Library Cards
Anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in South Orange is eligible for a South Orange Public Library card. Your library card gives you access to all printed, and audio-visual, or electronic materials which include e-books, online resources, including streaming services, museum passes, SEAT kits, mobile devices, hot spots, and more!
PO boxes are not acceptable as a valid address.
Replacement of all library cards is $2.50
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Adult Resident Card
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- Any person eighteen years and older who lives or owns property in South Orange is entitled to an adult card.
- Individuals are required to show current, valid proof of South Orange residency or property ownership at registration. Acceptable proof is non-expired Government ID-s, current utility bills, bank statements or lease.
- The card will be mailed, before which patrons can check out 2 books.
- This is an individual card, not a family card.
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Teen Resident Card
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- This is a fine free card.
- These cards are issued to teens from sixth grade through 18 years of age.
- The teen is required to show valid school ID, report card, or school agenda, or have a parent/ guardian present at registration.
- The holder of a teen card has the same access to materials and services as the holder of an adult card with exception of Special Collections
- The card is valid for three years, after which renewal is required.
- The card will be mailed, before which patrons can check out 2 books.
- This is an individual card, not a family card.
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Child Resident Card
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- This is a fine free card.
- Child must be able to write their first and last name.
- These cards are issued to children until the fifth grade.
- A parent or legal guardian with a library card or proof of South Orange residency must sign the card registration.
- A child through the 5th grade who is issued a library card must be present with the parent or legal guardian at the time of registration.
- The holder of a children card has the same access to materials and services as the holder of a teen card.
- These cards are valid through fifth grade, after which a teen card will be issued.
- This is an individual card, not a family card.
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Non-Resident Adult Card
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Non-residents of South Orange who work or attend School/Day programs in South Orange are eligible for a free one-year card. Otherwise, a card can be purchased for a fee.
School/Employment
- Individuals are required to show current personal identification and valid proof of employment or attendance at a School or Day-Program in South Orange at registration.
- These cards are valid for 12 months, after which renewal is necessary.
- These one-year cards are valid for use with all materials and services except Special Collections which are restricted to South Orange residents.
- This card is an individual card, not a family card.
Non-resident card
- Non-residents of South Orange who do not qualify for a card through employment or schooling can purchase a card for $60 (seniors for $30). ReBL borrowing privileges can be purchased for an additional $40.
- Valid for one year after the date of purchase.
- Offers all the benefits and services of an adult resident card, including Special Collections and placing reserves.
- This card is an individual card, not a family card.
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Student Card
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- This is a fine free card.
- The holder of a student card has the same access to materials and services as the holder of a child / teen card with exception of Special Collections reserved to South Orange residents.
- The card is valid for one year, after which renewal is required.
- The card will be mailed, before which a patron can take out 2 books.
- This is an individual card, not a family card.
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Reciprocal Borrowing Libraries of Essex County (ReBL)
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- Patron must present a current library card from one of the participating Essex County ReBL libraries.
- Patron must present valid identification card
- Non-resident ReBL borrowers may have borrowing privileges for all materials except Special Collections reserved to South Orange residents.
- ReBL borrowers may not place reserves or interlibrary loan requests.
- This is an individual card, not family card.
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Teacher Card
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- These cards are issued to all teachers (resident and non-resident) who work in South Orange Maplewood School District.
- Individuals are required to show current personal identification and valid proof of employment in the SOMA School District.
- Teacher cards are valid until the end of the school year, after which renewal is necessary.
- Teacher cards are valid for use with all materials and services except Special Collections which are restricted to South Orange residents.
- This card is an individual card, not a family/ school card.
Fees
- Proctoring for non-residents $20.00/test
- Notary for non-residents $2.00/signature
- Printing/photocopying
- Black & white $0.25/page
- Colour $0.50/page
- Custom printing (i.e. 11×17”) $1.00/page
- 3D Printing (based on weight) $0.25/gram
- Nonresident membership $60/year
- w/ ReBL $100/year
- Nonresident membership (senior citizen without ReBL) $30/year
- Replace library card $2.50
Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the South Orange Public Library November 2019
Fines
- Overdue materials, excepting the following $0.15/day
- Overdue audiovisual materials (films, audiobooks, videogames) $0.50/day
- Overdue electronic devices/SEAT kits $5.00/day
- Museum passes $5.00/day