Circulation Department
Thank you for visiting the Plainfield Public Library circulation department web page! We hope you find answers to your circulation questions below; please contact us with any additional questions.
Obtaining a Library Card
Library card applications can be filled out at the Circulation Desk or in the Young People's Room (on the lower level). The Library also now offers its visitors the ability to apply for a library card online:
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 two (2) 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, 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 envelope mailed to your address. 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.
Reserving Materials
Plainfield Public Library card holders may reserve an item by:
- completing a hold-slip at the Circulation Desk,
- making a request over the telephone, or
- placing the hold online through the iBistro catalog (your library card number and PIN are required).
Renewing Materials
Borrowed items may be renewed online, in person or by telephone at 908-757-1111 ext. 111 for a two-week (14 day) extension. Renewals may not be allowed for high-demand fiction, DVD’s and videos. If you have any questions, please call.
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Loan Periods
Books & AudioBooks
14 days (no charge)
Videos & DVDs
7 days (no charge)
AudioBook on CD - 14 days (no charge)
Overdue Fines
Adult books: ten (10) cents per book per day
Juvenile books: five (5) cents per book per day
AudioBooks: ten (10) cents per audio per day
DVD’s and Videos: $1.00 per DVD/video per day
The maximum fine for adults is $10.00 and $6.00
for Juveniles.
These fines should be paid at the Circulation Desk.
**Please note -- These charges include Sundays and holidays. When the Library is closed, books may be returned via the Book Drop located near the entrance.**
Online Access to Your Account
Please visit the Circulation Desk in order to be assigned a PIN (personal identification number) for your library account.
To access your library account through the catalog:
- On the iBistro Home Page, enter your Library Card Bar Code number in the box in the top left corner of the page.
- Enter your assigned PIN (this number can be changed upon logging in to the system).
- You can now use your Library Card number and PIN to review your account (click Review My Account on the My Account page), renew items (click Renew My Materials on the My Account page), or to update your email address to be contacted about overdue materials or availability of reserved items.
** Please note: Reciprocal borrowers are not permitted to place system holds – they can only place holds on their registered library's materials. Please contact the circulation department for assistance.**
Interlibrary Loan
If the Plainfield Public Library does not have the item you are looking for, you may request an interlibrary loan. The item will be requested from a nearby library and will be delivered to the Plainfield Public Library for you to pick up typically within two weeks.
To complete an interlibrary loan request, please visit the circulation desk or reference desk to complete the form, which consists of your name, address, contact information, the title of the book, and/or author. You must have a Plainfield Library Card and reside in Plainfield to take advantage of this service. |
