All Library materials must be returned by the due date. Most materials can be checked out for 4 weeks, with the exception of new books, DVDs and music CD’s, which are for 2 weeks, or as labeled. Library materials can be returned to Teaneck Public Library, or to any of the 78 BCCLS libraries.
Library cards are offered without charge to any one who lives or owns property in Teaneck, NJ. In addition, the following township employees are eligible for a library card: Township Attorney, Town Manager, Deputy Town Manager, and the Clerk of the Township. At the discretion of the Library Director, library cards may be issued to other Township employees who are not otherwise eligible for such cards. Patrons who wish to apply for library cards must complete a registration form with their name, address, and contact information.
Adult patrons requesting a library card must present a photo ID with a Teaneck address – no P.O. Box. A current NJ Driver’s License will suffice, or a Bergen County photo ID card. If the photo ID does not have a Teaneck address, they must present ONE of the following, as proof of address in Teaneck: deed, lease agreement, bank or mortgage statement, or utility or credit card bill.
Minors, who are 13 and older, may present their most recent report card, class schedule, or progress report (with their name and Teaneck address) to apply for a Library card. Minors under age 13 are to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who must provide a current photo ID and proof of the current Teaneck address.
Fine-Free
Teaneck Public Library will not charge overdue fees on Teaneck Library materials. Materials borrowed via BCCLS or ILL services may still be subject to fines.
Exempt from this policy will be museum passes, Wi-Fi hotspots, children’s Launchpads, and other select items, as determined by the Library Director, which will still accrue late fees.This also does not include damaged or lost item fees.
Accounts will be blocked when there are: over $10 in fines, 10 or more overdue items, or any “long overdue” (45 days) items.
Automatic Renewals
BCCLS automatically renews eligible items checked out to library cardholders.
How do Automatic Renewals Work?
- Eligible items will renew automatically 3 days before their due date for the full loan period.
- You will receive a notification via email or text if an eligible item has been renewed.
- Notification is only via email or text, so be sure we have your current information in our system.
- You can still renew eligible items at any time through your account at bccls.org or at any BCCLS library.
An item is NOT eligible for Auto-Renew if:
- The item has reached its renewal limit.
- The item is on hold for another patron.
- Your card has expired.
- You owe $10.00 or more in fines.
- You have 10 or more items overdue.
Borrowing Guidelines
Fines are set by the lending library. If an item is borrowed from a library that still imposes fines, you will be assessed that late fine by the owning library. Fines accumulate daily on all overdue items until the item is renewed, returned, reaches a maximum fine, or is declared lost by either the borrower or the Library. Late notices are sent once unreturned items are late – after 30, 60, and 90 days. Library cards will continue to be blocked if an item is not returned after 60 days, or if there are $10 or more in accrued fines. After 90 days, the item will become lost and you will be billed for the replacement cost.
|
Item |
Loan Period |
Number of Renewals |
Daily Overdue Fee |
Maximum Overdue Fee |
Replacement Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Audiobook |
28 days |
2 |
Fine-Free |
N/A |
$45 |
|
Book – NEW |
14 days |
1 |
Fine-Free |
N/A |
$10 – $35 |
|
Book – OTHER |
28 days |
2 |
Fine-Free |
N/A |
$10 – $35 |
|
CD |
14 days |
2 |
Fine-Free |
N/A |
$15 |
|
DVD/Blu-Ray NEW |
7 days |
1 | Fine-Free |
N/A |
$20 |
|
DVD/Blu-Ray OTHER |
14 days |
2 |
Fine-Free |
N/A |
$20 |
|
28 days |
0 |
$5/day |
$20 |
$100 |
|
|
Launchpad |
14 days |
2 |
$1/day |
$10 |
$129 |
|
Magazine |
14 days |
2 |
Fine-Free |
N/A |
$8 |
|
3 days |
0 |
$10/day |
$20 |
List Price |
|
|
Video Game |
14 days |
2 |
Fine-Free |
N/A |
List Price |
Guidelines on Placing Holds
If the Library does not have the item you seek, you may request it from another library, by “placing a hold.” The Library card used to request the item must be presented at the time of pick-up. Proof of a library account includes:
- physical card issued by a BCCLS library;
- current photo ID (staff must have patron verbally verify address if not displayed on ID);
- digital representation of the card;
- card stored on loyalty card app;
- library app or self-checkout app.
Items not owned by BCCLS libraries may be requested via inter-library loan and are limited to five (5) requests per household per calendar year. Subsequent requests are $5.00 each, whether filled or not.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees on May 2, 2024