Using Your Library
The Linwood Public Library offers more than just books — it’s your hub for technology, learning, and community resources. Whether you’re signing up for a library card, borrowing materials, connecting to WiFi, or reserving a meeting room, this section will walk you through how to take full advantage of our services. Click through the sections below to learn more about borrowing policies, technology access, and guidelines to help you make the most of your library experience.
Library Card Eligibility
Atlantic County residents may obtain a Linwood Library card at no cost. Children of any age can receive a card when accompanied by a parent or guardian who holds a valid library card. However, children under 18 may not borrow physical materials until a parent or guardian signs their file card.
New Jersey residents who live outside of Atlantic County may apply for a card with a one-time $10 fee. Library cards are not available to out-of-state residents.
Linwood Public Library is a proud member of the Coalition of Independent Libraries of South Jersey (COIL). Patrons from the following COIL member libraries are eligible for a free non-resident card, provided they show a valid driver’s license or other suitable ID with an address in one of these communities:
- Atlantic City Free Public Library
- Avalon Free Public Library
- Longport Public Library
- Margate Public Library
- Millville Public Library
- Ocean City Free Public Library
- Otto Bruyns Public Library of Northfield
- Strathmere – Rita Schiavo Library
- Vineland Public Library
To register, you must present either a valid New Jersey driver’s license or two forms of identification that include your current name and street address. If providing two forms of ID, both must match. Please note that a post office box does not qualify as a valid address.
A patron must have a valid Linwood Library card to check out materials. The patron must be in good standing at the library, meaning they have no overdue items or outstanding fines. Parents are responsible for their children’s checkouts.
- Borrowing privileges will be suspended if fines are not paid.
- A total of 10 items are allowed on one card. The items may be any combination of materials.
- No more than 3 books are allowed to be checked out on the same topic when working on a school project.
- Renewals are allowed on most items providing there are no reserves. Items can be renewed in person, over the telephone, or by emailing the library. An item may be renewed for a maximum of two times. Most items will renew automatically.
- Patrons may review the items they have checked out or reserved on our website at www.linwoodlibrary.com. An account under the patron name and number must be created by the patron.
- Most books, audiobooks, and adult and children’s items are checked out for 3 weeks.
- New releases can be checked out for 2 weeks and will not be renewed automatically.
- Magazines may be checked out for 1 week.
- DVD checkout is for 1 week. DVD borrowers must be 14 years of age.
Overdue, damaged, or lost materials
- Patrons who have overdue items on their account will be unable to borrow new materials until they have returned the overdue items.
- Items overdue beyond 60 days will be billed for the replacement cost plus a $3 processing fee. Patrons will be unable to access online resources such as Hoopla and Overdrive until they have either returned the items or paid the replacement fee.
Fines are only charged for the days the library is open. They are automatically placed on the patron’s account when the item is scanned in.
| Material | Loan Period | Fine | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| New adult books | 14-day checkout | $0.05 per day | $2.00 per item |
| DVDs | 7-day checkout | $.05 per day | $2.00 per item |
| Juvenile material | 21-day checkout | $0.05 per day | $2.00 per item |
| Adult books | 21-day checkout | $0.05 per day | $2.00 per item |
| Magazines | 7-day checkout | $0.10 per day | $2.00 per item |
| WiFi Hotspot | 7-day checkout | $5.00 per day | $20.00 per item |
| Yoto Mini Cards | 7-day checkout | $0.05 per day | $2.00 per item |
| Yoto Mini Player | 7-day checkout | $1.00 per day | $10.00 per item |
| Tonie | 7-day checkout | $0.05 per day | $2.00 per item |
| Toniebox | 7-day checkout | $1.00 per day | $10.00 per item |
Interlibrary loan items are $0.10 per day or the fine may be assigned by the lending library.
Replacement of lost or damaged ILL materials:
If an item is returned damaged, charges will be determined at the discretion of the Director or the lending library.
Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?
If an item isn’t available at our library, we can request it for you through JerseyCat, a statewide network of public, academic, and specialized libraries. We may also be able to borrow items outside New Jersey through the Access New Jersey service.
To place a request, stop by the library or call (609) 926-7991, ext. 3
About JerseyCat
JerseyCat is a statewide catalog and interlibrary loan system provided by the New Jersey State Library. It connects libraries across the state and gives residents access to millions of materials. JerseyCat allows real-time library resource searching and includes periodicals in the NJ Union List of Serials. Requests can be made via the web from home, school, or office.
The Linwood Library Hotspot Lending Program is designed to circulate mobile WiFi hotspot devices and provide library patrons with high-speed internet access to the Library’s online resources and other needs. A library hotspot is perfect for those without internet access at home, going on vacation, or taking their business on the road.
The Library does not track internet usage, but patrons are prohibited from using the device for any illegal activities. The hotspot lending program is free, and Linwood Library cardholders can purchase an unlimited data plan.
Computers
Please stop by the Circulation Desk to reserve a public-access computer. Please review our Computer Use Policy.
WiFi
All Linwood Public Library patrons can access the internet through library computers and our wireless network. This service is provided as an informational, educational, recreational, and cultural resource, supporting the Library’s role as the community’s center for learning and information. Please review our Internet Use Policy.
Printing:
- Cost: $0.15 per page, $0.25 double-sided
- Location: The printer is located behind the circulation desk.
Explore Aviation History—On Us!
Planning a family outing? The library offers a museum pass to the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, free with your library card! This pass grants admission for two adults and up to six children, making it perfect for family adventures or group trips.
Step into a real WWII hangar, get up close with vintage aircraft, and enjoy interactive exhibits that bring aviation history to life.
Before you go, be sure to review our Museum Pass Lending Guidelines.
The Board Room is available for private study, educational purposes, or nonprofit group meetings. It accommodates up to 12 people and can be reserved up to one month in advance. Sessions are limited to 2 hours, with extensions allowed if no one is waiting. Preference is given to Linwood residents and library cardholders.
To reserve the Board Room, please visit the office on the library’s lower level.
The Linwood Public Library offers meeting room space for nonprofit, public gatherings that serve educational, cultural, or civic purposes. Space is available by request and granted on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to library programs, library cardholders, and Linwood-based groups. All meetings must be free and open to the public.
The library encourages use of the building for exhibits and other displays or general interest. Commercial exhibits that are general and educational in nature will be considered for display. Choice of items to be exhibited rests with the Director and will be limited by available space.
The library receives many requests from individuals and businesses to post displays, advertisements, brochures, and other materials in the library. The Director is responsible for approving such displays.
The following guidelines apply to all displays, exhibits, advertisements, brochures, or other material:
- Library-sponsored material is given priority.
- The library will try to protect materials displayed but will not be responsible for loss or damage of such material. If items are to be covered by insurance, the exhibitor is responsible for obtaining insurance.
- Only nonprofit, public service, cultural, and educational Linwood community agencies may post announcements and/or leave other informational material for the public.
- Political announcements and handouts which advocate an issue or the election of a candidate for public office and material which advocates votes for or against any party, person, or issue are prohibited.
- Circulating petitions or soliciting funds for any non-library purpose is forbidden.
The posting of notices and distribution of material does not imply endorsement by the library.
Are you looking for something we don’t have? If you’re interested in a specific subject or title that isn’t currently available at the Linwood Library, we’d love to hear from you. Use the form below to suggest materials that would enhance our collection.
Before submitting your request:
Please check our catalog first to ensure the item isn’t already available or on order.
Do not use this form to request items already listed in the catalog; you can place those on hold directly through the catalog.
Do you need help or prefer to speak with someone? Stop by the library or call us at (609) 926-7991, ext. 3.
- 3D Printer Policy
- Board Room Policy
- Books for Sale
- Borrowing Policy
- Cell Phone Usage in the Linwood Library
- Computer Use and Policy
- Confidentiality, Privacy, and Law Enforcement
- Displays, Bulletin Board and Informational Material Policy
- Donations, Gifts and Memorials Policy
- Meeting Room Policy and Rules
- Museum Pass Lending Guidelines
- Patron Behavior Policy and Rules
- Public Internet Access and Use Policy
- Requests for Reevaluation of Material
- Security Camera Policy
- Smoking in the Linwood Library
- Social Media Policy
- Supervision, Safety, and Behavior of Children in the Library
- The Makery Rules of Use
- WiFi Hotspot Borrowing Policy & Agreement