Patron Handbook Information

Bookdrop: The bookdrop is open only when the library is closed (when the library is open, please return your books inside).
Borrowing and returning materials: Most materials may be checked out for 28 days. If there is no one waiting for the 28-day material you have borrowed, it may be renewed for an additional 28 days. New books, books on hold, special project books and inter-library loan books are usually checked out for 14 days and may not be renewed. DVDs and VHS video circulate for 2 or 7 days and may not be renewed.
Children's Programs: Programming for children varies from branch to branch. Click here for a list of children's programs. Call your local branch for more information.
Children's Services: There are many different kinds of materials in the children's room. The computer catalog helps children find out what is available. If you cannot find what you or your children want, please ask - we are always glad to help. Our goal is to make reading and learning a lifelong source of delight.
Children's Special Collections: Braille and hearing impaired collection - cassette and CD stories - DVDs - magazines - parent & teacher collection - vertical file - videos
Fines: If you are late in returning materials, a fine of $.10 per day for most items will be charged, up to a maximum of $3.00 per item. Late fines are $1.00 per day for videos (VHS & DVD) up to a maximum of $10.00. If you accumulate fines of $15.00 or more, you will not be able to take any materials out until the fine is paid. Fines for late items left in the bookdrop or not paid for at the time you returned them will be added to your record and must be paid at a later date.
Holds (Requests) and Inter-library loans: If an item is in the catalog but is checked out, you can request that the item be held for you when it is returned. YOu can also request that items be sent to your branch from other branches. We will call or e-mail you when the item is available. Requests are held for 5 days. You can request items either at the library or from home, using your library card barcode number.

If we don't own a book you're looking for, fill out a request card and we will try to get it for you from another library through inter-library loan (ILL). You will be notified in the same way as a regular request. ILL materials may only be checked out for 14 days and may not be renewed.
Internet: The Cape May County Library provides public access to the Internet as a way of enhancing its existing collections with electronic resources from national and international information networks. Internet access is filtered in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act. Patrons age 18 and over who wish to have unfiltered Internet access must request a librarian to disable the filtering software and must use a privacy screen.; While the Internet provides many valuable sources of information, patrons are reminded that some information on the Internet may not be accurate, current or confidential. The Library has no control over the information on the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content.
Library cards: To receive a Cape May County library card, you must present proof of your residence in the county. Cards are valid for 2 years. There are several types of cards available for non-residents also.
Library special collections: Audio books - CDs - DVDs - large type books - newspapers - periodicals - videos - Teen - Spanish Language.
Lost or damaged materials: There is a $3.00 processing fee added. Payment for lost materials will be refunded up to 15 months from date of checkout if materials are returned.
Material Selection Policy - General Statement: The Cape May County Library provides free library service to the residents of Cape May County regardless of age, sex, religion, race, educational level, physical disability or ethnic background. The Library attempts to fill the informational, recreational, cultural and educational needs of the residents of the county as allowed by budgetary and space restrictions. Materials will be selected by the Library staff with input from the community. The full Selection Policy is available at the Main Library.
Reference Services: The Cape May County library's reference collection covers a broad range of standard reference work and several specialized subject areas. Reference materials cannot be loaned to patrons for use outside the library. Questions may be asked by coming to Reference, by telephone - 609-463-6352, or by e-mail. When the material or information you need is not available through our collection, the reference staff can often locate the materials for you through inter-library loan and/or electronically.
Reference Special Collections: Jerseyana - New Jersey government publications - newspapers - periodicals - vertical files
Remote Access: You may use the library catalog and the subscription databases from your home or office if you have a computer and Internet access.
Searching the catalog: Books and other materials can be searched for in the computerized catalog by the author's name, the title, words in the title, by subject, by subject words, by film title or by several other categories. Song titles & short story titles are also searchable. The library staff can help you search.
Videotapes / DVDs: The library has a collection of DVD and VHS videotapes available for home viewing. Entertainment videos / DVDs are checked out for 2 days. Instructional videos / DVDs may be checked out for 1 week. Late fees are $1.00 per day per item, up to a maximum of $10.00. Please do not return Videos/DVDs in the Bookdrop. They can be easily damaged and you will be charged for their replacement.

Patron Handbook Information

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