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.

LIBRARY POLICIES

Library Cards

PLEASE REPORT A LOST OR STOLEN CARD IMMEDIATELY!

GETTING A LIBRARY CARD:

PLEASE NOTE: You can apply online for a temporary card, which is valid for up to three months.

  1. You are eligible for a library card free of charge if you live in South Plainfield. With the resident's card, you can borrow all types of library materials and use the library's computers free of charge. See Computer Use & Internet Access Policy for more details on using the library's computers.
  2. A resident's card must be renewed every three years.
  3. The Smartest Card - Get it, Use it at Your Library Valid proof of address must be presented when obtaining or renewing a library card (resident or non-resident).
  4. There is no minimum age to apply for a library card. Signature of a parent or guardian is required when applying for a juvenile library card.
  5. Non-residents who live in a town with a STELLA (formerly LMxAC) member library should get a library card from the library in that town. You can use your LMxAC library card at over 30 libraries in Middlesex, Union, Somerset and Monmouth Counties, including South Plainfield.
  6. Borrowing agreements with other local libraries allow residents of South Plainfield to borrow at nearby libraries.
  7. Some of our resources, such as databases, audiobook & eBook downloads, and interlibrary loans, require a South Plainfield Library barcode.
  8. There is a $2.00 replacement fee for a lost library card. Please report a lost or stolen card immediately.
  9. Key chain cards are available. If you would like to exchange your standard library card for a key chain card, there is a fee of $.50.

Examples of acceptable identification:

Name Verification

Address Verification


Circulation Chart

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.

Library materials may be checked out as follows:
(Click on an underlined heading in the chart below for more information on renewals, holds, and fines policies)

ITEM TYPE LOAN PERIOD CHECKOUT LIMITS NUMBER OF RENEWALS PERMITTED* HOLDS PERMITTED?
OVERDUE FINES
(per day)
New books 14 days No limit 2* Yes** $.10
Books (not new) 28 days No limit, unless needed for school assignments 2* Yes** $.10
Magazines (Back issues only. Current issue may not be checked out.) 14 days No limit. 2* Yes** $.10
Audiobooks (on CD or Playaway) 14 days 4 titles per library card 2* Yes** $.25
Music CDs 14 days No limit 2* Yes** $.25
CD-ROMs 14 days No limit 2* Yes** $.25
Older DVDs 7 days 8 DVD titles per library card 2* Yes** $2.00
New DVDs 2 days 4 NEW DVD titles per library card 1* No $2.00
Playaway View portable videos 7 days 2 titles per library card 1* Yes** $2.00
Video Games 7 days 4 titles per library card 1* Yes** $2.00
  1. BOOKS - NEW
    • 14 day loan period
    • No limit on how many you may check out at once
    • Max. renewals: 2*
    • Holds permitted**
    • $.10 fine/day
  2. BOOKS - NOT NEW
    • 28 day loan period
    • No limit on how many you may check out at once (unless needed for school assignments)
    • Max. renewals: 2*
    • Holds permitted**
    • $.10 fine/day
  3. MAGAZINES (Back issues only. Current issue may not be checked out.)
    • 14 day loan period
    • No limit on how many you may check out at once.
    • Max. renewals: 2*
    • Holds permitted**
    • $.10 fine/day
  4. AUDIOBOOKS (on tape, CD or Playaway)
    • 14 day loan period
    • Checkout limit: 4 titles per library card
    • Max. renewals: 2*
    • Holds permitted**
    • $.25 fine/day
  5. MUSIC CDs
    • 14 day loan period
    • No limit on how many you may check out at once
    • Max. renewals: 2*
    • Holds permitted**
    • $.25 fine/day
  6. CD-ROMs
    • 14 day loan period
    • No limit on how many you may check out at once
    • Max. renewals: 2*
    • Holds permitted**
    • $.25 fine/day
  7. OLDER DVDs
    • 7 day loan period
    • Checkout limit: 8 DVD titles per library card
    • Max. renewals: 2*
    • Holds permitted**
    • $2.00 fine/day
  8. NEW DVDs
    • 2 day loan period
    • 4 NEW DVD titles per library card
    • Max. renewals: 1*
    • No holds
    • $2.00 fine/day
  9. PLAYAWAY VIEW PORTABLE VIDEOS
    • 7 day loan period
    • Checkout limit: 2 titles per library card
    • Max. renewals: 1*
    • Holds permitted**
    • $2.00 fine/day
  10. VIDEO GAMES
    • 7 day loan period
    • Checkout limit: 4 titles per library card
    • Max. renewals: 1*
    • Holds permitted**
    • $2.00 fine/day

*If another patron has placed a hold on an item you have checked out, you cannot renew it.
For more information on renewal policies and procedures, see the Renewals page.

**You will be charged $.50 for any item you place on hold and do not pick up.
For more information on renewal policies and procedures, see Holds (Reserves).


Holds (Reserves)

For instructions on placing holds online, see: Check availability, place a hold, or access a resource.

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.

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.

The STELLA (LMxAC) online catalog allows you to search for library materials in all STELLA (LMxAC) member libraries, place & view holds, see a list of your currently checked-out items & due dates, see & pay your current fines, save multiple lists of favorites, and more. To log in to your account, you will need to enter your library card barcode number, and PIN. You may use the online catalog at the library, or access it from your home computer or mobile app.

You may place a hold on most library materials in person, by phone (call 908-754-7885; press 3 for the Reference Department), or from our online catalog. PLEASE NOTE:


Fines


Interlibrary Loans

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.


Other Charges


AV (Audio & Video) Policies

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.


COLLECTION AGENCY

The South Plainfield Public Library has contracted with a collection agency, Unique Management Services, Inc., to help us collect unpaid fines and recover unreturned books, videos, cds, dvds, and other materials, because:

A service charge of $15.00 will be added to the balance owed. Please help us to serve all library patrons by returning overdue materials today.


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].

QUIET STUDY ROOMS

Our library includes three quiet study rooms. For more information, please read our Quiet Study Room policies (in PDF format).
Click here to reserve a study room UPDATED LINK!.


PHOTOGRAPHS/VIDEO NOTICE

Attendance at programs and events that are sponsored by the South Plainfield Public Library may be recorded through photographs or video. This includes programs and events that are held on library premises, or at other locations. Recordings may be used to promote SPPL programs, promotions and community outreach efforts (not for commercial use). Recordings may be posted on the library's website or Facebook page. Patrons are welcome to step out of the recording if they choose.