NOTE: Some library programs & services may be suspended or conducted online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policies may be revised without notice as changing conditions require, to ensure that everyone stays safe and healthy. Please visit our homepage for the current program schedule, hours, and information about In-Person Access Policies and Curbside Service.

Accessing Library Materials

The South Plainfield Public Library is a member of STELLA (Sharing and Technology Enhancing Local Library Access), formerly LMxAC. Our online catalog allows you to request items directly from any member library, pick them up in South Plainfield, and return them to any member library. You can also use your South Plainfield library card at any STELLA (LMxAC) or more than 30 member libraries in Middlesex, Union, and Monmouth Counties. You can download a free mobile app that will let you check on your account, browse the library catalog and place holds from your phone. You can also pay fines with a credit card.
CLICK HERE learn more about our Online Catalog.

How much do you save at the library? Click here to find out.

The South Plainfield Public Library offers a wide range of print, recorded, and digital materials, including:

Programs and Classes

Programs for Kids, 'Tweens, Teens & Adults

LIBRARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The South Plainfield Public Library offers a wide range of fun and informative programs for all ages. In addition to our regular Story Time and Craft programs for young children (see the KidStuff page for more information), we also offer special programs and summer reading programs for kids, 'tweens & teens, and special programs & classes of interest to adults. Some programs are offered in person at the library, some are online via Zoom, and some are hybrid/online presentations; registration may be required. Be sure to check our library calendar of events, homepage and Facebook page regularly to find out about upcoming programs!

Join our childrens email list

Click here to get our monthly CHILDREN'S EVENTS NEWSLETTER in your email!

Click here to get our monthly ADULT EVENTS NEWSLETTER in your email!

Diversity Programming

The library hosts weekly English Conversations groups for those who would like to practice English. Native speakers of any language are welcome!

We also offer Bilingual & Foreign Language programs for children.

For additional resources, see our Information for New Americans and Spanish Language Websites (Páginas en español) pages.

Online Learning

See eLibrary: Online Classes for online learning in a wide range of subjects from Universal Class, citizenship preparation from ProCitizen, and personalized language learning from Pronunciator.

Online Job Search Coaching

Brainfuse Job Now is an all-in-one suite of services designed for a wide range of career needs, including on-demand assistance from expert Job Coaches for assistance with interview preparation, resume creation, or job searching!

Online Tutoring

Brainfuse Help Now offers on-demand, anytime, anywhere eLearning for all ages and levels, with live online tutors in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP and state standardized tests.

In-person Tutoring at the Library (for grades 2 - 5)

Does your child need help in any particular school subjects? Stop by and sign them up to receive free tutoring from our volunteers! This program is available for students entering 2nd grade up to 5th grade. To sign your child up for tutoring, please stop by the library to pick up a tutor request form. Questions? Contact Ms. Audrey (908) 754-7885, ext. 4, or email acupo@southplainfield.lib.nj.us. You can also download a printable form to request tutoring.

Be a Volunteer Tutor or Library Volunteer!

Interested in helping younger students in a subject you know well? Sign up to be a volunteer tutor! Students in 8th grade and up can receive volunteer hours by tutoring a younger student. To sign up to be a volunteer tutor, please contact Ms. Audrey at (908) 754-7885, ext. 4, or email acupo@southplainfield.lib.nj.us. You can also download a printable volunteer tutor application.

Click here for information on additional library volunteer opportunities for students in 7th grade and up.

Information Services & Online Resources

See also: Online Learning

Community & Social Services

See our Community & Social Services brochures and info page to learn about many services available in Middlesex County to help you with essential concerns such as health, mental health, addiction, aging, disabilities, veterans benefits, and more.

The library also has a licensed social worker on site several evenings per month.

Reference Desk

We can help you with your reference questions in person or by telephone! Whenever the library is open, a reference librarian is normally on duty to answer quick informational questions, advise you on researching a topic, or explain how to use library resources and equipment. We also offer a wide variety of free online databases (a library card is required for database access) and web directories on our home page.

To ask a reference question by phone, call us at (908) 754-7885 and press 3.

Web Directories

We maintain extensive directories of website, selected by our staff, to the best Internet sites on a wide range of topics. The following is a complete list of our web directories:

The Internet contains many different kinds of resources and its links can lead to many places. Some of these places may not be suitable for children or teens. In creating web directories, the South Plainfield Public Library staff has attempted to choose only age-appropriate links for our 'Homework Links,' 'KidStuff' and 'TeenZone' pages, but because websites change frequently, and because they may contain links to many other sites, or may present materials you do not wish your child to be exposed to, we urge you to supervise your child's exploration of the Web and make sure that the journey is a healthy one. We strongly encourage parents to supervise their children's use of the Internet, at home or at the library. For advice about how to keep your child safe online, we recommend:

If your children will be using the South Plainfield Public Library's computers to access the internet, please be sure to read our Computer Policy.

The inclusion of websites in our directories is not an endorsement of any products or services these sites may be selling. Please use all information gathered over the Internet with caution.

Computers & Internet Access

Internet Access & Wifi

Public Internet access and e-mail are available in the Library. Please be sure to read our Computer Use Policy if you or your children will be using the library's computers to access the internet. The library staff cannot offer extensive computer instruction except at library-sponsored computer classes.

You may also bring in your own laptop to access the Internet using the library's WiFi connection. The library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment, or for laptop configurations security or data files resulting from connecting to the library network (sorry, the library staff cannot provide technical assistance).

MOBILE PRINTING is also available.

Word Processing and More

Public PCs at the library also offer word processing, spreadsheet, and other software, including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Please be aware that the library staff cannot offer extensive computer instruction except at library-sponsored computer classes.

Printing is available at 10 cents per page; 50 cents per page for color prints.

Please be sure to read our Computer Use Policy if you or your children will be using the library's computers.

Other Services

Homebound Delivery

The Edith Goodrich Homebound Delivery Program provides, through volunteers, delivery and pick-up of Library materials to any South Plainfield resident who cannot come to the Library because of illness or disability. Items are selected based on your requests and preferences. We are also happy to try to obtain books that we may not own through our interlibrary loan system.

You will be paired with a volunteer who will select Library materials and then deliver and pick them up on a mutually agreeable schedule. The Library has a wide variety of materials available, including large print books and a large collection of videos, music CDs, and audio books. We also offer a cassette/CD player if needed. Please call the Library for an application form.

For an application to receive Homebound Delivery Service, click here.

Meeting Room

Our library includes a meeting room. For more information and an application/reservation form, please read our Meeting Room policies [Link opens a PDF].

Photocopier

Postage Stamps

Quiet Study Rooms

Our library has three quiet study rooms. For more information, please read our Quiet Study Room policies [Link opens a PDF].
Click here to reserve a study room.

Recycling & Food Bank

Social Worker

The library has a licensed social worker on site several evenings per month. She can meet with you privately to offer assistance with a variety of social issues, including:

Drop ins are welcome, but appointments are strongly encouraged. To make an appointment, call and leave a message at (908) 226-7625, or email Heather at HBARRY@SOUTHPLAINFIELDNJ.COM.