Library Cards

Resident Card: Anyone who lives in or pays property taxes in the Borough of Metuchen is eligible to receive a Metuchen Public Library resident card, free of charge, with full privileges to library materials, resources, and programs. The library card will need to be updated every three years.

Senior Card: Metuchen residents ages 65 and over are eligible for a Senior Card.  Please bring a proof of identity. Senior Cards will need to be updated every three years and have the following rules:

• Exempt from overdue fines on materials that are checked out ONLY at Metuchen Public Library.
• Card will be blocked when library account has reached 5 overdue items.
• Overdue fines may be charged when items are checked out at other libraries in LMxAC (Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium).
• Card will be blocked when library account has reached $10.00 in overdue fines charged by other LMxAC libraries.
• Responsible for paying lost or damaged items.

“Works-in-town” Card: Anyone who works in the Borough of Metuchen and whose home library is outside of LMxAC is eligible to receive a Metuchen Public Library card, free of charge. The library card will be updated on a yearly basis. Patrons with a reciprocal card have:

• A limited borrowing privilege to Metuchen Public Library materials.
• Rights to participate in most library programs except programs that are limited to Metuchen residents.
• Limited access to online databases and e-resources that are subscribed to by LMxAC.
• No access to online databases and e-resources that are subscribed solely by Metuchen Public Library.
• No access to materials from other LMxAC libraries.

Paid Non-Resident Card: Anyone who lives outside the LMxAC can purchase a non-resident Metuchen Public Library card for $75.00 per year. Patrons with a paid non-resident card have:

• Full borrowing privilege to Metuchen Public Library materials.
• Rights to participate in most library programs except programs that are limited to Metuchen residents.
• Rights to be put on the waiting list for programs that are limited to Metuchen residents.
• Limited access to online databases and e-resources that are subscribed to by LMxAC.
• No access to online databases and e-resources that are subscribed solely by Metuchen Public Library.
• No access to materials from other LMxAC libraries.

All who are interested in obtaining a Metuchen Public Library card must provide a valid form of government-issued photo identification and a proof of residency, proof of paying property taxes, or proof of employment in the Borough of Metuchen. This may include a driver’s license, passport, property lease, a recent utility bill, etc. A P.O. Box number is not a valid proof of residency within the Borough of Metuchen.

Resident Cards and Senior Cards are valid for three (3) years. All other cards are valid for one (1) year.

All patrons will be notified via phone or email to renew their library cards. To renew your card, visit the library with a valid form of government-issued photo ID and proof of residency, proof of paying property taxes, or proof of employment in the Borough of Metuchen. This may include a driver’s license, passport, property lease, a recent utility bill, etc. A P.O. Box number is not a valid proof of residency within the Borough of Metuchen.

A replacement for a Metuchen Public Library card is $3.00 per card. An individual who has misplaced his/her card must visit the Metuchen Public Library with the appropriate documentation to be re-issued a new card. Upon receiving a new library card, the lost Metuchen Public Library card will be de-activated and unable to be used.

To apply for a temporary library card online, please visit the temporary card application page. (You will still be required to come into the library for a physical card.)

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call the library at (732) 632-8526 or email metuchenpubliclibrary@metuchenlibrary.org.