Borrowing Library Materials
Collections
The Rutherford Public Library offers a wide variety of materials for children, teens, and adults including books, magazines, music, and movies. Search the library catalog to look up materials or stop by and browse our shelves. Our staff is happy to help you find what you need.
Your library card is your passport to the resources of more than 70 libraries in the BCCLS system. You must present your library card to borrow library materials.
Books, DVD’s, CD’s, magazines, large print books and other materials are available for adults, children, and young adults. Browsing collections of books in Spanish and Korean are available.
The Library has the largest reference collection--books and journals for in-house use--in southern Bergen County.
Issues of the Rutherford newspapers are available on microfilm from 1905 - the current year.
Rutherford was the home of poet William Carlos Williams (1883-1963). In addition to circulating materials by and about Dr. Williams, the Library has a collection of clippings and memorabilia that is available by appointment.
Borrowing
A free Rutherford Public Library card, which must be presented to borrow library materials, is available to those who live or work in the borough of Rutherford. You may apply online for a library card. Identification must be presented to obtain a library card. There is a $3 replacement fee for lost cards.
Loan Periods
Regular books, children’s books, children’s music cds: 28 days
Entertainment videos & dvds: 7 days, non-renewable
Magazines, tutorial & travel videos: 7 days
New books: 14 days
Music cds, cassettes, audio books, children’s videos & dvds: 14 days
Fees are changed for overdue and lost/damaged items as follows: Adult materials $ .10 per day for overdue adult books and all children's materials. $1 per day for overdue entertainment videos and dvds.
Renewals and Reserves
Most materials may be renewed if no one else is waiting for them and they are not overdue. Click on My Library Card to renew items, check the status of items you requested, and check your fine balance. Stop by the Library if you need a PIN (personal identification number).
The Rutherford Library allows readers to reserve up to 10 items per week using the electronic reserve system. Please limit your requests to 5 or fewer on a given day. Items not available through the BCCLS system may be available via JerseyCat, New Jersey's statewide virtual catalog and interlibrary loan system. Please ask our reference staff for help obtaining materials via JerseyCat.