The Library will be closed Monday, October 14 for Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
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policies
Library Cards
Those who wish to register for a library card may do so at the Main Circulation Desk. School children and/or those under 18 years of age shall be provided a card upon completion of an application that must also be signed by a legal guardian. Children must be present to receive a card.
Who Can Get a Card
Borrower cards may be issued free of charge to persons who reside, work, pay real estate taxes or attend an accredited school in Monroe Township. They must complete the required application and present an acceptable form of identification. Non-resident cards are issued for $35.00 per person, per year to those who do not fall into the above categories. Non-resident senior citizens that are 65 and older are eligible for a discounted price.
Library Cardholder Responsibilities
- You must present your library card when checking out materials.
- You are responsible for all materials borrowed on your library card.
- You cannot use your card (the card will be blocked) if you have any overdue materials or fines over $10.
- Cards are not transferrable.
- Family members should use their own cards when checking out.
- Lost cards are replaced for a fee - please see the Main Circulation Desk for details.
- Always receive and ask for a receipt at check-out or when paying a fine. Do not discard this receipt until you are sure that your borrowing record is clear. Our computer records will be considered correct unless you have a receipt to show otherwise.
Renewing Items
As long as there is no reserve or hold on an item and it is not overdue, telephone renewals are accepted during regular Library operating hours. You may also renew items online by Clicking Here.
Movies in the regular collection are good for 2 weeks, just like a book. New movies (located on the shelf as soon as you enter the library) are good for $1 per night, 3 movies max.
Please speak directly to a staff member (856-629-1212 ext. 210 or 211) to renew your item(s).
Most renewals are for a two-week period.
Additional Policies
While we don’t put a limit on how many items you can check out at a time, the Library does ask that you only check out 4 items per subject at a time so other patrons have the ability to access similar information.
No food or drink is permitted inside the library, but patrons may eat and drink in the cafe. Vending machines are provided.
Children under the age of 12 years MUST be accompanied by an adult (18+ years) at all times.
There is no cell phone use in the library. Please have your phone conversations quietly in the main entrance lobby or in our garden.
The library is happy to receive your book donations, but please be aware of our book Donation Policy.
MATERIALS DONATIONS GUIDELINES
The Free Public Library of Monroe Township appreciates the many donations of new and used books and non-print materials that are received each year. Each item is evaluated by one of the professional librarians to determine the condition and if the items fill a need in the collection. Donations that are not catalogued are put into the outgoing book sale in the Library’s store or given to the Friends of the Library for their biannual book sale (taking place in the spring and fall). In this effort, the Library and Library Friends have to be selective taking into consideration space, relevance, condition, need and labor. All proceeds from book sales are used to enhance the library programs, services and the collection. The Library reserves the right to utilize or dispose materials as warranted.
Once items are donated, they become the sole property of the library who then determines their disposition. Items will not be returned to the donor. No conditions as to their use may be imposed by the donor. In addition to the materials, all cartons, bags containers, etc that are used to deliver the items will also become the property of the Library. No boxes, containers, etc will be held for return.
All donated items should be brought to the Circulation Desk. Items left outside will have to be automatically discarded.
Acceptable Items for Donation
- Hardcover and paperback books in good condition, both fiction and nonfiction for children, teens and adults (10 years old or less are preferred, please check the copyright date; older materials will be considered if in excellent condition)
- DVDs, CD audiobooks and music CDs in good condition in their original containers. Copies are not acceptable.
- Books about Monroe Township or New Jersey in good condition.
Materials we cannot use
- Technology, health, travel, finance, law or technical books over 3 years old.
- Computer software or computer manuals (CDROMs, floppy discs, etc)
- Books that have been highlighted, written, stained, pages/covers torn or missing; any sign of mold or insect damage will automatically be sent to trash/recycling.
- Encyclopedias, condensed books (such as readers Digest,) or National Geographic
- College text books over 2 years old (no textbooks from area schools will be accepted)
- Any damaged materials. All non-print items must be in their original cartons or cases (DVDs, CD Music, etc).
- No VHS or cassette items. All duplicated non-print items will be discarded per copyright laws.
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Loan Periods
Books2 weeks
Audio Books2 weeks
Music CDs2 weeks
DVDs2 weeks
Select DVDs1 - 3 nights
Reference MaterialsDo not circulate
Adult Newspapers/MagazinesDo not circulate
Children/Teens Magazines2 weeks
Fees and Overdue Charges
Adult Items (overdue)$0.20/day
Juvenile Items (overdue)$0.20/day
Select DVDs (checkout)$1.00 per night
DVDs (overdue)$2.00/day
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facilities
For a smaller study room contact the Reference Desk as 856-629-1212 x206. For a larger conference room please contact Karen Uhl at 856-629-1212 x203. She will provide you with a detailed room use policy that will need to be signed and returned with the deposit, a Certificate of Insurance and either a business card or company letterhead.
Meeting Rooms
Meeting Room A and Meeting Room B can be used separately or together.
Both Meeting Rooms can hold 266 people standing, 190 people with just chairs and 89 people with chairs and tables (as per the fire code).
The rooms are equipped with the following:
- Tables and chairs that can be configured to fit your needs.
- A PC attached to a large screen projector.
- A wireless microphone.
- PowerPoint remote/laser pointer.
- Kitchen with microwave, coffee maker and refrigerator.
Meeting Room C, our newest meeeting room, is equiped with a stage. Meeting Room C also has an enterance from the Marsha Avenue parking lot. At this time there is no sound system in this meeting room.
The rooms can only be used during regular library hours. Users are responsible for setting the room up and returning it to its original condition. Users must bring their own coffee, plates, cups and other supplies. There is a cleaning charge if the room is not left properly.
Please note that there is a fee to use these rooms. Half of the fee is due at the time of scheduling a room, with the remaining balance due at the end of the event.
If you are interested in using one or both of the Meeting Rooms, please contact Karen Uhl at 856-629-1212 ext 203. She will provide you with a detailed room use policy that will need to be signed and returned with the deposit, a Certificate of Insurance and either a business card or company letterhead.
Study/Tutor Rooms
The library has three study/tutor rooms available for public use during regular library hours. Each room is equipped with WiFi access, table, chairs and electrical outlets. Rooms must be reserved in advance in accordance with the following policy:
- All teaching/tutoring must take place in one of the Library's Study/Tutor Rooms.
- The use of Study/Tutor Rooms is free of charge and no fees of any kind may be collected by an instructor.
- All persons using a Study Room must sign a Study Room Agreement.
- Study Rooms may be used for a maximum of two hours per day.
- Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Study rooms may be reserved in advance by speaking to the Librarian at the Reference Desk or by calling 856-629-1212 ext 206.
Public Internet Computers
Your library has a total of 28 public web computers. All library patrons with an active and valid library card are given access to these computers. Non-Members can join the library or purchase a guest pass at the Circulation Desk.
Technology Lab
Our Technology Lab features 12 Windows computers and a presenter PC connected to a projector. The projector screen also acts as a dry erase board. This room is great for lectures on technology, demonstrations of online products or software and other computer classroom activities.
Please call 856-629-1212 ext 203 or email info@monroetpl.org to schedule the use of this room.
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amenities
Children's Story Room
Our Story Room is a spacious room where kids can listen to stories, watch cartoons and do crafts. It has its own sink for washing hands, storage cabinets for storage of craft materials and a door to the outdoor children's courtyard. Best of all, a flick of a switch lights up a ceiling full of stars!
The Story Room is NOT open for public.
Library Store
The library store sells used books for fifty cents or a dollar.
We also have Library bags, bookmarks, travel mugs and more!
Garden
Our garden is a beautifully landscaped haven for our patrons to escape and enjoy a good book. The garden has a screened gazebo with chairs, picnic table and benches.
Fireplace
The library features a large collection of periodicals and magazines that we invite you to browse while enjoying the relaxing fireplace.
Cafe
The library cafe is a place to sit with your laptop or book and enjoy a cup of coffee or snack. It features a sink, tables and chairs and vending machines.
WiFi access is available.
-Please note that food and drink are not permitted inside the main library.
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board & minutes
Library Board
(5 Year Term) Mayor Appointments Advice and Consent of Council
(N.J.S.A. 40:54-9 et.al.)
Apply for MembershipBOARD MEMBERS
President
Joan Betterly
Term Expires: 12/31/26
Vice-President
Joyce Samoyan
Term Expires: 12/31/28
Treasurer
Suzanne King
Term Expires: 12/31/27
Member
Theresa VanLeer
Term Expires: 12/31/25
Member
Jeanne Kirsch
Term Expires: 12/31/26
Member
John Pohler, Jr.
Term Expires: 12/31/24
PROXY MEMBERS FOR SCHOOL SUPT. AND MAYOR
Superintendent of School Proxy
Janet Mead
Mayor's Proxy
Allison Munch
Council Liaison
Cncl. Ron Garbowski
Clerk Transcriber
Karen Uhl
LIBRARY BOARD MEETS: 3rd WEDNESDAY 7:00PM
MONROE TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY, CONFERENCE ROOM
Board Meeting Minutes (posted after the review/approval of the Library Board)
Library Board Meeting Minutes
2024
2023
2022
July 2022 - NO MEETING
August 2022 - NO MEETING
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friends of the Library
We are a nonprofit volunteer organization that provides supplemental funding for programs and special needs of the library not included in the budget. We promote the library as a center for education, cultural enrichment and entertainment in the community as well as recruiting and developing volunteers to serve with us as ambassadors of the library.
WHO WE ARE
Members of the Friends of the Library are made up of local residents and businesses who like you, recognize all that the Monroe Township Public Library has to offer our community and want to support it. The Friends raise money through fundraising to offer financial support for various library programs and library materials. The Friends also promote awareness of the Library and the services offered to the community.
HOW WE FUNDRAISE
- Memberships
- Craft and Holiday Fairs
- Holiday Gift Wrap
- Books Sales
- Donations
HOW FUNDS ARE USED
- Children's Educational Crafts
- Children's Science equipment
- Refreshments for library programs and events
- Provide money for needed library materials that are not in the budget
- Yoga Classes
- Museum Passes
- Author talks
- Events for the enjoyment of the community
HOW YOU CAN HELP?
Buy books and other media - whether you’re looking for a good book or a gift, we offer quality best sellers, non-fiction, and children's books at bargain prices.
Volunteer and join us in helping with various activities including book sales, gift wraps, sorting.
Donate items. We welcome donations of books and audio/visual materials for our book sales. Read our donation guidelines, as there are some items we do not accept.
Donate funds.
Make new Friends! We invite you to meet your neighbors, make new friends and make a difference in your community.
Become a Friend of the Library
We invite you to become an active member and join us at our meetings, on the first Monday of the month at 2:00 pm in the library, no meeting in July & August.
Check the library calendar for changes.
Please join us in this effort, and enjoy the good feeling that comes with helping the library to continue to enrich the lives of all residents in our community. Thank You!
Voice your ideas and suggestions at our monthly planning meetings. You can view the Minutes of previous meetings by CLICKING HERE
To become a member of the Friends of the Library, either click the button below for a downloadable form or CLICK HERE to fill out an online version of the Friends of the Library Member Form.
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