How to Get a Library Card

You can apply for a library card online, or by visiting the library in-person during our normal hours of operation at 840 Teaneck Road. While the library is closed for renovations, please visit New Milford Library at 200 Dahlia Drive.

Library cards are offered without charge to any one who lives or owns property in Teaneck, NJ.  Patrons who wish to apply for library cards must complete a registration form with their name, address, and contact information.

A photo ID with a Teaneck address (no P.O. Box) is required for a library card. If the photo ID is up-to-date and shows the current address, then that is all that is needed to obtain a card. If the photo ID does not have a Teaneck address, the following are examples of what may be used to present their Teaneck address (one document).

Other photo IDs – passport, employee, or school ID without a Teaneck address, will require an additional document as proof of residency in Teaneck – see below.

Digital or print versions of any of the below documents would be acceptable:
● lease agreement (current);
● bank statement (within 3 months);
● utility bill (within 3 months);
● credit card bill (within 3 months);
● any piece of government-issued U.S. mail addressed to the applicant, delivered within 30 days, should be presented with the photo ID.

NJ photo ID (i.e.. NJ driver’s license) – with current Teaneck address satisfies the residency requirement for a library card.

NY photo ID (i.e.. NY driver’s license) and now lives in Teaneck – NY photo ID must be accompanied with an additional document as proof of residency – see above.

Minors (13 and older) may present their most recent report card, class schedule or progress report showing their name and Teaneck address to apply for a Teaneck Library card.

Minors (under age 13) are to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This parent/guardian must provide a current photo ID and proof of the current Teaneck address.

The library card cannot be used to check out materials if it has $10 or more in charges or fines
on it. A person with a valid Teaneck library card may check out materials from, or use a public computer at, any library in the Bergen County Cooperative Library System.
Cardholders are financially responsible for anything checked out on their card, including overdue fines from other libraries. If the cardholder is a child, then the parent or guardian  is financially responsible for anything checked out on the child’s card. Allowing others to use one’s card is done at one’s own risk.

Babysitters/au pairs – must use their employers’ card.

Courtesy Cards
● Patrons who work in Teaneck, but do not live in a BCCLS member town, may request a courtesy card.
● A photo ID with home address must be presented with a letter from the employer on company letterhead showing employment in Teaneck, or with the latest pay stub showing the name and address of the employer.
● Courtesy cardholders are restricted to on-site use of the library materials physically located at the Teaneck Public Library only.  Courtesy Cards expire after one year.

Card Renewals
● Library cards are valid for three years and are not automatically updated in the system.
● Patrons need to physically come into the library to renew their cards with a current photo ID and proof of Teaneck address.
● For minors under age 13, a parent/guardian must be present to renew the child’s card.
● If there are blocks, or fines of $10 or more, expired cards may not be renewed.

Replacement Cards
The first replacement for a lost library card will be free. Additional replacement cards incur a fee of $1 each.

Library cards may be replaced free in these instances:
● Card is worn out from use;
● Card has been stolen;
● Card has been destroyed by an act of nature.

Lost or Stolen Cards
Cardholders should report a lost or stolen card immediately by calling or visiting the Teaneck Public Library. Staff will immediately bar the card and note the date in the comments field.
Cardholders are responsible for all items checked out on their card up to the time it is reported lost or stolen, including overdue fines or other fees.  If cardholders notice items checked out on their library account that they do not recognize, it is their responsibility to contact the Teaneck Public Library immediately.

Approved April 7, 2022

Copy

Two self-service black and white copy machines are available for use by library patrons near the first floor reference area and the downstairs periodical area. Copies are available in letter (8.5″ x 11″) and legal (8.5″ x 14″) size. The charge for copying is $0.10 per page.

Print

Library patrons are able to print from any of our computer workstations as well as remotely from their personal devices. Prints are only available in single-sided letter size (8.5″ x 11″). Costs per page for printing are $0.10 for black and white, and $0.50 for color.

Scan

Scanning is available to the public free of charge. A scanner can be borrowed from the Reference Desk and used on any of the public computers. Scanned documents can be saved or printed.

Mobile Printing

We have recently introduced Princh, a new printing solution, at our library. Princh enables easy printing from mobile phones, tablets, or laptops, both remotely and within the library premises. Please take note of the updated instructions below.

Print jobs can be sent to the library printer from anywhere with Internet access. Print jobs will only be held for 24 hours after it is submitted. Use one of the options below, then pay for and pick up your print job in the Reference Room. Library’s WiFi and Internet Policies apply.

Cost
Black & White – $0.10 per page
Color – $0.50 per page

Options:

• Option 1: Upload to Web Portal
  1. Click the following link to upload your print job to the library’s Mobile Print Service: Princh Web Portal
  2. Be sure to specify the number of copies and whether you prefer black & white or color printing.
  3. Visit the Reference Room at the Teaneck Public Library to pay for and collect your print job.
  
• Option 2: Email Us
  1. Send an email or an email with an attachment to:
  Black and White: [email protected]
  Color: [email protected]
  2. Visit the Reference Room at the Teaneck Public Library to pay for and collect your print job.
  *Note: this method is best if you are only printing 1 copy of your document. If you are printing multiple copies, it is best to upload to the web portal.

The Teaneck Public Library is happy to offer free notary services for Teaneck residents only, by appointment Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with the following stipulations:

• You must call in advance for an appointment: 201-837-4171, x309.
• You must bring US government- issued photo identification (that shows your Teaneck address).
• The form must be filled out completely, but NOT signed; you must sign in front of the notary.
• If witnesses are required, you must bring them with you.
• Notaries cannot provide legal advice or counseling in regards to the documents.
• Notaries reserve the right to decline service.

For the person seeking notary service

• The notary is generally in the library, but may not always be available. You must have an appointment. Please CALL 201-837-4171, x309 to schedule an appointment.
• All persons who must sign the document(s) MUST all be present at the time of the notarization.
• Each person who is to sign the document(s) is REQUIRED to have a valid US government-issued photo identification (i.e. photo driver’s license, passport).
• DO NOT sign and DO NOT date the documents beforehand. The Notary witnesses your signature. Any previously signed and dated documents will NOT be notarized.
• In instances where a witness is required, the person requesting notary service MUST bring a witness who personally knows the individual requesting the service. The witness is REQUIRED to have a valid government-issued photo identification (e.g. photo driver’s license, passport).  Library staff and patrons cannot act as a witness.

For the documents to be notarized

• MUST be in English in order to be notarized.
• MUST be complete before being notarized. Forms with blank spaces cannot be notarized.
• CANNOT be copied and certified as “true copies.” Please note that certified copies of many documents such as birth/death/marriage certificates are often available from the original issuing agency.

In accordance with New Jersey notarial law

• Notaries will not provide service if the customer, document, or circumstances of the request for Notary Service raise any issue of authenticity, ambiguity, doubt, or uncertainty for the Library. Under these circumstances, the Library Notary may, at his/her sole discretion, decline to provide Notary Service.
• A Notary and the customer seeking notarization must be able to communicate directly with each other. Library Notaries are not permitted to make use of a translator to communicate with individuals requesting this service.

NOTE: Notary Service is NOT available for power of attorney, mortgage documents, deeds, wills, living wills, living trusts, codicils, depositions, or vital records, as these types of documents can require specialized knowledge and are beyond the scope of this type of service. The Notary does not interpret or explain your documents. In addition, the notary cannot perform oaths of office.

I. General

1.1 Reservation of rights. The Board of Trustees of the Teaneck Public Library reserves the right to limit, control and determine the conditions of any and all uses of the Library Auditorium by non-library organizations. These regulations may be changed at any time, subject to legal limitations.

1.1a Organizations that violate the auditorium use policy will be issued a written notice informing them of the violation(s). If there is a second violation, all subsequent uses of the Library Auditorium by the offending organization will require a $100 refundable deposit, to be left with the Library at least seven (7) days prior to the scheduled event. The deposit will be returned to the organization when the Library staff ascertain that the Auditorium has been left in the condition specified in the use policy.

1.2 Limitation of use to Teaneck nonprofit organizations, as well as agencies of local, county, state and federal government. The Auditorium may be used by the Teaneck organizations in which either a significant number of its members, or a significant number of the people it serves, are Teaneck residents. As used herein, the term “significant” shall mean fifty (50) or more persons.

1.3 Events open to public; no admission charged. All meetings held in the Library’s Auditorium must be open to the public. No admission fee may be charged. Fundraising is prohibited, unless written permission is granted by the Board. 

1.4 No landlord-tenant relationship. An application and approval thereof for use of the Auditorium does not constitute a landlord-tenant relationship. Rather, it is a use permit, revocable for good cause.

1.5 Non-transferability. A use permit may not be transferred from one organization to another. Any attempt to do so will result in such permit being deemed null and void.

1.6 Single day events only. Use permits are not available for multiple days or nights; rather, they are available only for single-day or single-night events.

1.7 Custodial services required. Library custodial personnel serve as stewards of Library property and are not to be used by, or to be subject to the directives of, the applicant. A custodian must be on duty the entire time the Auditorium is occupied for the event. Other authorized Library personnel shall have free access to the Auditorium at all times, including the time the Auditorium is used by the applicant.

1.8 No smoking. Smoking is not permitted on Library premises, including the Auditorium.

1.9 Minors. If permission is granted to an organization whose members are eighteen (18) years of age or younger, at least one adult will attend the event and be responsible for their conduct. An adult must also sign the application.

1.10 Limitations on serving refreshments. Light refreshments may be brought in. Limited kitchen facilities are available. No dishes, silverware, or paper goods will be provided. All refuse must be disposed of in containers provided and the room left in an orderly condition. The Library may make available, upon request, its vacuum cleaner.

1.11 Audio/visual aids. Organizations making audio/visual presentations should provide and operate their own equipment. Equipment may be obtained from the Library, but only with advance notice, subject to availability, and fee. The organization/sponsors must provide a trained operator.

1.12 Prohibition on use of walls. No material may be attached to the walls for display purposes.

1.13 Publicity. Publicity for events must include a telephone number or other means of directly contacting the individual sponsor or organization sponsor. Library staff will not provide program information.

1.14 Strict compliance with law required. Applicants shall comply strictly with all Township ordinances and rules and regulations of the Health, Police and Fire Departments regarding public assemblies. Use of the Auditorium will be limited to the capacity approved by the Fire Department. If it is necessary to have a uniformed fireman present to enforce this safety regulation, it will be at the expense of the applicant.

1.15 Set-up and restoration. The Auditorium shall be set up “theater style,” with 75 seats (approximate). Any other seating configuration shall be the responsibility of the applicant. Custodians may not be used to move seats or furniture. Upon completion of the event, the seating configuration must be restored by the applicant to “theater style”.

II. Application Procedure

2.1 Time of application. Applications shall be made with the Library Administrative Assistant. Applications must be received no less than ten (10) business days prior to the scheduled event, to permit sufficient time to coordinate scheduling and commit the necessary Library personnel. For compelling reasons, and in the sole discretion of the Library Trustees or their designee, this time period may be waived.

2.2 Review and response.

2.2.1. Applications by an organization not previously issued a use permit shall require review and approval by the Board of Trustees. A first-time review is primarily to satisfy the Trustees that the user will guarantee orderly behavior, and that it will underwrite any damage caused by its use of the Auditorium. This specifically includes assumption of all responsibility by the applicant for the actions of its members, invitees, and other individuals using the facilities under its auspices.

2.2.2. Subsequent applications by an organization previously issued a use permit may be reviewed and approved administratively, unless the reviewing authority refers the application to the Board of Trustees, in which event the Board shall determine whether to approve the application.

2.2.3. In either event, the applicant shall be notified in writing whether the application has been approved or denied, and a denial shall state the reasons therefore.

2.3 Permissible dates and times. Events may be scheduled on the following days, and during the following hours (except on holidays, or when the Library is closed):

Monday – Thursday:       9:30 AM – 8:30 PM

Friday:                                9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Saturday:                           9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Note: Events held on weekdays between 9:30 AM – 3 PM are limited to 20 attendees, due to parking constraints.

2.4 Certificate of Insurance. A condition of approval of a use permit is that the applicant provide a certificate of insurance with liability coverage acceptable to the Library, and which specifically holds the Teaneck Library, its agents, and employees harmless from liability for injury or damage to any person or property of any person, on Library premises. The certificate of insurance shall be presented to the Library Administrative Assistant at least three work days in advance of the day of the event.

2.5 Indemnification and “Hold Harmless” Agreement. Notwithstanding applicant providing liability insurance coverage (as evidenced by a certificate of insurance), applicant shall agree to indemnify the Library from any damage arising from its occupancy of the Auditorium or the Library property. The Library shall not be held responsible for loss or damage to any property owned by users of the Auditorium.

2.5.1. The condition of the Auditorium shall be checked by an authorized employee of the Library, and the condition of the premises with particular respect to any damage or shortage shall be noted in writing. Payment for any such damage or shortage shall be made by the individuals (jointly and severally) and/or the organization sponsoring the event if the damage or shortage cannot be attributed to anyone else, and the organization shall be barred from further use of the Auditorium until such payment is made.

2.6 Bases for denying application. An application may be denied for the following reasons:

1. Jeopardizing the building or exceeding its capacity. If, in the judgment of the Trustees or their designated administrator, the safety of the building or occupants will be adversely affected.
2. Competing Library function or organization with a preference. If there is a competing Library function or if, in the judgment of the Trustees or their designated administrator, there is a competing organization with a preference, as hereinafter set forth and no viable alternative to its use of the Auditorium.
3. Non-payment of fees, breach of law or Library rules and regulations. If the applicant has not paid any of the fees required herein or violates any law, or violates any rule, regulation or condition governing the use of the Auditorium.
4. Other bases for denial. Such other reasons may be compelling in the interests of the Library and its patrons, and in the judgment of the Trustees. Applicant shall, however, be given the opportunity to be present at a meeting of the Library Board of Trustees at which the application shall be the subject of deliberation and to present any arguments in support of the application.

III. Scheduling Preferences

In the event more than one qualified applicant applies for the same date and time, preferences shall be given, as hereinafter set forth. All scheduling is subject to the discretion of the Library Director.

3.1 Preferences

The use of the Library Auditorium shall be available to Teaneck organizations, subject to the following priorities:

1. Groups supervised by or affiliated with the library. The Teaneck Public Library, Friends of the Teaneck Public Library and Library-sponsored programs.
2. Official government (federal, state and local) agencies, boards committees and Teaneck public school groups.
3. Local branches of clubs, of federal or state, charitable, and religious groups.
4. Local lodges or chapters or national fraternal organizations, in addition to county organizations or social groups having a 51% proportionate share of Teaneck residents as members, may be permitted to use the rooms, if available.
5. Civic, political organizations.

IV. Fees

4.1 Custodial fee. All event sponsors shall pay a custodial fee of $50.00, payable at the time of application. Groups in Priority 1 and 2 under Preferences are exempt from the fee.

4.2 Rental fee: For organizations in groups 3, 4, and 5, there shall be a rental fee of $50.00 per hour, payable at the time of application.  

4.3 Mode of payment. Custodial fees and Rental Fees described in 4.1 and 4.2 must be paid by check, payable to the Township of Teaneck, and must be received no later than ten (10) calendar days prior to planned usage. Failure to receive full payment, in advance, of those fees payable in advance, automatically nullifies the application.

4.4 No other form of remuneration to be paid to staff. Organizations using the Auditorium are not permitted to compensate any member of the Library staff for any services.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Teaneck Public Library on September 8, 1994. 

Revised, November 9, 2006.

Revised, April 7, 2022.

Application for Use of the Auditorium

The Teaneck Public Library offers its patrons a delivery service for persons confined to their home or residential facility for an extended period because of illness or physical handicap. The library makes available books, magazines, and audio-visual material and delivers once a week to the homes of those unable to come to the library.

Those eligible for delivery service must be Teaneck residents and have no one available in the household to come to the library for them. These patrons are issued a special card to be held in the library, and are subject to the same loan periods and to replacement charges for lost or missing items as other library patrons. Home Delivery will be limited to 2 books per person at a time. If you lose a book, you will be responsible for the charge.

Deliveries are made on Thursday mornings only, between 9:00 and 12:00. Those who are temporarily disabled may also be eligible for this service.

For more information please contact Jonna Davis at the library: 201-837-4171, [email protected]. For 50 years this outreach program has been available at the Teaneck Library and has successfully assisted many Teaneck residents to remain active library users even when no longer able to come to the library in person.

Find a list of resources available to eligible Teaneck residents. Most of these resources are free – some are low-cost. Please refer any questions to the organization itself.