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 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 and the Open Borrowing Program. If you live in Madison and have never had a library card in the Main Library Alliance, click here for online registration. Once your temporary membership is ready, we will contact you with your access information. (If you already have a library card in the Main Library Alliance, please visit the Madison Library to get a new card.) In order to receive your physical library card and finalize your membership, you will need to visit the Library in person and show identification and proof of address at the front desk.(e.g. current tax/rent/utility bill; valid NJ driver’s license- PO Box address is NOT acceptable as proof of residency).
- Renewing a Library Card A resident library card is valid for three years. A library card may be renewed upon proof of current address.
- Digital Library Card Option The Library encourages patrons to use a digital library card that can be shown to staff on your smartphone, in place of the plastic library card. This can be done using the Main Library Alliance app or other digital card apps.
- 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. 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 can receive a regular library card.
- Madison Employees Employees of Madison School District and Madison businesses including the Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey, au pairs, nannies, and aides are entitled to a courtesy card. 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 at their home library.
If you already have a library card and are having trouble accessing resources or don’t remember your card number, email circ-mad@mainlib.org with details and we will gladly help resolve the problem.
