Using the Library
Library Membership Benefits
As a library member, you can:
- Borrow items from our print and media collections.
- Check out content from our Digital Library, including eBooks, downloadable audiobooks.
- Access our research databases from home.
- Learn a new language with Rosetta Stone.
- Borrow a Museum Pass.
- Take practice tests for the GED, GRE, SAT, TOEFL, and more with Learn a Test.
- Read Newspapers from around the country with America's News Bank.
Eligibility
Pennsauken Library cards are available free of charge to anyone who lives or owns a business in Pennsauken. Pennsauken public school teachers (pre-K to high school) are also eligible for free cards.
Patrons will be able to get a card immediately at the library with identification and proof of residency or can sign up online and your application will be processed within five business days. The library card will be available for pick up with proper identification.
Acceptable Identification and Proof of Residency
- Valid New Jersey driver's license
- Valid New Jersey ID with expiration date
- Valid passport +
- Government issued ID +
- Valid New Jersey car insurance card or car registration*
- Current-no more than 3 months old-utility bill(must be addressed to person applying for card)*
- Pennsauken property deed*
- Current mortgage statement or lease (must be addressed to person applying for card)*
- Current Property Tax bill*
*These proofs of residency must be accompanied by a government-issued photo ID.
+These proofs of identification must be accompanied by proof of residency.
Non-resident Card
Out-of-town membership cards are available for $45/year. Out-of-town members' cards expire one year from date of application. Cards need to be renewed with valid identification.
Online Resources Card
Non-resident patrons have the option of purchasing an Online Resources Card for $10/year. Card must be purchased at the Circulation Desk with proof of identification (government-issued photo ID acceptable). This card will expire one year from the date of purchase.
An Online Resources Card allows a holder to access the Library's online resources directly from home via personal computer, smartphone or tablet. Non-resident patrons may check out eBooks and Audiobooks from the eBook and Audiobooks Download Center, and receive access to all subscription databases purchased by the Library and offered through the Library's webpage.
Borrowing
The borrowing policy of the Pennsauken Free Public Library (PFPL) exists to facilitate community access to the materials and information in the library's collection. Please visit the library's Borrowing Policy for more information.
Fine and Fees
The Pennsauken Free Public Library is now officially fine-free! As of Monday, April 4, the library will no longer charge daily overdue fines for items, and previous fines accrued for overdue materials will be removed from patrons’ records. The library’s mission is to provide free and open access to information, services, technology, and programming. By removing the barrier to access created by fines, the library can further its mission and better meet the needs of the community.
Pennsauken’s new Fines and Fees Policy eliminates daily fines for overdue materials, but it does not completely remove penalties for overdue items. Patrons who have overdue items on their account will be unable to check out new materials until they have returned the overdue items. Furthermore, patrons will still be charged for the replacement of lost items or items that are overdue beyond 35 days. Extended use fees will remain on some high demand items with limited availability, such as Museum Passes and technology. Materials that are owned by other libraries and borrowed through Interlibrary Loan will still be subject to fines as indicated by the lending institution.
How to Access Your Account
Log in using your name and library card barcode to access your library record. You may renew items, suggest an item for purchase or send comments. All Pennsauken Free Public Library policies still apply. You will not be able to renew items that have been placed on hold by another patron. You will not be able to use the site if your fines exceed $4.95. Although you may use this feature 24 hours a day, if you renew books after the library is closed on the day they are due, you will be charged a late fee. We hope you enjoy this new feature and if you need further assistance you may call 856-665-5959.
Library Rules and Procedures
Here are some basic administrative library rules and procedures to be followed by current and would-be patrons of the Pennsauken Free Public Library.
By following these general policies and procedures, you will achieve the optimum library experience when using the Pennsauken Free Public Library.
You must bring your Pennsauken library card with you to the library upon every visit in order to utilize all library services. Please direct your questions on the Pennsauken library card process to library circulation staff.
New library cards are mailed directly to your home. Processing may take up to seven business days. You may not borrow library materials until you receive your new card(s). Please note: you may immediately utilize library computers after you initially apply for your card.
If you lose your library card, you must report it immediately to the library. You are responsible for all materials borrowed on the card prior to reporting it lost.
Please keep all the library cards in your family up-to-date and fine free. This is important if you want to utilize all library services and to avoid the freezing of your account. Keep the library receipts you receive after you borrow materials as they will serve as informational reminders regarding material due dates.
Materials can only be returned to the library during regular library business hours.
You may renew library items by telephone during regular business hours only or online 24/7.
If you do not have a library card and you want to use a computer terminal, see the Computer and Wireless Policies and Procedures for more information.
You must pay for all copies made from a library computer terminal printer. The charge: 15 cents per copy.
All public bulletin board notices must be approved by the director before they are to be displayed. Notices must be issued by non-profit organizations and must be of an educational and civic nature only.
No business notices are permitted.
Parents/guardians: children nine (9) years of age or younger need to be accompanied by an adult while in the library.
Parents/guardians: children up to and including grade four need to work directly with an adult at a computer station if the Internet is to be utilized.
Cell phones are to be turned off or put on vibrate only mode within the facility. Calls may be made within the lobby area of the facility only.
Please direct all questions to Pennsauken Library staff. Your cooperation and continued support of your Pennsauken Free Public Library is appreciated.