Library Services

The Morris Area Public Library offers two Chicagoland museum pass programs, the Museum Adventure Pass and Explore More Illinois. These program offer free or discounted passes to a variety of museums and other cultural destinations in the area around Chicago. Members of the Morris Area Public Library in good standing can acquire passes.  

Museum Adventure Passes can be picked pick up in person at the library.  Passes are available on a first come, first serve basis. Visit the Museum Adventure web site to see what passes we have available.

Explore More Illinois Passes are available online.  Please log into the Explore More Illinois web site with your library card number and PIN to get your passes.

Public computers are available for 90 minute sessions. In order to access a computer, you will need a Morris Area Public Library card or card from another PrairieCat Library that is in good standing (less than $10.00 in fines/fees and/or fewer than 5 overdue items checked out).  A valid photo ID is also acceptable.  The Library has mobile/wireless printing capabilities. The fees for print-outs are $.10 for each black-and-white letter-size page and $.25 for each color letter size page.

Library catalog computers are located in the Adult and Children’s Departments.

Those using the library’s computers are subject to the library’s computer and internet use policies.

Public WiFi is available in the building.  

Photocopiers are available for public use. A black-and-white copier is located in the computer area.  Charges are: letter-sized paper: $.10; legal-sized paper: $.15; ledger-sized paper: $.20.

Laminating is done every week. Please leave your name and phone number with the items to be laminated so staff can contact you when your items are finished. The laminating fee for the thin plastic is $2.00 per linear foot (25 inches maximum width, increments of one foot). Lamination of small items, done at the Passport Desk with thicker plastic, is priced according to size.

The Library has a combination scanning and faxing machine for public use in the computer area.  Faxing costs $1.00 per page. Scanning for other purposes is free. The fax machine is self-service, but staff can provide assistance. 

The Morris Area Public Library is an officially designated Passport Acceptance Facility.

More information about the application process can be found here on the State Department web site. Passport application fees can be found here.

MondayBy Appointment Only9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
TuesdayBy Appointment Only9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
WednesdayBy Appointment Only12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
ThursdayBy Appointment Only9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
FridayBy Appointment Only9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
SaturdayBy Appointment Only9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
SundayBy Appointment Only12:30 PM – 3:00 PM

The library does not provide a passport photo service. Please bring passport photos with you.

Please call 815-942-6880 to set up and appointment and ensure a Passport Acceptance Agent will be available.

As a service to the community, the library offers notary services to Grundy County residents only. Although a notary is generally available, it’s best to call before coming to the library to ensure availability. Notary service will be provided only to to those with proper photo identification in accordance with applicable statutes. Notary service will not be provided if, in the sole discretion of the library, there are issues of identification or authenticity of documents.

There is a $1.00 fee per signature. 

Our staff will be happy to assist you with any reference questions you may have. Stop by a public service desk, call us at 815-942-6880, or send us a message anytime.  

For our avid readers, we can help you locate a title of your choosing or offer suggestions for read-a-likes or similar genre fiction and nonfiction. Check out our Reader Meets Book service. 

When materials are not available in PrairieCat, sometimes the Library can request items out of the system. Request forms are available at the Circulation Desk. In-State holds are free. Out-of-State holds are a nominal postage fee, determined by current postage rates.

Our study rooms offer a quiet environment to study or work on projects.  Policy allows 1 pre-registration per week per person.  Additional reservations are on a walk-in basis.  2 hour time limit.  Please sign in before use.

The library has meeting rooms that the public may request the use of. Please visit this page for more information. 

For those who are concerned about being in public places or are unable to wear a mask,  The Morris Area Public Library has a variety of remote services you can access without entering the library. Please see this page for more information.

The Morris Area Public Library now offers curbside pickup for library holds. This service is for Morris Library patrons only, and is available during our regular business hours.

Holds may be placed in our online catalog using your library card number and PIN, or by contacting us directly. The library will notify you when your item is available. Please call us at 815-942-6880 when you arrive, and we will deliver the items to your car parked in front of the entrance.  

If you require assistance placing holds or want more information about curbside pickup, please call us at 815-942-6880 during our business hours. 

The Morris Area Public Library has mobile wifi hotspots for our patrons. Mobile WiFi hotspots are small devices the size of a deck of cards that give your laptops, tablets, and other devices internet access from almost anywhere. Morris Area Public Library patrons are able to request and check these devices out as they would a book or DVD.  

Have questions?

If you still have questions about our services, or anything else, you can always contact us
and we will respond as soon as we can.

Contact a Librarian