Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County

Free Call    740-282-9782

Frequently Asked Questions

You may have a number of questions about the library and how it operates. Below are several FAQs that should help you. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us for further assistance.

Persons wishing to check out library materials need to have, and bring a library card. Items checked out for differing periods of time and can be renewed. Items must be returned by closing time of the libraries to avoid overdue charges. Persons with overdue items or charges are not permitted to check out further items.

The library system has Internet computer workstations at all locations for your use. Access to the Internet is through OPLIN (Ohio Public Library Information Network) and requires that the user sign the Acceptable Use Policy. Parental signature is required for those users under 18.

The Library system is closed Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Each location has different hours.   Please see Library Branch Locations

The Library has a Local History and Genealogy Department, which is located at the Schiappa Branch Library. See History & Genealogy

The Library System, like the 251 other public libraries in Ohio, is funded by a dedicated fund allocated by the Ohio Legislature.  The Public Library Fund receives a percentage of the general revenues of Ohio.  In 2010, the electorate of Jefferson County approved a property tax levy for the Library System to address a 31% cut in the State Public Library Fund.

The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County was one of the first four libraries to join the Southeastern Ohio Library Center at Caldwell, Ohio in 1988. Our collections were added to that database established by the State Library of Ohio. Today, there are ninety library systems (which includes 201 buildings) connected on that database with nearly seven million items. Those items are available for interlibrary loan to the public for pick-up at your local library. OPLIN was established in 1995 by the Ohio Legislature. OPLIN began linking public libraries to the Ohio State Supercomputer Center in Columbus to provide Internet access to public libraries and to provide commercial databases to libraries.

The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County employs 66 people in the seven library locations to assist you with your information needs. Use the Contact Us page, or simply ask at the desk for assistance. If your information need is complex, we may ask that you contact us ahead of time so we can work on your request before you come to the library.

PLSJ is fine free for materials other than hotspots, museum passes, and lost or damaged materials.   Overdue notices are mailed, emailed and sent in text messages to borrowers to remind them of items that are overdue from the library (let your library branch know which method of communication you prefer). If these items are not returned or recovered, your library card is delinquent and you cannot check out any further items

Yes!  For everything from auto repair guides online to practicing college entrance exams, we have you covered!  Please use the eResources page for more information and links to what incredible websites are just a click away.

Yes!  For everything from auto repair guides online to practicing college entrance exams, we have you covered!  Please use the eResources page for more information and links to what incredible websites are just a click away.

Please contact the Public Library and let us know how we can assist you!