Eligibility
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.

Youth registrations:

• Children/teens present with a legal guardian can use guardian’s ID and proof of residency (as above) along with guardian’s signature on the application; or
• Children/teens who are 13 years of age and older without a legal guardian present can independently provide proof of residency (current printed or online school report card, school schedule, post-marked piece of mail)
• Children under the age of 13 must register for a library card with a parent/guardian present and requires guardian approval.

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.  

The Hunterdon County Library wishes to provide free library cards to all eligible residents and non-residents. Identification is requested to verify that the applicant lives within the library's service area and to have enough information to contact the patron regarding overdue, billing and other notices.

For these policies, “Hunterdon County Residents” are defined as:

• HCL Libraries: Headquarters (Flemington/Raritan Township), North County Branch (Clinton), South County Branch (Ringoes/East Amwell)
• HCL Affiliates: Bunnvale, Frenchtown, Holland, Readington, Three Bridges, Tewksbury
• Exclusions: Milford Borough, Flemington Borough, Lambertville, each of which are municipalities that support local libraries with the library tax dollars paid by those residents. Patrons living within Flemington Borough may have their FFPL card entered into HCL's circulation system for limited use; HCL branches can also issue FFPL cards to those patrons.

Non-Residents
Open Borrowing, CLARS, and other 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. These cardholders can borrow in-person from the issuing library only and may not place holds. Privileges must be
renewed annually.

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 non-refundable annual fee set by the Main Library Alliance, granting full privileges. These individuals must also provide valid proof of home address.

Revised 10/24