Get A Library Card: New Brunswick Edition

Getting a library card in New Brunswick is a straightforward process. The East Brunswick Public Library, for instance, offers library cards to all individuals who reside or own property in the Township of East Brunswick. To obtain a card, residents must provide proof of residence or a current tax bill on the property they own. Library cards are also available to students and non-residents who work or attend school in East Brunswick. Additionally, the North Brunswick Public Library provides free library cards to anyone living in North Brunswick or owning property in town. Proof of residency is required, and individuals working in town for a minimum of 20 hours or attending school are also eligible for a card. So, whether you reside in East Brunswick or North Brunswick, getting a library card is simple and accessible.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for a library card in North Brunswick, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Live in North Brunswick and provide proof of residency.
• Own property in North Brunswick and provide a current tax bill.
• Work a minimum of 20 hours per week in North Brunswick and provide a letter from your employer and proof of employment.
• Attend school in North Brunswick.

If you live in North Brunswick but have a Milltown mailing address, you are still eligible for a North Brunswick library card. This applies to the following addresses:

• Elkins Lane
• Lenox Avenue
• Prospect Avenue
• Stelle Avenue
• Tremont Avenue
• West Lawrence Street

Children can get their own library cards from the age of three, but a parent or guardian must be present to provide proof of residency.

If you do not meet any of the above requirements, you can still obtain a non-resident card for $50.00 a year. This card can only be used at the North Brunswick Public Library.

Alternatively, if you live in East Brunswick, you can obtain a library card by providing current proof of residence or a current tax bill on property owned in the Township of East Brunswick. All resident cards must be renewed every three years.

Students from 14 to 17 years of age can secure a provisional library card by presenting a valid school ID. This card will be valid for three weeks, after which a library card application with a parent or guardian's signature must be returned.

Full-service library cards are also issued to non-resident students attending East Brunswick public schools, private schools in East Brunswick, or Middlesex County Vocational-Technical High School. These cards are valid through the current school year ending on August 31.

Full-service library cards are provided to individuals who work 20 or more hours per week in East Brunswick, with the exception of non-resident Township employees who are classified as "seasonal". To obtain this card, applicants must present a letter from their employer and proof of employment.

Additionally, full-service library cards are issued to individuals who are current volunteers of the East Brunswick Township First Aid Squad or the Volunteer Firefighter's Squad. A current letter from the East Brunswick Township or Department where they volunteer is required annually to maintain this card. The annual fee for this card is waived for volunteers.

Proof of residency

To get a library card in New Brunswick, you will need to provide proof of residency. This is required for anyone who wants to obtain a library card, and it applies to both adults and children. Here are the details on what is considered acceptable proof of residency in New Brunswick:

• Current Lease or Rental Agreement: Presenting a valid lease or rental agreement with your name and current address is one way to establish proof of residency.
• Utility Bill: You can provide a recent utility bill (within the last 60 days) from any utility service provider, such as PSEG, Cablevision, or Verizon. The bill must include your name and service address.
• Government-Issued Photo ID: A government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence or identification card, can serve as proof of residency if it displays your current address.
• Property Tax Bill: A current year's property tax bill or notice of assessment obtained from a bank or lawyer's office can be used as proof of residency.
• Benefit Confirmation: You can provide confirmation of benefits issued by the Government of Canada, such as the Universal Child Care Benefit, Employment Insurance, GST/HST Credit, or Canada Pension Plan. Ensure that the documents are issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and are for the current year.
• New Brunswick Social Development Health Card: A valid New Brunswick Medicare Card can be used as proof of residency.
• Employment Confirmation: You may provide a recent pay stub, T4, or a letter from your employer confirming your current address.
• Insurance Policy/Card: Home or auto insurance policies or cards that have been mailed to your address can be used as proof of residency. However, electronic proof of insurance is not accepted.
• Firearms Possession Card: You can provide a firearms possession card with an accompanying letter that includes your name and address.

It is important to note that the requirements for proof of residency may vary slightly depending on the specific library or region within New Brunswick. Always check with your local library to confirm the exact documents they require. Additionally, some libraries may have specific guidelines for children's library cards, so it is recommended to inquire about any age-related requirements.

Application process

To get a library card in New Brunswick, you must be either a resident of the state or own property there. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a library card:

• Proof of residency: You must provide valid, current proof of residency in New Brunswick, such as a government-issued photo ID with your address. If you have recently moved to the state and your ID does not reflect this, you can present other documents such as a current lease or rental agreement, or a utility bill posted within the last 60 days.
• Visit the library: Go to your nearest public library to initiate the application process. In the case of the North Brunswick Public Library, you can also apply for a temporary card online.
• Fill out an application form: You will need to complete a library card application form. For children under 18, parental or guardian authorization is required. Students between 14 and 17 years of age may be eligible for a provisional library card with a valid school ID.
• Provide identification: Along with proof of residency, you may be asked to present additional identification. This could include a valid driver's license, state ID, passport, or other acceptable forms of ID.
• Pay any applicable fees: Some libraries may charge an annual fee for non-resident cards. For example, the East Brunswick Public Library charges $125 per year for a "Full Service" card for non-residents.
• Set up your PIN: You will need to create a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access your online library account and, in some cases, the public computers. You will typically do this when signing up for your card.
• Card renewal: Library cards are typically valid for a set period, such as three years, after which you will need to renew them. To renew your card, present your current ID and address information to the library staff.
• Replacement cards: If you lose your library card, you can obtain a replacement. Most libraries, such as the North Brunswick Public Library, offer the first replacement card for free, with subsequent replacements incurring a small fee.

Card activation

To activate your library card for the North Brunswick Public Library, you will need to set up a Personal Identification Number (PIN). This will allow you to access your online library account and the public computers. You will set this number when you sign up for your card. You will need to obtain your PIN in person at the North Brunswick Public Library.

Your PIN for accessing your online account is different from your PIN for using the public computers. You can set up your PIN for computer use at the Reference Desk.

If you need to change your PIN, you can do so by presenting your library card and ID with a current address to the desk staff or the reference desk. If your address is not updated on your ID, you may present the following as proof of address:

Utility Statement (dated within the last 60 days)

Please note that you cannot obtain your PIN over the phone.

To activate your library card for the East Brunswick Public Library, you will need to create a four-digit PIN. The default is the last four digits of your phone number. If you need to change your PIN, you can do so online if you know your current PIN. If you do not remember your PIN, you will need to check with the Circulation Department staff for your number.

To change your PIN online:

• Go to the catalog login page and click "Log in."
• Enter your library card number and your four-digit PIN to log in to your account.
• Click on the "My Account" tab at the top of the page.
• On the "Personal Information" tab, click on the "Change PIN" section.
• Enter your current PIN and your new PIN.

Card replacement

If you lose your library card, you should report it at once. To get a replacement card, visit the North Brunswick Public Library Circulation Desk. Your first replacement card is free, and subsequent cards cost $2.50. Present a photo ID with your current address to the circulation desk staff to obtain a new card. If your address is not updated on your ID, you may present a utility statement from the last 60 days as proof of address.

Frequently asked questions