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Don't have a public library card?
It's easy to get one, and it's really useful!
With a public library card from Allendale, Upper Saddle River, or Ho-Ho-Kus, you have access to the resources of 76 public libraries in northern New Jersey! The Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS) doesn't just have books, audiobooks, and videos for you to borrow, but e-books to download, free music to stream, and databases to use for your research. You can request materials from all over the system to be delivered to your town library for you to check out.
If you are a resident of Allendale, Upper Saddle River, or Ho-Ho-Kus, just stop by your local library with a parent and proof of address to get a card.
For more information, contact:
Lee Memorial Library in Allendale
FAQ
(paraphrased from actual students!)
Q. I borrowed a book from the public library once in elementary school and I lost it. I'm sure I owe thousands of dollars of fines on it now! I'm terrified to walk into the Library! They might arrest me!
A. If you lost a book, you have to pay for the cost of the book. You don't also have to pay fines for that book. If the book is already paid for, you're free and clear.
Q. I borrowed a book from the public library once and returned it late, but I never paid the fines. I'm sure I owe thousands of dollars of fines on it now! I'm terrified to walk into the Library! They might arrest me!
A. Fines are capped at $10 per book. You can't owe them thousands of dollars unless you took out hundreds of books and brought them all back months late.
Q. I lost my library card. Doesn't it cost a lot of money to replace it?
A. Depending on how long ago you lost it, the library may charge you $3-$5 to replace the card. In some cases, it's free.
Q. I live in Saddle River, which has no public library. What are my options?
A. You have two:
1. Both Ridgewood and Upper Saddle River Public Libraries provide a family card for $450 per year. The card entitles you to all programs, materials and services available at the Ridgewood or Upper Saddle River library, but will not permit interlibrary loan.
2. Anyone is entitled to use the resources at any library while they are in the library building. You do not need a Ridgewood Library card, for example, to visit that library and use its books or other resources while you are there. You need a card only to check out library materials or to access services from home.
