Puzzle libraries: borrow a jigsaw near you

What a puzzle library is

A puzzle library lets you check out jigsaw puzzles with a library card — often through a Library of Things, a dedicated puzzle shelf, or a friends-group cart. Loan periods are usually two to three weeks. Some systems let you place a hold in the online catalog; others ask you to call or visit.

How to check your local library

1. Search the catalog. Try “jigsaw”, “puzzle”, or “Library of Things”. Many systems tag puzzles as equipment or toys.
2. Look for Library of Things / non-traditional items. City and county libraries often list puzzles next to board games, cake pans and tools.
3. Ask at the desk. Staff know whether puzzles live behind the desk, on a Friends cart, or only at certain branches.
4. Check return rules. Puzzles often must go to a service desk, not the book drop, so pieces stay together.

Map of puzzle libraries

For a national map of places that lend puzzles, use Puzzle Republic puzzle library map ↗. We do not copy their listings — confirm hours and borrowing rules on each library’s own site.

Map by Puzzle Republic

Starter list (verified)

Only libraries whose own website confirms they lend jigsaw puzzles. Each link is the source page we checked on Oct 30, 2026.

Arkansas

• North Little Rock Public Library SystemNorth Little Rock, AR — Library of Things includes puzzles and games.

California

• Alameda Free LibraryAlameda, CA — Jigsaw puzzles (500–1500 pieces) check out for 3 weeks.
• Carpinteria Community LibraryCarpinteria, CA — Library of Things includes puzzles.
• OC Public LibrariesOrange County, CA — Library of Things includes a jigsaw puzzles section.
• San Mateo County LibrariesSan Mateo County, CA — Board games and jigsaw puzzles check out for three weeks; holdable in the catalog.

Connecticut

• Fairfield Public LibraryFairfield, CT — Board games and jigsaw puzzles in the Library of Things at Main and Fairfield Woods.

Illinois

• Fondulac District LibraryEast Peoria, IL — Library of Things lists puzzles for checkout.
• Mount Prospect Public LibraryMount Prospect, IL — Large holdable jigsaw puzzle collection in Library of Things.

Iowa

• Independence Public LibraryIndependence, IA — Library of Things page invites borrowing a puzzle.

Massachusetts

• Becket AthenaeumBecket, MA — Library of Things includes jigsaw puzzles for checkout.

Michigan

• Ypsilanti District LibraryYpsilanti, MI — Dedicated puzzles page in Library of Things.

Missouri

• St. Louis County LibrarySt. Louis County, MO — Jigsaw puzzles listed under Library of Things entertainment.

Ohio

• Mentor Public LibraryMentor, OH — Main Branch jigsaw collection from 24 to 2,000 pieces; Clevnet card holders can check out three.

Texas

• Burleson Public LibraryBurleson, TX — Site lists jigsaw puzzles to check out with a library card.

Vermont

• Ilsley Public LibraryMiddlebury, VT — Games and puzzles Library of Things collection.

Virginia

• Arlington Public LibraryArlington, VA — Dedicated jigsaw puzzle collection; two-week checkout from any location.

Washington

• Seattle REconomy Tool LibrariesSeattle area, WA — Tool-library network with a browsable puzzles inventory.