HOW DO I GET A LIBRARY CARD?

*Any resident of The Chathams (Chatham Borough or ChathamTownship), or any one who pays taxes in either town, is entitled to privileges at The Library of The Chathams.  Proof of eligibility is required at the time of registration.  Acceptable forms of identification include: N. J. Driver’s License, bank checks imprinted with name/address, lease or mortgage agreement, rent or tax receipt, or a utility bill imprinted with name & address.

• Children may register for a library card when they are six years old.  A parent or guardian must sign for, and be accountable for, materials charged out by minors.  Students of high school age may apply for a card with a high school ID. 

A Chatham Library card is valid in all public libraries in MorrisCounty, including Morris County Library. Chatham residents are also welcome to use the MUF (Morris-Union Federation) libraries in Summit, BerkeleyHeights, BernardsTownship, and New Providence.

With a green Open Borrowing sticker on his Chatham Library card, a patron may borrow from participating libraries in BCCLS (Bergen), LMxAC (Middlesex), and PALS (Passaic) systems.

Your first library card is free.  The replacement cost for a lost card is $3.00.
 
 

WHAT IF I DON’T LIVE IN CHATHAM?

Patrons from other (MAIN) MorrisCounty libraries may use their home library card for borrowing at The Library of The Chathams. 

Patrons from MUF (Morris-Union Federation) libraries may register their home library card at the front desk. 

With a green Open Borrowing sticker on their home library card, patrons
from participating libraries in BCCLS (Bergen), LMxAC (Middlesex), and PALS (Passaic) can register to use the Chatham Library.
 
 

WHAT ARE THE LOAN PERIODS?

4 weeks -  books, art prints & bags, adult foreign language tapes 
2 weeks -  new books, periodicals, videos, cassettes, audio-books, cds, leapfrog book/cartridge, adult holiday books, CD Roms
1 week - DVDs, leapfrog pad, juvenile holiday books
3 days - rental books, rental videos/DVDs
1 day - overnight rental videos/DVDs

WHAT ARE THE FINES?

$ .10 per day - books, magazines, audio books, cds, juvenile materials ( maximum $3.00 fine)
$1.00 per day - 3-day & 14 day videos, 7-day DVDs, leapfrog book/cartridge, 
                           leapfrog pads (maximum $5.00 fine)
$5.00 per day - overnight videos and DVDs, projector rentals
 
 

WILL I GET AN OVERDUE NOTICE?

An overdue notice is sent when an item is 14 days overdue.  If the item is not returned after 60 days from the due date, a bill for the replacement cost is sent.
 

WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE A BOOK?

When a book or other library material is lost or damaged beyond repair patrons are charged the replacement cost set by the library.   Replacement copies purchased by patrons must be approved by a librarian and will be assessed a $5.00 processing fee.

A receipt will be given for payment of the lost material.  If the item is found after payment has been made, the patron may keep the item.  The Library has a no-refund policy.
 

CAN BOOKS BE RENEWED?

Books may be renewed for half the original loan period, if they have not been reserved by another patron. 

Renewals can be done by phone.  There is no phone renewal on weekends.  Please have the item handy to tell us the bar code number.  This number identifies the item.  In a book it is usually found inside the back cover; in an AV item look on the back cover or inside the case.  The number on all items begins 01004. . . . . . . . 

When renewing more than one item by phone, please have the Library card number available. 

Patrons can renew many library items on-line with a library card and a registered PIN.

Enter www.chatham-library.org.Click on “Library Catalog”.On the Morris Automated Information Network Online Catalog screen, choose “My Account” and “Renew My Materials”.You will be prompted to enter your Library card number and PIN.

WHAT IF THE BOOK ISN’T ON THE SHELF?

If the book or item a patron wants is checked out, or has been published but not yet received by The Library, a copy of that book or item may be put on “hold”.  The patron will be contacted by The Library when the book or item becomes available.  Patrons have five days to pick up the reserve.  Patrons may reserve in person at The Library or by calling 973-635-0603.   Reserves may also be made online through the Library web catalog. . 

If The Library of The Chathams does not own the item  wanted, it can be requested through interlibrary loan.  ILL requests are handled at the Reference desk.  Patrons may also place interlibrary loan requests online through the Library web catalog .
 

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