Notarizing documents is an important process that ensures the accuracy and integrity of legal documents. It is a form of authentication that involves a Notary Public witnessing a signature on a document and verifying the identity of the signer. The Aurora Public Library District is happy to announce that we now offer document notarization to the public at all library locations and at no cost!
The staff member leading the charge to provide notary service was Eola Road Branch Manager, Krista Danis. “When I started this role, I met with staff one-on-one to hear their thoughts on what we should start doing, stop doing, and continue doing. One of the items that came up frequently in those interviews was the need to start notary service at the library. Staff were advocating on behalf of the customers requesting this service, which is what compelled further investigation into the need and possibilities.” APLD is the perfect place to offer this service because it is where people come to do business and manage their lives whether it’s by printing documents, researching information or attending a program. Customers request notary service to complete financial documents, employment and immigration paperwork, and similar transactions.
Currently, the library has invested in certifying nine staff members as notaries. We have three at the Santori Library, three at Eola Road Branch, two at West Branch, and one in Outreach Services. Since our launch of the service at the beginning of the year, we have helped approximately 30 people notarize documents and answered questions for another 23 customers across locations. Several customers have mentioned how convenient the service is for them, and how helpful staff have been in answering questions. As with any new service launch, we are continually working to improve the process and have included additional information on our website to better address what is needed to have a document notarized.
Anyone seeking notarization at the library must have a valid, signed, photo ID issued by a state or federal government agency. Minors must have the appropriate identifying documents and be in the presence of their parent or guardian. Appointments are recommended; customers can make an appointment online at aurorapubliclibrary.org/notary or by calling the library at 630-264-4117. During the appointment, customers will present their photo ID and the document they wish to have notarized. All documents must contain notarial wording, which is a certificate with instructions for the notary and a designated field for notary signature and stamp. Once the notary stamps and signs the document, the customer will be asked to sign our notary journal, which helps us document all notarial acts completed by the library. The whole process takes minutes!
We hope that you have a clear understanding of the process and will come to the library the next time you need to have documents notarized. Next day appointments are available, or you may book up to a week in advance. For more information, please visit our website www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/notary.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.