The Library’s collection of approximately 155,000 items includes books, periodicals, DVD’s, videos, music CD’s, and audiobooks, as well as large print books. Some materials, including the Reference and Local History collections, are available for use in the Library only.
Library Cards
Presentation of a library card (or NJ driver’s license for registered borrowers) is required to borrow materials from the Madison Public Library. The Library honors Madison Public Library cards, as well as those from other Main Library Alliance (Main) public libraries, the Morris Union Federation (MUF) libraries and Open Borrowing Program libraries.
Obtaining a Library Card
Madison taxpayers and residents are eligible for a free library card, offering full service in the Madison Public Library, as well as borrowing privileges in other libraries belonging to Main, Morris Union Federation(MUF) and the Open Borrowing Program.
The library requires identification showing proof of address (e.g. current tax/rent/utility bill; valid NJ driver’s license). A PO Box address is NOT acceptable as proof of residency. A resident library card is valid for three years. A library card may be renewed upon proof of current address.
Juvenile cards are available to all Madison children when he or she turns five years old and can write his or her name. At least one parent/caregiver must have a library card in order for a juvenile card to be issued. The application for a juvenile card must be signed by a parent or guardian.
College Students (Undergraduates)
College students living in University residence halls at Drew University, Fairleigh Dickinson University or the College of St. Elizabeth are eligible for borrowing privileges at the Madison Public Library only. Students will be issued a Madison Public Library card. A college student may not request holds.
The library requires proof of current college enrollment (e.g. tuition bill; current student ID). A student library card is valid for one year and may be renewed upon proof of continuing enrollment.
Graduate Students
Graduate students and their families living on or off campus are entitled to full library privileges and receive a regular library card.
Courtesy Cards
Employees of Madison businesses are entitled to a courtesy card. Courtesy cards are also available to members of the Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey, au pairs, nannies, and aides. Courtesy card holders are entitled to borrow material at the Madison Public Library and the Morris County Library only. They may also place holds for pickup at the Madison Public Library but other libraries reserve the right to limit items sent for courtesy card holders. The library requires proof of employment (e.g. letter from your employer or a pay stub.) Courtesy cards are valid for one year and are renewed upon proof of continuing employment.
Individuals who live in communities participating in Main, MUF, or the Open Borrowing Program must apply for a library card in their home library.
Number of Loans Allowable Per Item Category
- Books – 100 titles
- Audiobooks – 10 titles
- Music CDS – 10 titles
- Language Tapes/CDs – 3 titles
- Periodicals – 5 periodicals
- DVDs – 10 titles
Loan Periods
- New Books (most recent year) – 2 weeks
- Adult Books in stacks – 4 weeks
- DVDs and video games – 1 week
- TV Show DVDs – 2 weeks
- Audiobooks – 2 weeks
- Music CDs – 2 weeks
- Magazines – 1 week
- Museum Pass – 3 days
- Discovery Collection- 14 days
- Children’s Fiction (JEF and J) and Non-Fiction – 4 weeks
- Children’s Board Books, Picture Books and Easy Readers – 2 weeks
Renewals
- Books and Periodicals – 2 renewals
- Media – 2 renewals
- Discovery Collection- 1 renewal
- Materials “on hold” for another patron – No renewal
Ways to Renew Material
- Present the item(s) at the Library’s circulation desk.
- Use your barcode number and PIN/password to log on to your account online.
- Contact the Library (973) 377 – 0722.
Fines
As of January 1, 2023, the Madison Public Library joins other area libraries in eliminating overdue fines on most materials in our collection. Here’s how it will work:
- Existing overdue fines on Madison Public Library items will be removed.
- The library is still required to collect fines for items from libraries that do charge them.
- Charges still apply for items that are damaged or lost.
- Your account may be blocked if an item is out long enough to trigger a lost notice in the system. This is easily resolved by simply returning the item to the library.
- Fines will still be collected for Discovery Collection items and Museum Passes that need to be picked up and returned to the library.
- Overdue Discovery Collection items are fined $1 per day
- Overdue Museum Passes are fined $5 per day
Maximum fine per item – $5.00
Borrowing privileges are blocked when a patron owes $10.00 in accumulated fines.
Lost or Damaged Materials
When a book or media item is “lost” or damaged beyond repair, the patron will be charged the replacement cost according to the unit price schedule maintained by the Madison Public Library Circulation Desk. In the case of certain, more expensive materials lost, the replacement cost may be the actual cost. A receipt for the amount paid to the Library will be given to the patron upon payment for the lost or damaged material. If the lost item is found after payment has been made, the patron may keep the item. The Library has no refund policy. Patrons will be charged for damaged or lost media cases. The library does not accept replacement copies.
Reserves & Interlibrary Loans
What if the book isn’t on the shelf?
If the book (or item) you want is checked-out, you may place a “hold” for a copy of that book. When the book becomes available, the library will contact you with, your choice of, a call to your preferred telephone number or a notification via e-mail. You will then have 7 days to pick-up the items from the library.
How to place a “hold”:
You may reserve the book by phone or at the library. You may also reserve it (place a “hold”) online through the library web catalog.
In order to place a hold/reserve a book, you must LOG-IN to the website using your library card number and PIN/password. Your PIN/password may be the last four digits of your telephone number. If you do not know your PIN number, call the library.
Special Requests
If you want to borrow a book or other material which does not appear in the catalog, you can request it through the Library Reference Desk. Either contact the Reference Desk at (973)377-0722 ext 212 or go to the catalog search page and choose “Can’t Find It” then “Search Other NJ Library Catalogs”. Select your home library and search the title in JerseyCat. If it is not in JerseyCat, go back and click on “Request A Title” on the left.
Only five (5) loan requests per individual may be submitted per week for processing by the Reference Desk utilizing the “special request“ method.
Reciprocal Borrowing
Main Library Alliance
About Main Library Alliance:
We are proud members of the Main Library Alliance, a nonprofit network of 49 public libraries located in Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset and Warren Counties. Main’s mission is to lead and encourage collaboration, resource sharing, staff development and innovation by providing high-quality, cost effective shared services to member libraries for their communities, fostering the exchange of ideas and experiences within our network. As a member of Main, our patrons have access to over 3.1 million physical and digital items, including but not limited to eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, games, and of course, books. Our library also participates in the NJ Open Borrowing program through Main, enabling patrons to borrow materials in-person from participating libraries outside the Main service area. Main maintains our libraries’ computer systems and hosts a system-wide mobile app for patrons. Main’s commitment to cutting-edge technology inspires our patrons to “Listen, Read and Learn,” enriching their lives. The partnership and cooperation of Main’s member libraries and supporters make this all possible.
MUF
The library is also a member of the Morris Union Federation (MUF); a reciprocal borrowing arrangement with the public libraries in Chatham, Morristown, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Summit, Long Hill, Bernards Township and Bernardsville. Patrons carrying library cards from these libraries are welcome to borrow materials at the other MUF member libraries.
Open Borrowing
The public libraries in Morris County also participate in an Open Borrowing Program, which includes some libraries in northern New Jersey counties. Patrons from these libraries are eligible to borrow from all participating libraries using their hometown library card. Patrons must also obtain an Open Borrowing sticker from the home library. Click here for a list of libraries participating in open borrowing. A copy is also kept at the Library Circulation Desk.
