Library Cards
Anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in South Orange is eligible for a South Orange Public Library card, and South Orange residents can use their card as part of the BCCLS consortium to request items from 78 member libraries!
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.
- Grants full access to BCCLS consortium, including item delivery and eBCCLS content.
- Individuals are required to show current, valid proof of South Orange residency or property ownership at registration. Acceptable proof is non-expired Government IDs, 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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- These cards are issued to teens from sixth grade through 18 years of age.
- Grants full access to BCCLS consortium, including item delivery and eBCCLS content.
- 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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- 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, or au pairs living with a family 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, or a letter from a host family in the case of an au pair.
- These cards are valid for 12 months, after which renewal is necessary.
- These one-year cards are valid for in-library materials; users do not have access to BCCLS consortium or eBCCLS content.
- 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.
- These one-year cards are valid for in-library materials; users do not have access to BCCLS consortium or eBCCLS content.
- This card is an individual card, not a family card.
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Student Card
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- 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 BCCLS 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 adult books, excepting the following $0.15/day
- Overdue children/teen books: No fine
- Overdue audiovisual materials (films, audiobooks) $0.50/day
- Overdue electronic devices/SEAT kits $5.00/day
- Museum passes $5.00/day