Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Basic Library Information

How do I contact the Library?

Go to our Contact Us Page for all our contact information.

What are the hours of operation for all of the Branches?

Go to our Hours Page for all branch hours of operation.

How do I get a library card?

If you do not have a library account with MCLS, but believe you are eligible for one, you have two options:

  1. Visit the closest branch to complete an application. To do so, you will need an ID, proof of residency, and children under the age of 14 need the permission of a parent or guardian. Go to Part 5 of our System Policies, Applying for a Library Card, for more detailed information.
  2. Submit an online request for a card. This will great you temporary access to all of our services, which will expire after three months. You will need to visit your home branch within that time to verify your library account information and show proof of eligibility. You will be given a physical library card and key tag barcode at that time. To register online, go to our Online Library Card Application.
What’s my PIN number?

Your library PIN is the last four digits of the telephone number you provided as your home phone. If that is not working, please contact us through the General and Technical Support form.

Is the fines and fees schedule for MCLS available on your website?

Yes. Go to Attachment A: Fines and Fees Schedule in our System Policies. This page includes information on the loan periods for each item.

Finding What You Need

How do I find out if the Library has something I want?

The easiest way is to search our catalog, which you can do online on the MCLS Catalog Website. If you don’t feel comfortable searching on your own, you can call the Reference Desk at any of our branches. The phone numbers can be found on our Contact Us Page. (Note: Our Reference Librarians can take only three searches/hold-requests per call.)

How can I obtain a book that is not at the Mercer County Library?

For newly published/released items, use our Suggest for Purchase Form as we prefer to purchase new items rather than loaning them from another library. For specialized, expensive, or older books that a typical bookstore or library does not have, use our Interlibrary Loan Request Form to request older items from libraries outside our system. If you don’t feel comfortable submitting these forms on your own, you can call the Reference Desk at any of our branches. The phone numbers can be found on our Contact Us Page.

Where do I get eLibraryNJ help?

For eLibraryNJ help, go to the OverDrive Help website.

Events

Do you have Book Discussion Groups at the Library? How about other types of adult programs? How about programs for children and young adults?

Yes to all three questions. Most branches offer at least one Book Discussion Group. All of our branches offer adult, teen, and children programs and events. You will find all programs and events on our online calendar.

Are there rooms available for local community groups to meet?

Yes. In order to learn more, please go to our Community Rooms page.

Services

Does the Library offer a notary service?

Yes. Go to our Notary Public page for more information.

Can you print something for me?

Yes we can! Go to our Remote Printing Services Page for more information.

Interlibrary Loans

Who is eligible to request items through ILL?

Only those with a valid Mercer County Library card can borrow ILL items.

How long will it take to receive the item requested?

One to three weeks, depending on whether the item is held by a New Jersey library. If it is not, and is only held by a few libraries nationwide, it could take longer than three weeks.

Should I fill out an ILL Request Form or a Suggest for Purchase Form?

Typically, if you want to request a newly published/released item, we prefer to purchase it rather than loan it from another library. In this case, please use our Suggest for Purchase Form. Otherwise, fill out the ILL Request Form below to request older items from libraries outside our system.

What types of items (materials) can be requested through ILL?

You can request articles, audiobooks on CD and cassette tapes, books, nonfiction blu-rays and DVDs, and microfilms. Be aware that we can only fulfill requests for physical items; audiobooks available at another New Jersey library; nonfiction audiovisual blu-rays and DVDs; and items that we do not already own.

How do I request an item through ILL?

You can request an ILL by filling out the ILL Request Form. Alternatively, you can request an ILL in person at any of our branches or by phone at 609-883-0245.

How much does an ILL cost?

Typically, there is no charge beyond the $0.10 per page for black and white photocopying. However, some academic and special libraries charge to interlibrary loan items and may charge a higher per page fee for photocopies. We will get your consent before fulfilling a request that requires an additional cost.

How many items can I request through ILL?

There is a limit of three item requests and three copy/scan requests per patron.

How long can I keep the item?

Items can be checked out for four weeks. No item is automatically renewable. To determine if a one-time renewal of the item is possible, contact the ILL Office at 609-883-0245 or mclill@mcl.org no later than three days prior to the due date.

How long will it take to receive the item requested?

ILL requests may take up to four weeks to fully process before they become available.

Technology at the Library

Are there computers available for public use?

Yes. Please be aware that you will need to log on to the computer. If you have a library card, the username is the barcode found on the back. If you are a visitor, guest passes are available at the reference desk which provides a temporary username. A guest pass allows for one hour of computer time.

What is the cost of printing on the copier? What is the cost of printing from a public computer?

Copier printing is ten cents per page. Printing from a public computer costs ten cents per page for black-and-white copies and fifty cents per page for color copies. Note: You can now request to print what you need via our Remote Printing Services. We can print what you need and you can pick it up outside the library. No need to come in!

Do you have scanners for public use?

Yes. Each Branch has a scanner connected to its quick-stop public PC.

Does the Library offer access to wireless Internet?

Yes. Go to our Wi-Fi Access page for more information and instructions to connect. No library card, username, or password required.

MyMCLSNJ App

How do I download the MyMCLSNJ app?
  1. Visit the app store on your device
  2. Search for MyMCLSNJ
  3. Click “Get” (iPhone) or “Install” (Android)
  4. Click “Open” to get to the app
How do I log in to the MyMCLSNJ app?
  1. Click on the “” symbol
  2. Click “Sign In”
  3. Enter your library card barcode (no spaces)
  4. Enter your PIN (last for digits of your phone number)
  5. Click “Login”
Things are showing up on my account that I returned or canceled. What do I do?

First, refresh the app by clicking the three lines in the top right to get to your account information. Tap “Preferences”. Swipe to get to the bottom and there will be a button that says “Reload”. Tap it. This will refresh the information. Check to see if the problem was solved. If not, please contact us via the General and Technical Support Form.