Library Cards
- Anyone who lives in or owns property in Scotch Plains is entitled to a free library card, which must be renewed every three years.
- To obtain a card, visit the Library with proof of residence in Scotch Plains and a photo ID (such as a current drivers license, utility bill, or bank statement).
- Lost cards can be replaced in-person at the circulation desk. There is a $1.00 replacement fee per card.
- A non-resident who does not live in a reciprocal borrowing (LMxAC or MURAL) community and who works in Scotch Plains is entitled (with proof of employment) to a “Courtesy Card”. This card may be renewed annually as long as the cardholder maintains their employment in Scotch Plains.
- A non-resident who wishes to purchase a one year membership at the Scotch Plains Public Library may do so–the fee is $90.00 per card.
Once your Scotch Plains Library card is issued, please bring it with you each time you visit the library. This will allow you to check out materials, use our convenient self-checkout stations, and access public computers and printers. For convenience, use the LMxPress app to store a digital copy of your card.
Lending Policies & Lengths
- Items eligible for renewal will renew automatically one time. No items may be renewed if there have been holds (reservations) placed on them.
- Holds may be placed on all items, except for magazines, Great Courses, Chromebooks, mobile hotspots, and the telescope.
- The Library is no longer charging overdue fines for most items. See below for details.
- You may borrow 2 new (adult) DVDs, plus 4 DVDs from the adult collection, plus 4 DVDs from the juvenile collection.
| Item | Limit | Loan Length | Renewal? | Fine per Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Books | 3 | Two Weeks | Yes | – |
| High Demand Books | 3 | Two Weeks | No | $1 |
| Adult & YA Books | 25 | Four Weeks | Yes | – |
| Childrens’ Books | 40 | Four Weeks | Yes | – |
| Magazines | 8 | Two Weeks | No | – |
| New Adult DVDs | 2 | One Week | No | – |
| Adult DVDs | 4 | Two Weeks | No | – |
| Childrens’ DVDs | 4 | Two Weeks | No | – |
| Books on CD: Adult | 6 | Four Weeks | Yes | – |
| Books on CD: Child | 3 | Four Weeks | Yes | – |
| Early Literacy Kits | 1 | Two Weeks | No | $5 |
| S.T.E.A.M. Kits | 1 | Two Weeks | No | $5 |
| Health Literacy Totes | 1 | Two Weeks | No | $5 |
| Mobile Hotspot | 1 | Two Weeks | No | $10 |
| Chromebook | 1 | Two Weeks | No | $10 |
| Telescope | 1 | One Week | No | $10 |
Scotch Plains Public Library has joined a library consortium called LMxAC!
LMXAC stands for the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium. It includes more than 36 different libraries throughout Middlesex, Monmouth and Union Counties.
You will now be able to request materials from more than 36 libraries with just your library card number and PIN!
Get the LMxPRESS PLUS app and simplify your life! With the app, you can:
- Store a digital copy of your library card (and the cards of family members)
- Easily search the catalog and place holds on items owned by LMxAC libraries and have them delivered to the Scotch Plains Public Library
- View your account to see holds and checkouts
- Get convenient access to our remote printing service!
Once you’ve downloaded the app, click the three lines to sign in with your library card number and PIN.
Fine-Free Policy
The Library is no longer charging overdue fines for most items. Removing this barrier to equitable access will allow more people to enjoy our materials for education, enrichment and inspiration. Fines have not been shown to be effective in encouraging users to return items. Libraries across the country have joined the movement to eliminate them, and are finding no adverse effects. This policy was approved by the Board of Trustees in October of 2021.
There will still be a due date for each item that is checked out. Library materials are for the shared use of the whole community, and we expect the return of items on or before this date.
Please note the following:
- Fines will be charged if the following items are returned after their due date:
- Books that are in High Demand by the community ($1 per day)
- Interlibrary loan items ($1 per day)
- Kits — these currently include Health Literacy Kits, Early Literacy Kits, STEM and STEAM kits ($5 per day)
- Technology items — these currently include Chromebooks and WiFi hotspots ($10 per day)
- Our telescope ($10 per day)
- Once you have two or more overdue items, you will not be able to borrow any additional items until the overdue materials are returned. Overdue notices will be issued to you seven, fourteen, and twenty-one days after the due date.
- Once any item is twenty-one days overdue, it will be considered lost and you will be mailed a bill for the unreturned item. The bill will represent the value of the item plus a processing fee. You will not have to pay the bill if you return the item to the Library in good condition.
- Existing fines will be forgiven, and we encourage anyone with overdue items to return them and clear their account. Fees for lost or damaged items will remain until paid.
- If you are experiencing unusual difficulties in returning library materials, or paying fines or fees, please contact the Library Director.
MURAL Reciprocal Borrowing
MURAL patrons may borrow all materials, with the exception of Great Courses DVDS, kits, test prep books, technology items, and electronic materials. Interlibrary loans or purchase requests must be originated through a cardholder’s home library.
MURAL membership is issued for a one-year period. Each year MURAL cardholders must renew their membership by providing proof of valid membership in their home library.