SOMERSET COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM

The Somerset County Library System is funded by a special dedicated library tax paid by the citizens of the member municipalities.

List of Member Municipalities

In order to obtain a Somerset County Library System card, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Reside in one of the library system’s member municipalities
  
• Own property in a member municipality.
  
• Be a disabled resident of Somerset County.
  
• Be a Somerset County Library System employee or retiree.
  
• Work in one of the member municipalities.
  
• Work for Somerset County Government.
  
• Volunteer in a Somerset County Library System facility.
  
• Serve as a volunteer fireperson, auxiliary police officer, rescue squad member or emergency medical services member in a member municipality.
  
• Attend school in a member municipality.
  
• Be a literacy volunteer/student using a SCLS facility for tutoring.
  
  

People who do not qualify for a free card may purchase a membership for $185.00. (This fee is reviewed annually and adjusted as necessary to reflect the current cost of an average-price home in Somerset county.)

Anyone can use the resources of the branch libraries of the Somerset County Library System, but a valid library card is required to check out materials.

Library Cards:
A Somerset County Library System card may be obtained at any branch library. Patrons must present identification and proof of eligibility to obtain a card. With a Somerset County Library System card, patrons may check out or return materials at any branch of the library system.

A child of any age may apply for a library card. The following may serve as proper identification:

• School report card
  
• School I.D.
  
• Piece of mail addressed to the minor
  
• Parent or guardian's library card
  

If the child is without proper identification at the time he/she applies for a card, the library will issue the card with a three item checkout limit. The library will mail a self-addressed postcard to the child's home address. When the child returns the card to the library the three item checkout limit will be removed.

There is a $1.00 charge for the replacement of a lost library card. If someone’s card is lost or stolen, he/she should notify the library immediately so that no unauthorized checkouts occur. Patrons are responsible for any items that are checked out on their card.
To register for a Library Card online, please click here.

Circulation Item Limits:
The Somerset County Library System limits the number of items checked out per patron to 100. Branches may impose a temporary limit on items in a subject category to meet local needs.

Circulation Time Limits:
Most library material circulations for 28 days.
Exceptions include:

• 7 days – videos and DVDs
• 14 day items – items with more than four reserves, new adult fiction, some new adult nonfiction, children’s holiday books, most audio materials, CD-ROMs, filmstrips and Story Time Theme Kits
• 21 day items – new adult books that are longer than 500 pages, interlibrary loan books
• Reference materials generally do not circulate however some branches may allow certain reference materials to circulate overnight or for short periods of time.
• Current periodicals do not circulate at most branches. Back issues of periodicals circulate at all branches. The circulation time for periodicals and pamphlets is 14 days

Renewals are permitted on materials except when a hold has been placed on the item. There are no renewals on circulating reference books, interlibrary loans or Story Time Theme Kits.

At the discretion of the individual branches, the due date on an item may be extended to accommodate patrons who will be away. Due dates will not be extended for items on hold.

Fines:
The Somerset County Library System charges for overdue, lost and damaged items. When fines exceed an amount defined in library policies patrons may be blocked from borrowing materials. Patrons are expected to pay for lost or damaged materials. Fines are ten cents ($.10) per day with the following exceptions: Twenty-five cents ($.25 per day) for Interlibrary Loan books and overnight Reference Materials. One dollar ($1.00) per day for video cassettes, DVDs and audiovisual equipment. Two dollars ($2.00 per day) for Story time Theme Kits.

Reserves/Holds:
With a Somerset County Library System card, patrons may reserve items from all branch libraries in the system. Holds may be placed on items that are checked out to other patrons. Holds may be placed using PCs in the library or remotely via the library’s web site. Patrons will be notified by an automated phone message when their item(s) is/are available for pick up. Reserved items must be picked up within 4 business days of their arrival at the branch specified as the pick up location. After 4 business days the item(s) will be returned to the collection or passed on to the next person in the hold queue.

Confidentiality:
In order to protect the privacy of all library users, N.J. Statute 18A:73-43.1-3 states that library records are confidential. The following information can be given only to the cardholder: name, address, phone number, material checked out or overdue, items on hold, and/or responses to questions or search requests. When asking for information in-person about reserves, overdues, or material checked out, patrons must present the appropriate library card. When asking for information by phone, patrons must supply the appropriate library barcode number. When picking up a reserve for another person, patrons must present that person's library card or a signed photocopy of that person’s card.