendsjpl@yahoo.com for more information.

Monetary donations for the Library may be made (& check written) to:
Friends of the Jefferson Public Library
P.O. Box 9391
Metairie, LA 70055

You can make your donation online. Click here for more information.

Volunteer at the Library

Volunteens