Privacy

In general, only the staff and the cardholder have access to information about a patron's library record. The New Jersey Statute 18A: 73-43.2 requires that library records that contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of libraries are confidential and shall be disclosed only in very specific circumstances:

1. The records are necessary for the proper operation of the library;
2. Disclosure is requested by the user; or
3. Disclosure is required pursuant to a subpoena issued by a court or court order.

Additionally, under the federal USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, disclosure of library records may be required when a search warrant or court order is presented to the library.

The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of a child(ren) under 11 years of age is(are) entitled to information relating to the use of the minor child’s card, as this is deemed as essential and necessary for the proper operation of the library. However, if a child (patron) is 11 over years of age, the library will not disclose information regarding the account with anyone other than that patron, unless that patron authorizes such disclosure.

When patrons telephone for information about items being held, titles will be given if the caller supplies the appropriate library card barcode number. Library staff may confirm that reserves are being held for a person who the caller names, but may not reveal the titles unless the caller provides the library card barcode number. A patron may pick up reserved items for others if he or she presents the other individual's library card.

When patrons telephone to renew items, the caller must supply the appropriate library card barcode number. In person, patrons may renew or check out items for others if he or she presents the other individual's library card.

Obtaining a Library Card

Any Franklin Township resident over the age of 18 may apply for a Library card. This must be done in person. The card is free of charge to anyone who lives or owns property in Franklin Township, works for the municipal government or owns a business in the township. Residents under the age of 18 can obtain a Library card with a parent or guardian’s signature and proof of residency. Once minors are granted permission to have their own Library cards, they are entitled to the same privileges as adults.

Proof of residency is required in the form of a valid driver’s license with a Franklin Township street address. If this is not available, one of the following -- in addition to a form of photo identification -- may be used instead: deed, current bill, or current bank statement in your name with a Franklin Township street address. (The Library defines “current” as being within the last 30 days.)

Non-residents may purchase a Library card for a yearly fee of $50.00. Reciprocal Library members may qualify for a free membership. Please see our website for a list of all Reciprocal Libraries where your Franklin Township Library Card can be used to obtain free privileges.

The Library requires all cardholders to provide a valid home or personal cell phone number.

Library cards must be periodically updated. At that time, you will be required to show ID, and proof of residency to renew your borrowing privileges.

Replacement fee for a lost card is $3.00.

Loan Periods

Patrons are required to present their Library cards when checking out items, renewing materials, or placing holds -- no exceptions! If you do not have your Library card with you, we will place the materials aside for you for 48 hours.

Loan periods vary. It is patrons’ responsibility to return or renew materials on time. Patrons will be offered a receipt listing the items’ due dates when checking out new items. Patrons are responsible for notifying the Library if they suspect any discrepancies in their accounts. Patrons cannot check out or renew materials if they have $5.00 or more in fees on their accounts. Fines for overdue materials are as follows:

• Materials from the Adult and Young Adult collections: $.10 per day
• Children’s materials: $.05 per day
• Children’s Media bags: $.10 per day

Payments can be made in cash or by check. A twenty-dollar bill is the largest denomination the Library can accept. The Library cannot accept payment by credit or debit card. The Library does not refund late fee money or issue credits.

Video Club

To borrow entertainment movies you must be a member of the VIDEO CLUB. You can purchase a membership anytime at the Circulation desk. Club membership is only available to patrons 18 years and older unless a parent or legal guardian gives consent. Parents/legal guardians are responsible for video selections by minors.

 
• Club membership costs $10 per household. This is a one-time, non-refundable fee.
• To join the VIDEO CLUB, you must be age 18 or older and have a valid Franklin Township Public Library card. Patrons are required to present their library card to checkout any circulating library material.
• Family members are responsible for informing the library if they want to extend a courtesy membership to other household members. Refunds cannot be made if two household members pay for video privileges.
• Club privileges to minors can only be made with permission from a parent/legal guardian. Parent/legal guardian must be able to qualify for membership. The library is not responsible for video selections made by minors.
• Patrons rent movies at their own risk. The library is not responsible for any damage to equipment from use of our movies.
• Library policy requires that staff check the contents of all media before they can check items out to a patron and again before the item will be checked back in. Patrons will be held responsible for any items not returned intact.
• Patrons are responsible for immediately notifying the library if movies are damaged or otherwise not playable.
• Patrons are responsible for returning movies in complete and undamaged condition.
• Availability of entertainment movies is on a first come first served basis. You cannot place a reserve (a.k.a. hold) on these items.
• The library carries movies on Blu-ray disc! Blu-Ray discs will not work in a standard DVD player. (Please note, if you have an older Blu-Ray player at home you may need to download upgrades from the manufacturer’s website.)
• Blu-Rays should not be confused with “Blue Dots,” which is the library’s traditional term for new releases.
• Blue Dots (new releases) may only be borrowed for two days. You are limited to one Blue Dot at a time. For all others movies you are limited to five items for five days.
• Blue Dots cannot be renewed – no exceptions! All others can be renewed one time either online, in person, or by telephone.
• Because of item limits, movies must be checked in by a Circulation staff member before you can borrow more that same day. Items returned in the drop boxes will not be cleared from your account for several hours.
• There is no charge to borrow movies; however, overdue fees can accumulate quickly.
  • Blue Dots are fined $1.50 per item each day overdue.
  • “Children’s” are fined $0.50 per item each day overdue.
  •  All others are fined $1.00 per item each day overdue.
• If the library is closed, you can return movies in the library’s media drop located to the left of the main entrance.
• Please return your rentals on time! Other patrons may be waiting to borrow the movies that you keep past due.
 

Renewing Loans

There are three ways that you can request to renew materials from home:

1. From the Library’s homepage (www.franklintwp.org) log in to your account using the MY ACCOUNT feature. To log in you will need your Library card number and PIN. Once you are logged on, you can choose to view your checkouts, request to renew checkouts, or change your PIN. Please see the Renewal Guide for more detailed instructions.
2. Call SAM, our automated telephone system any time – whether the Library is open or closed – to check your account. You will need your Library card number and PIN. SAM can be reached by dialing 732-873-3985 or 732-873-3986.
3. Call the Library during Library hours to talk to a staff member. Dial 732-873-8700 and press 2 for the Circulation Department. You must provide your Library card number for staff to access your account information.

Even if loans are overdue, patrons with less than $5.00 in fines can still self-renew their checkouts.

Most items can be renewed twice, but some restrictions apply.

• New fiction and Entertainment movies may only be renewed one time.
• Items on hold for another user, Inter-Library Loans, and Blue Dot Entertainment movies may not be renewed.
• If you owe $5.00 or more in Library fees, you will not be able to renew online or by using SAM. For additional help, please call the Circulation Department.
• The Library’s automated systems are updated between 12:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. every day. Brief outages may occur. Please try again when the system is finished updating.

Lost or Damaged Materials

If patrons lose or damage any Library materials, they may be charged replacement and processing fees. Patrons may bring in a replacement copy only with prior approval from the Library. The Library cannot accept replacement copies for certain materials. The Library reserves the right to reject replacements bought by patrons if they do not meet our standards. Money for lost items that has been paid can only be refunded if the Library finds the item within six months of payment. Otherwise, the item becomes property of the patron.

Library Notices

It is the cardholder's responsibility to inform the Library of the loss of his/her Library card or any changes to his/her address, telephone number or email. Failure to inform the Library of any changes will result in the Library’s inability to send reminder notices. Failure to receive notices does not absolve the cardholder of the responsibility of maintaining his/her account.

Library notices are sent via telephone or email. For most Library materials, an overdue notice is sent when items are one week overdue. A second notice is sent at three weeks overdue. One last attempt to notify you will be made at five weeks overdue. After eight weeks, long overdue items are assumed lost and your record will be billed for replacement charges. Borrowers are notified of overdue Entertainment movies when the items are four days late.

If you feel you have received a notice in error, please call the Circulation Desk at 732- 873-8700 ext. 2. We kindly ask you to please double check at home or in your car before you call us.