Your Cliffside Park Public Library card gives you access to more than 5 million items from the BCCLS consortium of 77 libraries to which we belong. These include bestsellers, audiobooks, DVDs, music CDs, video games, periodicals, downloadable e-books and e-audiobooks. You must present a valid library card, physical or digital, to borrow materials.
Items owned by other libraries are subject to those libraries’ fines.
Your card will be blocked if your privilege expires, you owe $10 or more in fines, or you have more than 10 overdue items. Patrons are responsible for all lost or damaged items.
| MATERIALS | LOAN PERIOD | RENEWALS |
| New Books | 14 days | 1 |
| Adult & Juvenile Books | 28 days | 2 |
| Audio Books | 28 days | 2 |
| New DVDs* | 7 days | 1 |
| DVDs* | 14 days | 2 |
| Music CDs | 14 days | 2 |
| Magazines* | 14 days | 2 |
| New Videogames* | 7 days | 1 |
| Videogames* | 14 days | 2 |
| Museum Passes* | 3 days | 0 |
*DVDs: Limit of 5 per library card.
*Videogames: Limit of 1 per library card.
*Museum Passes: Click here for more information.
Patrons are responsible for the replacement cost of lost or damaged items. The library may accept new, identical copies as replacements for Cliffside Park items that have been lost or damaged and are less than 180 days overdue. There are no longer overdue fines for most Cliffside Park items.
Overdue Fines
As of October 2022, the Cliffside Park Free Public Library will no longer charge late fees for overdue Cliffside Park items.*
This change reflects our commitment to creating a welcoming space where all community members can connect, discover, and create. We’re working to remove barriers and enhance the borrowing experience. By expanding residents’ access to the library, we support their educational, professional, and personal growth—ultimately fostering a stronger, more connected community.
While patrons are expected to return items on time to ensure availability for others, we recognize that life can sometimes get in the way.
Why is the library eliminating overdue fines?
We want everyone to borrow material from the library. The terms of which should be the same for those borrowing physical and digital materials. The more people that come together and utilize the library, the better for our community. We hope this new policy will encourage prior users to come back to the library and attract new users to experience all that the library has to offer.
Have other libraries eliminated overdue fines?
Yes. Hundreds of libraries throughout the United States have eliminated overdue fines, along with many other BCCLS libraries. Many libraries throughout the country have also eliminated overdue fines, including libraries in large cities like Baltimore, Chicago, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and much more.
But don’t overdue fines ensure that people return library materials on time?
Actually, no. Overdue fines are not effective. Studies have shown that small fines have virtually no impact on return rates. Once someone incurs a late fine, they are less likely to visit the library again. Libraries who have removed late fees report few adverse effects on material return rates. Library staff trusts that borrowers respect the shared resources offered by the library and will be good neighbors by making their best attempt to return items on time, so that others may use them.
Will there still be due dates?
Yes. The library still has a set time limit for materials to be borrowed and we expect items to be returned on time. If an item is not returned on time, automated reminders will continue to be sent out after the due date. Library cards will continue to be blocked if an item is not returned after 60 days. Items that are over 90 days late will be considered lost and the borrower is responsible for the replacement cost.
What if I borrow items from another BCCLS library?
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. Cliffside Park Public Library is not charging late fines on the vast majority of items we own or send to other BCCLS Libraries.
Do any Cliffside Park items still have late fees?
While there are no late fees for Cliffside Park items, museum passes are a special case. Museum passes require a security deposit to borrow, and if they are not returned on time, the security deposit will be forfeit. To learn more click here.
Cliffside Park Library is a member of BCCLS, a consortium of 77 public libraries in northern New Jersey with a shared catalog. You may place requests online or in person for any of the more than 5 million items available within the system. If the item you wish to borrow cannot be found within the BCCLS system, we can attempt to borrow it through Inter-Library Loan.
Privacy Policy
We protect each library user’s right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted.
The records of patron use of library resources, materials or services are confidential. Patron borrowing records are protected by New Jersey Statute. No staff member or trustee shall reveal the borrowing history of an individual except under the circumstances outlined by this procedure.
NEW JERSEY LAW
N.J.S.A. 18A:73-43.2. Confidentiality of library users’ records Library records which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of libraries are confidential and shall not be disclosed except in the following circumstances:
Procedure
A patron may request that staff identify items currently charged to his/her card. If a parent possesses their minor child’s library card staff will honor requests for the disclosure of information related to that card. Children over the age of 12 years and having full possession of their library card will have their records protected.