Obtaining a Library Card
Library card applications can be filled out at the Circulation Desk or in the Children's Library (on the lower level).
Plainfield Cardholders can user their library card at any of the LMxAC member libraries. Additional libraries participate in M.U.R.A.L. -- Middlesex Union Reciprocal Agreement Libraries.
Plainfield Public Library cards are non transferrable. Only the person whose name appears on the name/signature line of the library card application may use the library card. Unauthorized usage will result in the confiscation of the library card. The true owner will need to retrieve the card from the library with photo ID. Please contact the Circulation Desk for more information.
Library Card Eligibility
Our Library welcomes Plainfield residents and employees, literacy volunteers and members of reciprocal libraries to obtain a free Plainfield Public Library card. All Plainfield Public Library cards are valid for three (3) years from date of issue, with the exception of library cards obtained by members of non-reciprocal communities.
Plainfield Residents and Employees
Anyone who lives, works full-time, goes to school, or owns property in Plainfield may obtain a library card, which can be used to check out materials, access online research databases, and use the public computers at the library. Proof of any of the above will be satisfied by showing such documents as a driver’s license, utility bill, phone bill, or an apartment lease. Children in elementary school must have the signature of a parent or legal guardian to obtain a card.
Literacy Volunteers of Plainfield Public Library
All tutors and students in the Literacy Volunteers of Plainfield Public Library (LV-PPL) program are also eligible for a Library card at no charge, regardless of residence. Identification and proof of relationship to LV-PPL is required.
Residents of "Reciprocal" Communities
The Plainfield Public Library has an exchange agreement with many other New Jersey communities that provides Plainfield residents with access to outside libraries as well as welcomes outside community members to the Plainfield Public Library. Interested Plainfield residents may visit the Reference Desk or Circulation Desk for additional information. Non-Plainfield residents may obtain a Plainfield Public Library card without charge by showing a current card from their home library.
Residents of “Non-Reciprocal” Communities
Residents of North Plainfield and any other community whose libraries do not have an exchange agreement with Plainfield may obtain a Plainfield Public Library card for an annual fee of $35. The card is valid for one year from date of payment..
Replacement Cards
If your library card is lost or stolen a replacement card can be issued. Identification will need to be shown following the guidelines listed above in "Obtaining a Library Card". The charge for a replacement library card is as follows:
A meeting with the Assistant Director is required before receiving the sixth replacement card.
Reserving Materials
Plainfield Public Library card holders may reserve an item by:
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completing a hold-slip at the Circulation Desk, OR
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placing the hold online through the iBistro catalog
(your library card number and PIN are required).
Items ready for pickup will be held at the Circulation Desk for one (1) week if the patron is notified via postal mail, or three (3) days if the patron is notified by phone or email. To change your notification settings please visit the Circulation Desk with your library card.
If a patron does not pick up materials they have ordered from another library, a fee of $1.00 per item will be charged to their account. Patrons with 5 or more "no pick ups" within a 6 month period will be blocked from requesting materials for one month.
Methods of Payment
The Library accepts Cash, Money Orders, and Credit Cards
(Visa, MasterCard and Discover ONLY). Checks are no longer accepted (as of July 1, 2011).
