How do I get a library card?
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PISCATAWAY RESIDENTS
Proof of residency in Piscataway is required before a card is issued. Borrowing privileges apply for 3 years for those who live or own property in town. At the end of that 3-year period, the physical card is still valid, but you must bring your card and ID to the library to renew the account.
Valid proof of residency for Adults: current driver’s license with Piscataway address (we do not accept a P.O. Box); OR government-issued photo ID in addition to one of the following: recent mail (postmarked within 3 months); mail from a bank, utility company or other official organization that is dated and addressed to the individual; current, dated lease agreement or property tax bill showing individual’s name and Piscataway address
Valid proof of residency for Juveniles (children and teens, birth-18): can use a parent's ID and proof of residency (see above) along with the parent's signature on the application card. Both parent and child MUST be present. Alternately, children/teens who are in or going into Grade 3 and older can provide school ID in addition to proof of Piscataway residency (current printed or online school report card, school schedule, interim report, school bus pass), without a parent needing to be present.
Residents can visit either one of our branch libraries to obtain a library card. You may also fill out the form here and we will get you set up with a card soon!
If you are in possession of a card, but are having a problem with it, please email us with as much detail as possible, or call 732-463-1633 x5 (if no one answers, please leave a voicemail), and we'll get you up and running as quickly as we can.
NON-PISCATAWAY RESIDENT
If you are a resident at any of these locations, which are all part of the Libraries of Middlesex Automated Consortium (LMxAC), you should obtain a card through your home library. This card can then be used to borrow materials at Piscataway Library. If you have a card outside of Middlesex County at any of the libraries listed here, you must bring your home library card with you, along with your ID and proof of residency, to registered for borrowing privileges at Piscataway Library.
PISCATAWAY EMPLOYEES & STUDENTS
If you live in a town that already has a reciprocal borrowing relationship (listed above), you can use that library card at either of our branches. Otherwise:
Piscataway employees must show proof of their home address, employment, and the Piscataway address of their place of employment (pay stub, letter signed by supervisor on letterhead). Piscataway Township municipal government employees (including municipal government employees, Piscataway Board of Education employees, employees of the Piscataway Vo-Tech school) who do not live in Piscataway are entitled to the same borrowing privileges as Piscataway residents. Municipal employees still must provide proof of their home address, proof of employment, and the physical address of their place of employment.
Piscataway students must provide proof of their home address, and proof of Piscataway school enrollment with the name and Piscataway address of the school. (Rutgers University students who cannot provide a Piscataway address should apply for a library card with New Brunswick Free Public Library, which can then be used at Piscataway Public Library.)
TEMPORARY ACCOUNT
To be registered for this type of account, temporary Piscataway residents must provide photo ID, proof of temporary residency and the address and phone number of that residence. These accounts are limited to borrowing two items at a time (books or ebooks), but are not eligible to borrow new books, magazines, or non-print materials (other than ebooks). Privileges are good for three months with the option of renewal if temporary circumstances persist. Temporary accounts are upon approval of the Department Supervisor.
If none of the situations above apply, you may obtain library membership upon payment of a $45.00 annual fee, granting full privileges as a Piscataway Public Library card holder.
New to the library? After hours? Click here to quick-register online. (Registration only valid for 30 days.) This temporary ID allows only limited access to statewide online databases. To complete the registration process and receive full borrowing privileges, you must bring proof of residence and a photo ID to the library, as detailed above.
LOST CARDS
Users are charged $2.00 for each library card replacement. Replacement cards are only issued in person with proper ID. Please let us know if you believe you've lost your card so that we can place a temporary block on your account!
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How do I pay my fines online?
[bg_collapse view="link" color="#4a4949" icon="arrow" expand_text="Show More" collapse_text="Show Less" ] Piscataway Public Library is a fine-free library!
Lost and damaged items will be billed. Pay for lost and damaged items using a credit card with the LMXAC Smart Pay system. Only cash and checks are accepted in-person at the library.[/bg_collapse]
How do I get help with English as a Second Language?
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Both branches of Piscataway Public Library has many helpful resources for new Americans, including weekly ESL classes and conversation groups; books, DVDs and CDs for learning English; Citizenship Classes and materials that help you study for the U.S. Naturalization test; and an "Immigration Corner" at Kennedy Library, where you can find N-400 forms and other helpful materials from the U.S. government.
Please fill out the form found here -- https://piscatawaylibrary.org/new-americans -- if you are interested in enrolling in one of our ESL classes or Citizenship Classes. You can also contact Kate Baker at Kennedy Library, 732-463-1633, for more information.
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How do I borrow a Museum Pass?
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The Piscataway Public Library currently offers free or reduced price entry to a variety of local attractions. Please see full details here.
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How do I donate books to the library?
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At this time, donations are being accepted by the Friends of Piscataway Public Library by appointment only. Please fill out the form here and a member of the Friends will be in touch.
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How do I reserve a Meeting Room? (This service is UNAVAILABLE until further notice)
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When not being used for library programs, the meeting rooms may be reserved for public gatherings through this online application form. All requests must be approved by library administration. Before booking, please check the library's Events Calendar to determine if the room is available for public use, and review the library's complete policies. The pricing structure (for under 3 hours and for a full-day rental) can be found here.
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How do I get a document notarized? (This service is UNAVAILABLE until further notice)
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Piscataway Public Library offers free, limited Notary Service to Middlesex County residents. Photo ID and proof of residency are required. No appointments are taken, but you are encouraged to call 732-463-1633 before coming in for service to ensure availability. Usual hours of service is on Tuesdays, 6:00-8:00pm, at the Kennedy Branch. Free Notary Service also may be available with the Piscataway Township Clerk, 732-562-2300.
Please note the following stipulations: The number of documents to be notarized at any one time is 4. If witnesses are required, the individual must bring them; the library will not supply any witnesses. Documents will only be notarized if they are written in English. Notary Service is NOT available for Deeds, Wills, Living Wills, Living Trusts, Codicils, Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Powers of Attorney, an Affidavit or any other similar document, copies of Driver’s Licenses or copies of Passports. In accordance with NJ Notarial Law, Notaries will not provide service if the customer, document or circumstances of the request for Notary Service raise any issue of authenticity, ambiguity, doubt or uncertainty for the library. In these circumstances, the Notary may, at his/her sole discretion, decline to provide Notary Service.
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How do I fax a document?
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Fax service is available at Kennedy Library. This is a self-service machine that uses automated instructions. Only credit and debit cards are accepted. The cost to send a fax to the USA, Canada & Caribbean (or to send email) is at a rate of $1.75 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, including cover sheet if you choose to use one. The rate for international faxing is $3.95 for the first page and $3.45 for each additional page. Find more information at www.fax24.us.[/bg_collapse]
How do I print at the library?
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The library offers a number of computers that print to our public printers. The cost is $0.10 per page for black-and-white printing, and $0.25 per page for color printing. To be able to print, you must add funds to your account before the printer will print your documents, which can be done at the library's User Services desk. At this time, printing can only be done from library desktop computers. The library also has scanners available for use for free.[/bg_collapse]
How do I use my laptop at the library?
[bg_collapse view="link" color="#4a4949" icon="arrow" expand_text="Show More" collapse_text="Show Less" ]The library has free and open wireless networks that you can use with your own devices. No additional information is needed, but if you have trouble connecting while inside the building, please ask at the Information Desk for assistance. At this time, printing can only be done from library desktop computers.[/bg_collapse]
How do I get a job at the library?
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Whenever there is a job opportunity open to the public, a posting is added to our Job Opportunities page with details about duties, qualifications, location, salary, and schedule. Typically, applicants can submit a current cover letter and resume to the email address indicated in the job posting. Print job applications are also available any time upon request at both of our library branches. Individuals who are 14 years of age or older are invited to apply for any position at the library for which they are qualified.
Piscataway Township and Piscataway Public Library are Equal Opportunity Employers. Offers of employment for all those at least 18 years of age will be conditional pending the completion of a criminal background check and drug screening, which is part of Piscataway Township's pre-employment procedures. All those under 18 require working papers prior to confirmation of employment. Applicants must comply with the "New Jersey First Act."
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How do I volunteer for the library?
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A variety of long- and short-term volunteer opportunities are available for individuals at both branches of Piscataway Library. Groups looking to volunteer can also usually be accommodated, with enough notice and depending on the needs of the library at any given time. Some opportunities are only available to Piscataway residents or only at specific times of year. Review a full listing of detailed opportunities before completing a volunteer application form:
- Information about opportunities working with the Children's Department
- Teen Advisory Board and other volunteer opportunities with Teen Services
- General volunteer form for adults
- Information about the Friends of Piscataway Public Library, a volunteer organization
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How do I present or perform at the library?
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We are always in search of presenters to diversify our program offerings and better serve the community of Piscataway, NJ. Thank you for thinking of collaborating with us. Currently, all of our events are virtual. This page on our website will have all of the information you need to present at Piscataway Public Library: piscatawaylibrary.org/presenters
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