A Special Message from the Library Director

The South Plainfield Public Library has instituted some significant new rules that take effect with the start of the new school year. The Board of Trustees approved the following: 'Any child between the ages of 12-18 unaccompanied by a parent must have a South Plainfield Public Library card and a photo ID or photo on file in the library's system to ENTER the Library and use the facility between 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Children coming to the Library, especially after school, MUST have a South Plainfield Library card and their school id with picture with them to enter the Library. If they do not have both those items, they will be denied access to the library building.'

The library's new circulation system allows us to take a picture of each patron and attach that picture to their file in the computer (parents will have to give permission for children). The library is doing this to prevent anyone from using someone else's card. Only the Library staff will see the picture that is kept on the patron record in the computer system. It is unfortunate that we have to take these steps, but they will protect both our patrons and the Library from any dishonesty.

Furthermore, with the configuration of the library's new computer system 'Children with no AV permission cannot check out AV material'. In the past the old circulation system allowed staff to override the AV permission provision when the parent/guardian was present. However, that is not an option with the new system. If a parent/guardian wants a child to be able to take out AV materials (DVDs, CDs) on the child's own card, the parent/guardian must come into the Library and fill out a new permission form.

The library's new circulation system allows access to your account through the library's website. If you are going to log in, you need to enter your name, your full South Plainfield Library card number, and your pin. The pin is the last four digits of the telephone number that is attached to your record. Also, we now have the ability to send you email reminders several days before your material is due and if you have placed a hold that is ready for pick up. Please make sure we have your current email address if you would like to receive the reminders. Patrons will be charged 50 cents for a hold. If the hold is not picked up, there will still be a 50 cent charge.

There are several changes to the Computer Use Policy approved by the Library Board. As of now, whenever someone comes to the Library to use a public computer, they must first come to the Reference Desk and make a reservation. This procedure must be followed regardless of whether or not any computer is being used. Furthermore, the person must have a photo ID on file in the library's system or show a driver's license/school photo id. Anyone using the library's internet computers must be logged on with their own card. Anyone found using another card (even from the same family) will lose their internet privileges. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and the parent/guardian must remain with the child while they are on the computer. On days when school is in session, there will be no time renewals between 2:30 and 6 PM.

Computer users who are not residents of South Plainfield will have to obtain a new card from the South Plainfield Public Library. Nonresidents will be charged $2.00/hour (or any part thereof) for computer usage. Printing will remain at 10 cents per page for black & white and 50 cents for color.

There have been a few minor changes to the Interlibrary Loan Program. Due to Governor Christie restoring some funding to the New Jersey State Library, the interlibrary loan program has been extended. However, there are two changes to our program. First, if you request an interlibrary loan and do not pick it up, there will be a 50 cent charge on your Library account. Secondly, in the past, the Library has absorbed the cost of mailing items that came from outside the state of New Jersey. From now on, patrons requesting items for which there is no NJ library with the item will be charged postage and handling to return the item. The library will need the patron's approval in these cases. Also, remember that requests for interlibrary loans can be made using our website.

If you need further information on any of the topics discussed above or anything else, please feel free to call the Library at (908) 754-7885 or visit us either at www.southplainfield.lib.nj.us or 2484 Plainfield Ave. (next to Borough Hall).

Sunnie Randolph, Library Director
September 9, 2010