Jefferson Public Library
🏢 Greene County · Jefferson, Iowa
Jefferson Public Library
The Jefferson Public Library has served as the intellectual center of Greene County since 1904, when it opened in a building funded by the Carnegie library program. Today it offers much more than books: notary services, exam proctoring, a Library of Things with memory kits and puzzles, a Kodak photo kiosk, four study carrels with charging stations, and a solar-powered outdoor Wi-Fi area with a picnic table — all at 150 N 2nd Street in downtown Jefferson.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–6pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–6pm |
| Thursday | 9am–6pm |
| Friday | 9am–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am–1pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 150 N 2nd Street, Jefferson, IA 50129
Phone: (515) 386-2835
Website: jefferson.lib.ia.us
Plus Code: 86J72J8F+6C (Jefferson, IA)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Jefferson Public Library
The Jefferson Public Library is the public library of Jefferson, Iowa, the county seat of Greene County, located along the North Raccoon River in central Iowa. The current library building was completed in 1904 through a Carnegie library grant, making it one of Iowa's many Carnegie-funded libraries from the early twentieth century. Today it serves a city of approximately 4,182 residents with a broad range of services that go well beyond the typical lending library: the Adult Department offers notary services and exam proctoring (both by appointment, with a $2-per-document fee for notarization), a Kodak photo kiosk for printing from phones, cameras or memory cards, four partitioned study carrels with charging stations, and a community puzzle. The library maintains a Library of Things collection that includes memory kits — filled with sensory items and memorabilia designed to assist individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments. Outside, a solar-powered charging station and outdoor Wi-Fi area with a picnic table donated by the Friends of the Library extend service beyond the building's walls. Digital resources include Bridges Iowa/Libby, hoopla, Mometrix, and TumbleBooks for children. The library uses a Polaris catalog and accepts card applications from all Iowa residents and from out-of-state property owners in Greene County.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Carnegie library building completed 1904 — one of Iowa's historic publicly funded libraries, serving Jefferson as county seat of Greene County
- Offers notary services ($2/document) and exam proctoring at no charge, both by appointment at (515) 386-2835
- Library of Things includes memory kits with sensory items for individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments
- Kodak photo kiosk prints from phones, cameras, flash drives and memory cards — scans vintage photos too
- Solar-powered outdoor Wi-Fi area and charging station, with a Friends-donated picnic table and memorial bench
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Jefferson cardholders can borrow, stream and study free through Iowa's statewide and library digital platforms:
📚 Services
- Notary services — by appointment, $2 per document (call 515-386-2835)
- Exam proctoring — by appointment, no charge
- Library of Things: memory kits, puzzles, community displays
- Kodak photo kiosk — prints 4×6, 5×7, 8×10 and photo books; scans vintage photos
- Four study carrels with charging stations
- Solar-powered outdoor Wi-Fi area and charging station
- Meeting room rental for groups and events
- Public computers and technology assistance
- Interlibrary loan
- Library cards for Iowa residents and Greene County property owners
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytimes and youth programming (Youth Department)
- Teen Advisory programming
- Ink Society Writing Club (bi-monthly meetings)
- Infant CPR Information Sessions (in partnership with Greene County Public Health)
- Around the World in Greene County multicultural series
- Summer reading program
- Adult programs and author events
- Friends of the Library events and fundraisers
📍 Nearby Libraries in Central Iowa
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Jefferson Public Library offer notary services?
Yes. The Adult Department provides notary services by appointment. The fee is $2 per document. Call (515) 386-2835 to schedule an appointment. Exam proctoring is also available by appointment at no charge.
Is the Jefferson Public Library in a historic Carnegie building?
Yes. The library building was completed in 1904 through the generosity of the Carnegie library fund — one of thousands of libraries Andrew Carnegie funded across the United States in the early twentieth century. Jefferson is the county seat of Greene County, Iowa.
What is the Library of Things at the Jefferson Public Library?
The Library of Things includes items you can borrow beyond books. A notable offering is memory kits — boxes filled with sensory objects and memorabilia designed to help individuals with dementia or other cognitive impairments reminisce and engage through hands-on activities. The library also maintains community puzzles available for use in the building.
Can I print photos at the Jefferson Public Library?
Yes. The library has a Kodak photo kiosk that prints photos in 4x6, 5x7 and 8x10 sizes, as well as photo books. It is compatible with your phone, digital camera, flash drive or memory card, and can scan snapshots or vintage photos. Ask for assistance at the Adult Department desk to get started.
📋 This library offers notary services. See what a library notary can do — what to bring, fees and appointments — and find other libraries with a notary notary services by state.
🧰 This library lends a “Library of Things.” See what you can borrow besides books and find other libraries with a Library of Things Library of Things by state.
✎ Notice something out of date? Suggest a correction and we’ll verify and update it.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
