FAQs

For borrowing books and accessing electronic resources available through this website on home computers, library patrons will receive a bar-coded, credit card sized library card, available in 4 designs. All library cards will begin with the numbers 27954. You can obtain a library card by applying online or in person at any of our locations. Click here to apply for a Library Card!

Materials borrowed can be renewed at your local library or online. 

Books can be returned at any location. DVD/Video/Audio Books/HotSpots have to be returned from the branch from which it was borrowed. 

You can view your JCFPL Account through the online catalog. Sign in with your User ID, which is your Library Card Number (found on the back of your library card starting with 27954) and (PIN) Personal Identification Number. If you misplaced or forgot your PIN, please visit your local library for assistance. Access your account here

Your Personal Identification Number allows you to access your library account information through the library catalog. Your PIN should have been presented to you when you initially registered for your account. If you misplaced or forgot your PIN, please visit your local library for assistance. 

As of June 2022, once a card has been renewed, there will no longer be an expiration date. Before it is renewed, all outstanding bills need to be paid. Library cardholders will be required to show forms of address, one being a Photo ID, and another current form of address. 

Provided you know your existing PIN (Personal Identification Number), you can change your existing PIN through our online Library Catalog. Follow the directions provided on the page with your Library Card and current PIN, then enter a new PIN. If you misplaced or forgot your PIN, please visit your local library for assistance. 

The JCFPL offers free Wi-Fi to all JCFPL cardholders at all Jersey City Free Library locations. To connect to the Wi-Fi, please contact your local library for details. (Add Link to wifi page)

Public Access computer are provided at all branches of the Jersey City Free Public Library. See the JCFPL Computer and Internet Policy for details about Rules of Conduct for Use of Public Computers. 

All public access computers have Microsoft Office Applications, Microsoft Word and Excel. To find out what other computer applications are available, please call the individual Library. 

You can obtain a JCFPL Library Card by providing proof of employment ID (or payroll stub) and current address. 

Anyone who lives within the Hudson County area is eligible for a JCFPL card. Please provide photo ID and gas/electric or water bill, credit card statement, or computer-generated bill from within the past 30 days as proof of current address. 

You can obtain a JCFPL Library Card by providing proof of current address (mail sent to you at your address where living now within the past 30 days) and paying a fee of $50 for 12 Months (borrowing limited to no more than $50 value at 1 time). 

The Main Library does not have a parking lot. Street parking is available but there is a 2-hour limit. If more than 2 hours is required, temporary parking permits are available at the 3rd floor Main Library in the Business Office. Parking lots are available at the Five Corners, Miller & Cunningham Branches. 

Due to space restrictions, we are not accepting book donations at this time. We will update the public when we are able to accept book donations again. 

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