Getting a Library Card

WHO CAN BORROW

Anyone who lives, works, owns property, or attends school in Red Bank (including students at Red Bank Regional High School) may register for a library card to borrow books and other items.  Application for a library card must be done in person.  Please bring a photo ID and proof of address, such as a recent utility bill, if your address is incorrect on the photo ID.  Library cards must be renewed every 3 years and current ID must be provided at that time.  Your Red Bank card can also be used at other member libraries in our consortium - find out more here:  LMxAC.

Children are encouraged to have their own library card, which they may apply for in the Children's Department.  Persons under the age of 18 must have their application signed by a parent or guardian and the parent or guardian must provide ID with proof of address. 

Non-residents may obtain a library card for an annual fee of $50.  Please note: some Middletown residents have a Red Bank postal address but pay taxes in Middletown.  They are not eligible for a resident card but are welcome to become non-resident borrowers for the above fee.

Paying Fines

Overdue fines or payments for lost items can be paid in person with cash, check or money order. They may also paid online with a credit card via our SmartPay system.  You will need your library card and PIN to pay the fine when using SmartPay.  Fines paid by mail should be via check or money order. 

If a patron accrues more than $5 in fines, they will be blocked from checking out materials until the fines are paid.

The Children’s Room does not charge fines for overdue books; it does, however, charge for lost or damaged items.

Note: payments for lost items may not be made via the SmartPay system.

Items

Books
Magazines
DVDs — Entertainment
DVDs — Instructional
Audiobooks & CDs
Cake Pans

Limit

25
5
5

5

5
1

Loan Period

14 days
14 days
7 days

14 days

14 days
14 days

Fines

.20/day
.20/day
$1/day

$1/day

.20/day
.20/day

Renewals

2
None
2

2

2
None

Renewing Items

To renew materials borrowed from Red Bank Public Library, you may: 

  • Call us at (732) 842-0690.

  • Visit the library circulation or reference desk, or visit the children's librarian.

  • Visit your account via our website – click “My Library Account” option from main menu, follow link and then login using your library card and PIN.

  • Visit your account via the LMxAC app on your mobile device.

Note: Some materials are not renewable; click on “Pay Fines” in the “Policies and Procedures” menu for details. In addition, any materials that have been requested by another LMxAC patron (placed on “hold”) are not renewable and must be returned promptly. Ebooks have a different renewal process; please visit the Overdrive app instructions or Hoopla instructions for further information. 

Request a Title

What to do if you can’t locate an item in our library:

  • Check our catalog. If we do not have it in our collection or our copy is charged to another patron, you may place a “hold” request and have it shipped from another LMxAC member library. Holds may be placed in person, by phone or online by logging in to your library account from a desktop computer or mobile device (via the LMxAC app).  

  • If an item is unavailable from LMxAC, please contact a staff member for assistance; we may be able to locate and add the item to our collection. You can also request it using the form below.

Security Cameras

The Red Bank Public Library uses video surveillance equipment to promote the safety of customers, staff and the community. This equipment also helps to protect the library’s property against theft or vandalism and can assist in identifying intruders and persons breaking the law.  In the event of a reported or observed incident, the review of recorded information may be used to assist in the investigation of the incident. The Library will maintain control of and responsibility for the video surveillance system at all times.

The purpose of this video surveillance system document is to establish policy and procedures for using security cameras inside or outside the building operated by the Red Bank Public Library deemed necessary by the Library Director. The security cameras will compliment other measures to ensure a safe and secure environment.

In designing, installing and operating a video surveillance system, the Library considered the following:

Security camera equipment was installed in identified public areas where video surveillance is a necessary and viable detection of deterrence activity. The equipment will operate up to 24 hours/seven days a week, within the limitations of system capabilities (e.g. digital memory), power disruptions and serviceability/maintenance.

Equipment does not monitor areas where the staff and the public have a higher expectation of privacy.

Clearly written signs, prominently displayed at the entrances, exterior walls, and/or the interior walls of building shall provide staff and the public reasonable and adequate warning that video surveillance is in effect.

Only authorized personnel will have access to the controlled access area and the recording equipment. Video monitors will not be in a position that enables public viewing.

Any information obtained through the video surveillance system may only be used for the purposes set out in the policy and must relate to the protection of the staff and the public, including the discipline or consequences that arise from that, or it must assist in the detection and deterrence of criminal activity, vandalism and dumping of unwanted property.  Information will not be retained or used for any purposes other than those described in the policy.

Since video surveillance systems create a record by recording personal information we have implemented the following procedures on the use and retention of recorded information:

Only authorized personnel may review the information. Circumstances that would warrant review will normally be limited to an incident that has been reported/observed or to investigate a potential crime. Real-time viewing of video footage will be conducted on an ad hoc basis and only by authorized personnel.

The retention period for information that has not been required for law enforcement, library or public safety purposes shall not exceed one month. Recorded information that has not been used in this fashion, within this timeframe, is then routinely erased in a manner in which it cannot be reconstructed or retrieved.

When recorded information has been required for law enforcement or public safety purposes the retention period shall be one year from the date of viewing or as required by law.

A release form will be completed before any recorded information is disclosed to appropriate authorities. The form will indicate who took the information, under what authorities, when this occurred, and if it will be returned or destroyed after use.

The following disclaimer for the Red Bank Public Library website (redbanklibrary.org) has been approved by the Library Board of Trustees:

Disclaimer Language - English

Video surveillance is in effect for the safety and security of our customers and staff.  Cameras monitor public areas of the library that are not easily viewed from public service desks and staff areas where valuable library property is stored. 

Cameras help to protect the library’s property against theft or vandalism and can assist in identifying intruders and persons breaking the law or violating the library’s Rules of Conduct.

Cameras are not used in rest rooms, nor are they positioned to identify a person’s reading, viewing or listening activities in the library.

Signs are posted in all areas that are monitored by security cameras.

Recorded information from security cameras is retained for one month.  For investigations initiated by law enforcement, security camera recordings are only made available to law enforcement through a legal subpoena or warrant.  Recorded information that is subpoenaed is retained for one year.

REVIEWED and APPROVED: Board of Trustees July 2016

Disclaimer Language - Spanish

Para la seguridad de nuestros empleados y clientes estamos usando cámaras de vigilancia. Las cámaras observan las aéreas públicas en la biblioteca donde tenemos propiedad valiosa cuales no son fácilmente vigiladas por nuestros empleados.

Las cámaras protegen las propiedades de la biblioteca contra el vandalismo o el robo, y también pueden ser usadas para identificar intrusos y personas que estén rompiendo las leyes o violando las reglas de conducta de la biblioteca.

No usamos cámaras en los baños y no las usamos para identificar lo que nuestros clientes leen o escuchan en la biblioteca.

Tenemos letreros por todas partes de la bibliotecas que dicen que las cámaras de vigilancia estan en uso.

Las grabaciones de las cámaras de vigilancia se guardan por un mes. Si la información es necesaria para una investigación legal, las entregaremos solamente si recibimos una citación o autorización legal. Grabaciones citadas por las autoridades, se guardan por un año.

Revisado por un abogado –Aprobado: Board of Trustees July 2016

Notary Services

Notary is free service to Red Bank Public Library cardholders.

Effective August 15, 2016 there will be a charge of $1.00 per signature for non-Red Bank Public Library cardholders.

The Red Bank Public Library offers Notary Public services for the benefit of the residents of our community. The following guidelines will be observed in the provision of Notary Service:

  • Notary Services are available during the Library’s hours of operation and are not available in the fifteen (15) minutes after the time of opening or prior to the time of closing.

  • Notary Service may not be possible if the document is pre-signed.

  • All parties that need to sign the document must be present with valid photo identification.

  • Customers seeking Notary Service should call the Library prior to their visit to ensure that the Notary is available. The Notary can be reached by calling 732-842-0690.

  • Notary Service is provided on a first come, first served basis.

  • Valid government-issued photo identification is required of any customer seeking Notary Service.

  • Notary Service is limited to three (3) documents per person, per visit.

  • Documents in English and in Spanish may be notarized, depending on the notary available.

  • Notary Service is not available for Deeds, Mortgages, Wills, Living Wills, Living Trusts, Codicils or Depositions.

  • In situations where a witness is required, the Library will not provide witnesses, and witnesses may not be solicited from customers using the library.

  • In order to serve as a witness, the witness must personally know the individual whose document is being notarized and must be in possession of valid photo identification.

  • Certain public documents cannot be copied and notarized. Examples of these are birth certificates, death certificates and marriage certificates.

  • New Jersey law requires that a Notary and the customer seeking notarization be able to communicate directly with each other. The Library Notary is not permitted to make use of a translator to communicate with a Notary Service customer.

  • 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. In this event, the Library notary may, at his/her sole discretion, decline to provide Notary Service.

Approved by Library Director & Board of Trustees April 2012, Revision July 2016, Revision April 2017

Patron Conduct in the Library

In order to protect the right of all patrons to use the Red Bank Public Library to the fullest extent, and to do so in a safe, clean, and pleasant environment essential to achieving the goals set forth for the Library by the Board of Trustees, the following rules and regulations have been adopted:

  • Patrons shall be engaged in activities associated with the use of a public library while in the building.

  • Patrons not engaged in reading, studying, or using Library materials shall be required to leave the building.

  • Parents/Guardians are responsible for the safety and behavior of their children in the library. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Patrons may not consume beverages in uncovered containers or eat unpackaged foods in the library. No food or drink is permitted when using the public computers or laptops.

  • Patrons may not use tobacco or tobacco products in the library or on the front porch. Smoking shall not be undertaken within 30 feet of building.

  • Patrons shall not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs nor bring these items into the library.

  • Patrons shall not engage in any illegal activity while in or around the Library building.

  • Patrons shall not be permitted to enter the building without a shirt or other covering of the upper body or without shoes or other footwear.

  • Patrons whose bodily hygiene is offensive so as to constitute a nuisance to other patrons or staff shall be required to leave the building.

  • Patrons shall respect the rights of other patrons and staff and shall not harass or annoy others through noisy or boisterous activities, by staring at another person with the intent to annoy that person, by playing audio equipment or using cell phones so that others can hear it, by singing or talking loudly to others or in monologues, or by behaving in a manner which reasonably can be expected to disturb other persons.

  • Patrons shall not interfere with the use of the Library by other patrons, or interfere with Library employees' performance of their duties.

  • Patrons shall not use the public restrooms for any activity beyond the basic purpose for which the Library's restrooms are intended. Prohibited activities include without limitation, bathing, shaving, brushing teeth, dressing, and performing sexual acts of any kind.

  • Patrons shall not bring pets or animals into the Library, other than service dogs for the handicapped.

  • Patrons shall not bring large bags of any kind into the library. Bags may be left outside the front door.

  • Patrons shall not deface or mar books, magazines, newspapers, recordings or other items of the Library collection nor shall they deface, mar, or in any way destroy or damage Library furnishings, walls, carpets, machines, or other Library property.

  • Patrons may not view pornographic web sites or engage in sexually explicit chatting while using the library computers.

  • Each patron shall be responsible for any fines, fees or other charges due in accordance with the Library's standard schedules. Failure to pay these fines will result in suspension of borrowing privileges.

  • Any patron not abiding by these or other rules and regulations of the Library shall be required to leave the Library premises. Library employees shall contact the Red Bank Police if deemed advisable.

  • Any patron who violates the Library rules and regulations shall be denied the privilege of access to the Library.

Technology Policy

The Red Bank Public Library is pleased to offer the public access to computers and laptops to enable informational, educational and recreational activities. Use of the Internet is a privilege and inappropriate use will result in suspension and eventual cancellation of this privilege.

LIBRARY COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS

  • Computer use is free to Red Bank Public Library card holders or card holders of other LMXAC libraries.

  • Non-members will be issued a one-time-use guest card. Guest users must show picture ID issued by a government agency, employer or a financial or educational institution. Guest passes are limited to one (1) one hour session per day. Non-members requiring more computer time on a regular basis are encouraged to purchase a library card.

  • Patrons must bring their library card/key card with them. Staff will only supply card numbers on an exception basis and only with valid identification.

  • Patrons who have fines or charges of more than $5 on their library records will be denied access to the Internet until payment is made. Guest passes will be revoked if it is determined that patron has a library card with overdue items.

  • Public access to Internet workstations is on first come first served basis; however, Red Bank cardholders and LMxAC library cardholders are given priority at high-demand periods.

  • Internet sessions are one hour in length.

  • Patrons are limited to two [2] one hour sessions per day. Sessions will be automatically renewed if computers are available. If not there is a one hour wait between sessions.

  • Printouts cost $.15 per page for black and white, $.40 per page for color. Printout costs must be added to a library card in $1.00 increments only. No refunds will be provided.

  • The library does not provide email accounts. Patrons are welcome to use their own email accounts or establish accounts on any of the free email services. Library staff cannot set up email accounts for library users.

  • Downloading is restricted to removable storage devices. Personal files or software downloaded or saved to computer hard drives will be removed. Flash drives may be purchased at the circulation desk.

  • The Red Bank Public Library is not responsible for damage done to private systems through downloads from library computers.

  • Headphones must be worn when patrons are using audio while at the public computers. Earbuds can be purchased at the circulation desk.

  • The Express Computer is for 15 minute access only. This provides quick access for all visitors. Patrons may not pull up a chair and use this computer for more than the 15 minutes allowed.

  • No food or drink is allowed at the computer work stations. Leave drinks on a nearby table, not the floor.

  • The library discourages the use of cell phones while in the library, but recognizes their importance in contemporary life; therefore while library patrons may access the text feature on their phones in the building, cell phone ring tones and notifications must be set to mute or vibrate, and all phone conversations should be conducted in the vestibule area in a low and muted tone.

LIBRARY LAPTOPS

  • Laptop computers are available for patrons who want extended time on a computer. The laptops require a library card and a valid driver’s license which are kept at the Reference Desk while the laptop is in use

  • Laptops are locked to a table so patron may feel free to leave computer to take breaks, etc.

  • Patrons may not load software on the laptop. Periodic updates of the laptops are required – please notify the Reference Librarian if a laptop needs attention.

INTERNET ACCESS BY MINORS

  • Parents must indicate the level of computer access they deem acceptable for their child on the child’s registration card or sign a separate permission slip before the child is allowed to access the Internet.

  • Parents or guardians are responsible for the Internet information selected or accessed by their children.

  • Unattended minors may only use the internet if their parents have given written permission. Unattended minors without a card may only use the internet for homework purposes.

WIRELESS NETWORK

  • The Library’s wireless networks are open to all visitors – no password is required. (RBPL and RBPL Public Wifi)

  • The wireless network shuts down at 15 minutes before closing.

  • Users are responsible for configuring their own equipment.

  • The Library’s wireless network is not secure. Information is not protected while using wireless unless users are connected to a website that uses encryptions.

  • Wireless users agree to abide by the Red Bank Public Library Technology Policy which prohibits illegal activity while using the Library’s Internet service.

  • The Library is not responsible for any hardware or software issues that may arise while connecting to the wireless network or while attempting to connect/disconnect to the network.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY

  • The library does not use filtering software. Patrons are responsible for the content that they access. Parents are responsible for the safe use of library computers by their children.

  • The library upholds the right of patrons to use the Internet in a safe, confidential manner, however, the Internet is an unregulated medium. The library cannot guarantee complete privacy and security for any user. Patrons should use caution especially when accessing personal and financial information especially e-mail, bank accounts, credit card accounts, etc.

  • No patron may disclose personal information about a minor through interactive online media i.e. e-mail, chat, etc.

  • Patrons may not use the identity of another patron to gain access to library computers.

UNACCEPTABLE USES OF LIBRARY COMPUTERS

  • Viewing pornographic images or engaging in obscene chatting.

  • Criminal activity including but not limited to: hacking, uploading or downloading computer viruses, sexual exploitation of minors, online stalking or harassment.

  • Altering settings, downloading software or making permanent changes to computer systems.

  • Conducting a business or commercial enterprise.

  • Uses which cause damage to the system's components including damage to software, hardware or data may result in termination of user privilege.

The library views Internet access as a privilege, not a right. The Red Bank Public Library reserves the right to cancel any patron’s session or to deny access to computers by patrons who repeatedly violate Internet policy or the library’s patron conduct policy for a period to be determined by the library director. In the case of serious, deliberate damage to library computer systems, or other criminal activity, the library reserves the right to contact law enforcement.

Cake Pans

While it might sound strange for a library to loan out cake pans, it is not that different from loaning out books. We have a selection of almost a dozen baking pans in different shapes. You can check any one of the pans out for two weeks; bake a cake for your event, then return the washed pan for the next patron who needs it. As long as you return the pan within the two-week period, it is free of charge. In addition, if you have a specialty pan in good condition that you no longer use regularly we invite you to donate it to our collection.

Included with your check out is a convenient carry bag for the cake pan and laminated directions.

Rules for borrowing these pans are as follows:

  • Pans must be borrowed by an adult on an Adult Library Card in good standing.

  • Limit of 1 pan per family at a time.

  • Loan period of 2 weeks – no renewals.

  • Cake Pan late fee is .20 per day.

  • The specialty cake pan DOES NOT go in the book returns.

  • Cake pans are to be returned with all the materials (directions, bag and pan) to a staff member.

  • Replacement fee for lost or damaged pans will be the price of a new replacement pan.

  • Dishwasher use damages the metal.

  • Please thoroughly hand-wash and dry the pans before and after use.

  • The pan will not be returnable dirty.

Pan Shapes:

  • Number 1

  • Mickey Mouse

  • Bear

  • Baby Buggy

  • Bunny

  • Daisy

  • Butterfly

  • Football

  • Soccer

  • Airplane

  • Star

  • Heart

  • Crown

  • Dora the Explorer

  • Gingerbread House

  • Guitar

  • Owls

  • Purse

  • Snowman

While you are using the cake pans, we have a few requests for you to keep in mind:

  1. Please return the pans in clean condition to a library staff member, and

  2. Please do not return the pans in the book drop.