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WELCOME MESSAGE FROM JOHN HURLEY, LIBRARY DIRECTOR

Hello. Thanks for visiting our web site.

The Woodbridge Public Library has always strived to provide the best quality of information service to the citizens of Woodbridge Township.  This web site is a continuation of our commitment to public service.  We have made some improvements to our website to make it easier to use and to get information to you more quickly.

The web site provides information about your Library and it also opens a door to valuable information resources on the web.  It also brings information services to you 24 hours a day.  You will find unique resources here that are not available for free through other sites.  Some of the services that you can use here are online magazine indexes with full-text  articles, electronic books and downloadable audio books – all  free with your Woodbridge Library card.

When you are looking for information, the best investment you can make with your time is to contact our Reference Librarians.  These talented, dedicated professionals will help you find any information you want on-line or in print.  You can reach them through the e-mail reference service or by calling us at 732-634-4450 and pressing 2.

The Woodbridge Public Library continues to expand online services for you because of the leadership of Mayor John E. McCormac and the Municipal Council. We offer special thanks to them for their support.  Please visit Woodbridge Township’s web site at http://www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us .

We appreciate the fact that you have chosen to use the Woodbridge Public Library as your portal to the internet.  We welcome your suggestions for improvement.  Come back frequently.

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WOODBRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2008

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POLICIES

CIRCULATION POLICIES

LIBRARY CARDS

Library cards are free of charge to people who live, work, attend school or own property in Woodbridge Township. (Avenel, Colonia, Fords, Hopelawn, lselin, Keasbey, Port Reading, Sewaren, and Woodbridge.) Middlesex County Community College students are eligible for a card with the proper ID. All people who do not live, work, attend school or own property in the Township may purchase a non-resident card for $50.00 which is good for one year and can be used by the immediate family.

PROOF OF ADDRESS - To obtain a library card, proof of address is required, and you must apply in person at any Woodbridge Library location. Acceptable ID includes the following:

RESIDENTS - Driver's license, automobile registration, rent receipt or recent utilities bill.

NON-RESIDENTS EMPLOYED IN TOWN - current payroll stub from the Woodbridge employer with the Woodbridge address on it or, a letter with the current date on company letterhead

NON-RESIDENTS TOWNSHIP PROPERTY OWNERS - Property bill of sale or current tax bill

YOUNG ADULTS GRADE 8 AND UP - School ID or report card

CHILDREN THROUGH GRADE 7 - ID is not required

Cards may be renewed when they expire subject to the proper identification. All fines and lost books must be paid for before a new card is issued. Please let us know if you change your name, address or telephone number. Lost or stolen cards should be reported to us immediately.

BORROWING PERIOD

Most books circulate for 28 days. New fiction, selected new non-fiction, school summer reading list books and children's holiday books circulate for 14 days. Other items circulate as follows:

DVDs/Videos - 3 days

Talking books - 14 days

Compact discs - 7 days

Magazines -14 days

Educational media - 14 days

RECIPROCAL BORROWING

Woodbridge Library card holders can borrow books from the Carteret Public Library.  Library cardholders from Carteret may also borrow books from Woodbridge.  Carteret cardholders must have their library cards with them to check out books at the Woodbridge Public Library. Woodbridge cardholders must have their library cards with them to check out books at the Carteret Library.

HOLDS

If the book you want is out, you can place a hold (also called reserve) on it. Patrons can place their own holds at any catalog terminal, or as always, ask the librarian for assistance. Holds can also be placed by calling the Library or from any computer with the Library Catalog. Talking books may also be reserved, but not DVDs/videos, compact discs or school summer reading list books. Always have your library barcode number handy when placing a hold.

FINES AND FEES

Library materials returned late are subject to overdue fines. The fines are 10¢ per day for adult books and 5¢ per day for children's books. Fines on adult books do not exceed $10.00 per item; fines on children's books do not exceed $5.00 per item. Overdue fines for other library items vary. See the complete list of Fines and Fees.

Library users are responsible for the replacement cost of lost or damaged materials. Parents or guardians are responsible for materials borrowed with a Juvenile card (issued to preschoolers through seventh grade students.) The Library has established a flat replacement fee for the various categories of library materials. There is also a non-refundable processing fee of $5.00 for all lost materials. See the complete list of Fines and Fees.

COLLECTION AGENCY

The Library uses the services of a collection agency to retrieve books and other materials which have not been returned in a timely fashion, and to collect outstanding fines and fees. A ten dollar collection agency fee is added to a patron's balance when they are reported to the collection agency.

This is a non-refundable fee that is in addition to the cost of the book and the five dollar processing fee.

RETURNS

An item borrowed at one branch may be returned to another branch. The Fords, Henry Inman and Iselin branches have book drops; the Main Library does not. Woodbridge and Carteret accept returns of items borrowed from either library.

RENEWALS

Print and talking books may be renewed one time only, if there are no holds (reserves) present. Compact discs may also be renewed, but not DVDs/videos or school summer reading list books. An item can be renewed by bringing it to the Library or with Telecirc, the automated telephone system which lets you renew books and check your library record with a touch tone phone.

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WOODBRIDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY
INTERNET ACCESS POLICY

* Note: This policy applies to the use of public Internet terminals in the Main library and the Fords, Henry Inman and Iselin branch libraries.

The Woodbridge Public Library is committed to providing its library users with the best and most current resources available. As part of our goal to meet the recreational, informational and educational needs of our public, the Library makes available free access to the Internet.

The Library endorses the American Library Association Bill of Rights. All Library users are provided equal access to the resources available on the Internet.

The Internet is a world-wide entity with a diverse user population. The Library does not endorse the viewpoints or vouch for the accuracy, authenticity or timeliness of information accessed via the Internet. It is left to each user to determine what information is appropriate. Parents or guardians of minors using the Internet are responsible for providing guidance to the children under their care.

Users have the right of confidentiality in all their activities with resources and services provided by the Library. The Library supports the user's right to privacy; however, users are advised that because security is technically difficult to achieve, electronic communications and files could become public. The Library staff will not monitor or supervise Internet access, other than for length of use. However, the Library reserves the right to terminate an Internet session at any time.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENTS

The Library has no control over any of the resources referenced by this document. Some or all of these resources may be unavailable at any time. Parents or guardians, not the Library or its staff, are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children.

The Library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from its connections to the Internet. The Library makes no guarantee, either expressed or implied with respect to the quality or content of the information available on the Internet. Not all the information available via the Internet is accurate, current or complete. The provision of access does not mean or imply that the Library endorses or sanctions the content or point of view of any of the information or commentary which may be found on the Internet. Because the Internet is a vast and unregulated information network, it may enable access to ideas, information, images and commentary beyond the confines of the Library's collection, mission, selections criteria and collection development policies.

Downloading of software from the Internet is not allowed.

CHILD SAFETY ON THE INTERNET

Parents or guardians are responsible for the Internet information selected and/or accessed by their children. Parents are encouraged to discuss the use of the Internet in relation to family values and boundaries with their children and to monitor their children's use of the Internet.

To assist parents, the Library has available online the pamphlet “Keeping Kids Safer on the Internet” published by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The pamphlet includes "Tips for Parents".  Parents are encouraged to review this information with their children.

In addition, the Library has taken certain measures designed to assist in the safe and effective use of these resources by all minors.

To address the issue of access by minors to inappropriate material on the Internet, including material that is harmful to minors, the Library promotes recommended web sites for children and teens; provides training programs on effective Internet use; and encourages staff to guide minors away from materials that may be inappropriate.

USER RESPONSIBILITIES AND RULES FOR USE

All users of the Internet are expected to use this library resource in a responsible and courteous manner, consistent with the purposes for which it is provided, and to follow all Internet-related rules, regulations and procedures established for its use including, but not limited to, those of the Library.

Internet users WILL:

Recognize that the Internet, like all of the Library's information sources, must be shared and used in a manner which respects the rights of others and refrain from activity that prevents others from using it.

Use the Library's Internet resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only.

Respect intellectual property rights by making only authorized copies of copyrighted, licensed or otherwise-controlled software or data residing on the Internet.

Respect the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user; by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging to others; and by not seeking disallowed access to any computer system via the Internet.

Internet users are PROHIBITED from:

Using Library Internet workstations in a way that is inappropriate for an open public area shared by people of all ages and backgrounds or that interferes with customers, employees or operations of the Library.

Using the Library's Internet resources to conduct a business or commercial enterprise, or engage in commercial activity such as the distribution of advertising.

Using the Internet illegally.

Damaging or altering the setup of the equipment used to access the Internet at the Library.

Altering or damaging software or data residing on the Internet.

Deliberately propagating computer worms or viruses.

Transmitting threatening, harassing or abusive language and images.

COMPLIANCE WITH LIBRARY POLICY AND GUIDELINES

In addition to the policy, general guidelines for the use of all public-access computers govern the use of the Internet in the Library. Violation of the policies and regulations that govern the use of the Library's Internet resources may result in suspension or loss of the privilege to use these resources. Illegal activity involving the Library's Internet resources will be subject to prosecution by the appropriate authorities.

STAFF ASSISTANCE

The Library offers basic skills classes in the use of the Internet. Time permitting, staff will try to answer specific questions about the Internet and offer suggestions for effective searching. However, the Library cannot guarantee that staff will be available to assist users at all times the Library is open. Staff can also provide information about Internet training opportunities and Internet books and manuals.

E-MAIL

The Library does not offer e-mail accounts to library users.  

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WPL INTERLIBRARY LOAN POLICY

A. Definition.

An interlibrary loan is a transaction in which library material, or a copy of the material, is made available by one library to another upon request.

B. Purpose.

The purpose of interlibrary loan is to obtain library materials, either books (print or audio), language tapes and CDs, music CDs, or photocopies not available in the Woodbridge Public Library (WPL) and to loan books (print and audio), language tapes and CDs, music CDs, or send photocopies to other libraries upon request.

C. Conditions of service.

Materials may be obtained or lent in a variety of ways. WPL participates in OCLC and JerseyCat. Requests may also be sent via fax, mail and, by special arrangement, a hand-carried American Library Association form. The method used is determined by the Interlibrary Loan Librarian.

D. Interlibrary borrowing.

1. This service is offered to all patrons holding valid WPL library cards, regardless of the type of card held.

2. Materials which may be borrowed.

a. Books (print and audio), language tapes and CDs, and music CDs, not owned by WPL, as well as materials missing from the collection may be borrowed. Photocopied articles from periodicals not owned may be obtained.

b. Materials which will not be borrowed include: Books that are on order until it is determined they cannot be acquired by WPL and videos/DVDs.

3. Fees.

a. Books will not be requested from libraries that charge fees.

b. Photocopies will generally not be requested from libraries that charge fees. If a patron indicates they are willing to pay, effort will be made to obtain the article. The patron is responsible for the cost and must pay by check, made out to the lending library. Many libraries charge for photocopies over 20 pages in length. In this instance the patron is responsible for the cost.

4. Interlibrary loan requests may be placed at the Reference Desk or via our forms page.

Service Provided:
a.    A patron may request no more than 20 Interlibrary Loans per calendar month.
b.    Requests are limited to print materials, audio books, language tapes and CDs, and music CDs.
c.    Renewals and extensions may be denied when the book is overdue.
d.    Patrons may request the same title once per calendar quarter.

5. Patrons will be notified when the requested materials are in the library by telephone and/or a letter sent through the mail.

6. Borrower's responsibilities.

a. The borrower is responsible for returning materials on time. Books that are overdue will be fined at the same rate as books belonging to WPL.

b. The borrower is responsible for lost or damaged books. A bill will be requested from the lending library and the patron will pay this bill in a check made out to the lending library. If the patron does not make payment, WPL will assume responsibility and patron will be blocked.

7. Books may generally be kept for a period of two weeks. Arrangements may be made to renew books if the patron needs the material longer than the lending period. The patron must speak to a librarian at the Reference Desk to do this.

8. Service will be given as speedily as conditions permit. An attempt will be made to obtain photocopies via fax if the material is needed immediately. However, it must be understood that not all lending libraries will accommodate this request.

9. Interlibrary loan service may be suspended for those who abuse the privilege.

10. Statistics will be kept in accordance with internal, Regional Cooperative Library and State guidelines and requirements.

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EMPLOYMENT

There are currently no openings.

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Please contact the Main Library or Branch where you are interested in volunteering.

Main Library  732-634-4450
Circulation  ext 7100
Children’s Room  ext 7140

Fords Branch  732-726-7071
Henry Inman Branch  732-726-7072
Iselin Branch  732-726-7073

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