Jefferson County Library Cooperative - You Are A Part Of The Story

We all have a story. In 1924, our cooperative's story began when Jefferson County funded a bookmobile service for county residents. Today, a cooperative of 22 member libraries, with 40 locations connected to the internet and to each other, offers much more than books, although there are millions of those, too.

For over 40 years, Jefferson County Library Cooperative (JCLC) library users have embraced and enjoyed the "One County, One Library Card" system and services offered by member libraries. Our story continues with you.

You are a part of our story. We need your help to keep the cooperative services that connect you, as a Jefferson County library user, going strong. 

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Our Shared Story - In Your Words

I enjoy the convenience of having the books delivered since I seldom drive. Having someone select the books for me is also a time-saver. Fontaine does an excellent job of selecting titles and keeping me informed about the books that I request.

- Barbara Anchrum on Books By Mail

As a nonfiction author, I couldn’t work without ILL. Thanks to interlibrary loan at JCLC, there is rarely a book I can’t get when I need it — usually within days. They’ve come to my
rescue more times than I can recall.

- Avery Hurt on Interlibrary Loan

I used to have to drive all over town to get books from the various Jefferson County libraries. Through the JCLC, every book -- and electronic media, too -- in the entire system is
easily and economically available to me. I can search the catalog at home, reserve what I need, and pick it up.

- Dolores Hydock on One County . One Card

JCLC keeps YOU connected:

Transporting holds between member libraries so that all JCLC library users have access to materials.

Books-by-Mail service for those who are unable to physically go to the library.

Interlibrary Loan facilitates the delivery of books from library systems outside of Jefferson County.

IT infrastructure and Internet services for our 40 member libraries.

A shared catalog that includes our vast physical collection as well as a downloadable digital collection of audiobooks, ebooks, and magazines for all of our member libraries.

We've been growing!

Libby (OverDrive) had 750,000 downloads in2021. Our School + Library Connect partnership, called Sora, now serves 9 out of 11 public school districts in Jefferson County.

Downloadable magazines were added to Libby in 2022!

In 2022, 3.6 million borrows were recorded from our shared catalog of 1.8 million items.

IT Infrastructure Refresh in 2022 Grants from Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)/Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) allowed JCLC to implement leading edge server systems that provide our libraries and users with reliable network connectivity and dependable information technologies.

Next in our story:

Delivery - Shared library materials and delivery of physical items between library service outlets using sustainable and cost-efficient delivery technologies are a critical service priority.

More Access Points - Remote lockers and return stations allow libraries to extend service to more areas which can include places and communities distant from physical library locations.

Digital Platforms - Accessibility and availability are increased with digital platforms while reducing the number of formats required.

Funding - Increased operational funding is a priority to sustain new and enhanced services across a greater service footprint. New technologies and new services require infrastructure and sufficient staffing.