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 material. The patron must be in good standing at the library, meaning they have no overdue items or outstanding fees. Parents are responsible for their children’s checkouts.
- Borrowing privileges will be suspended if items are overdue. Once an item comes back, patrons can borrow freely again.
- A total of 10 items are allowed on one card. The items may be any combination of materials.
- Renewals are allowed on most items providing there are no holds. 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. Many items will renew automatically, up to two times.
- 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 adult and children’s items are checked out for 3 weeks.
- New adult releases can be checked out for 2 weeks and cannot be renewed.
- Magazines and DVDs may be checked out for 1 week.
- DVD borrowers must be 14 years of age. There are no charges for DVD checkouts.
The Linwood Library is now fine-free. What does that mean?
In order to increase access to our resources, most items at the library will not incur overdue fines. This includes books, DVDs, audiobooks, and magazines. You will still receive a due date card and can also log in to your library account to see when items are due. If an item is not returned after 60 days, it will automatically be marked as lost and the replacement fee will be charged to the patron account. Patrons with overdue items will not be allowed to check out additional items until the overdue ones are returned. Items like our WiFi Hotspots, museum passes, Toniebox and Yoto players, and Library of Things items will still require deposits and incur overdue fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I have preexisting fines on my account, what happens to those?
We will waive them! We want our materials back into circulation so that they can be enjoyed by more patrons, so when you bring back overdue items, we’ll forgive any related overdue fines.
What happens to items marked “lost”?
Once you return “lost” materials, any overdue fines and replacement fees associated with them will be removed from your account. We just want the items back!
What happens if I don’t return my materials by the due date?
Patrons with overdue materials will be restricted from additional checkouts until they return or renew eligible materials. Once an item is overdue by more than 60 days, it will automatically be marked lost, and a replacement fee will be added to your account. Once the cost of lost items is more than $10, you will be required to return the items, replace them, or pay the lost fees in order to check out physical items, place holds, or request Interlibrary Loans. You are still welcome to check out digital materials, use in-library items, and come to library programs.
Will lost or damaged fees also be forgiven?
No. We need to replace lost or damaged materials, so patrons are still responsible for costs associated with those materials. If you would like to replace the item yourself, we accept replacements in good condition.
How will the Library encourage people to return their overdue materials?
Patrons will begin receiving overdue notices via email. After 60 days, we will assume that overdue materials are lost and notify you. At that point, you will be responsible for the cost or replacement of the materials. Once the cost of lost materials totals $10 or more, customers will be unable to check out physical items, place holds, or request Interlibrary Loans until the materials have been returned, replaced, or their lost fees paid.
How will the new fine-free policy affect the holds list?
Many libraries that have gone fine-free have actually seen a large increase in the return rate of overdue materials, and we’re anticipating the same happy result!
Thank you to the Free Library of Philadelphia for their helpful fine-free FAQ , which has been adapted for our library here.
Fines are no longer charged for most library materials. High-demand items like our WiFi Hotspots and Toniebox and Yoto players will still accrue fees.
| Material | Loan Period | Overdue Fee | Maximum Accrual |
|---|---|---|---|
| New adult books | 14-day checkout | none | none |
| DVDs | 7-day checkout | none | none |
| Juvenile material | 21-day checkout | none | none |
| Adult books | 21-day checkout | none | none |
| Magazines | 7-day checkout | none | none |
| WiFi Hotspot | 7-day checkout | $5.00 per day | $20.00 per item |
| Yoto Mini Cards | 7-day checkout | none | none |
| Yoto Mini Player | 7-day checkout | $1.00 per day | $10.00 per item |
| Tonie | 7-day checkout | none | none |
| Toniebox | 7-day checkout | $1.00 per day | $10.00 per item |
Replacement of lost or damaged Interlibrary (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. 100.
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 requires a $20 deposit that will be refunded when the hotspot is returned.
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 for black and white.
- $0.25 per page, $0.40 double-sided for color.
- The library does not accept electronic payments for printing.
- Location: The printer is located next to the circulation desk. A staff member will need to release the hold on each print job.
Planning a family outing? The library offers two museum passes, free with your library card!
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
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.
WheatonArts
This pass grants admission for two adults and all children under 18 in the household. WheatonArts is open April-December.
WheatonArts is home to the Museum of American Glass, Down Jersey Folklife Center, Artist Studios (Flamework, Glass, & Pottery), the international Creative Glass Fellowship Program, Museum Stores, a Nature Trail, and more
Before you go, be sure to review our Museum Pass Lending Guidelines.
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. These must be approved by the director.
- 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
- Books for Sale
- Borrowing Policy
- Cell Phone Usage in the Linwood Library
- Collection Development Policy
- 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
- Request for Removal of Materials Policy
- 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