Individuals must be present in the library to obtain a library card, regardless of age or residency. Proof of residency is required before a card is issued.
Free library cards may be issued to individuals of any age who live or own property/pay taxes within the Hunterdon County Library service area. Full-access cards may also be issued to Hunterdon County employees, teachers employed at Hunterdon County schools and at Raritan Valley Community College, and students enrolled in Hunterdon County schools, Choice Schools, and RVCC. HCL cards can be used at any HCL branch, including bookmobile, affiliates, and Main Library Alliance member library.
Registered borrowers agree to comply with the rules of the library and assume full responsibility for all materials borrowed in the cardholder's name. Cardholders shall make every effort to return materials on time, pay overdue fines when materials are late, and pay replacement costs for materials not returned.
Hunterdon County Residents includes:
Residents seeking library access but are homebound should be referred to the free Home Delivery service organized by the Friends of the Hunterdon County Library (FOHCL). FOHCL’s Outreach Coordinator can be contacted at 908-336-4229 or fohcloutreach@gmail.com.
Non-Residents
In most cases, it is preferable for patrons who are not Hunterdon County residents to secure library cards at their home library if they reside/own property in an area served by a Main Alliance Library member library. Open Borrowing, CLARS, and Courtesy cardholders must present their home library card and are only entered using their home library card. Courtesy cards may be issued to non-County employees who work within HCL's service area. All individuals applying for a card or requesting to be registered with their home library card must show valid proof of residency.
Eligible individuals who are not yet registered at their home library may be issued an interim membership to facilitate one-time, immediate borrowing. An Interim Main Library Alliance Membership form must be completed by library staff and given to the patron to present to the home library within 30 days. Holds cannot be placed on Interim library cards.
Temporary cards may be permitted for those who can provide proof of temporary residency and the address and phone number of that residence. These cardholders can borrow in-person from the issuing library only and may not place holds. Privileges are good for three months with the option of renewal if temporary circumstances persist.
Cards may also be issued for Hunterdon County schools and organizations upon approval of the Department Supervisor. The individual who signs for the approval of the card is financially responsible for any material on the account. The registration will include the name(s) of anyone authorized to use the card on behalf of the institution. The library should be notified immediately of staff changes. Institutional cards have access to all Main member libraries but cannot place holds. This profile is intended for the use of institution-related materials, not for personal use by any individual. (Teachers are individually eligible for their own full-access HCL card.)
Non-residents who do not fit any other category (or who wish to use the library’s makerspace) may be issued a card upon payment of a nonrefundable $250.00 annual fee ($225 for those ages 65 and older), granting full privileges. These individuals must also provide valid proof of home address. (Note: Individuals who reside outside of Hunterdon County but have a paid HCL card are permitted to use the HQ Makerspace.)
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