Using the Library
The Mendham Township 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 museum pass, 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.
Any person who lives, works, attends school, or pays taxes in Mendham Township may request a library card according to policies set by the Board. The Library is part of Main and, as such, all cardholders have limited privileges with all other Main affiliates. The library affords these same privileges to other Main members. You must be at least 5-years-old to get a library card.
Library cards are available at the Circulation Desk. To obtain a new card you must have a form of identification with your current address.
Individuals under the age of 18 years old must come in with a parent or guardian.
If you lose your card, there is a $1.00 replacement fee.
Books, audio books, playaways, DVDs, magazines, and video games owned by the library may be borrowed for the following periods:
- Fiction & Non-Fiction Books – 4 weeks
- New Fiction & New Non-Fiction Books – 2 weeks
- Audiobooks – 2 weeks
- New Feature (Fiction) DVDs – 2 days
- New Feature Series DVDs 1 week
- Instructional (Nonfiction) DVDs – 1 week
- Older DVDs – 1 week
- Magazines – 1 week
- Kindles – 2 weeks (Must be returned to Mendham Township Library)
Books and audio books may be returned to any MAIN library.
Fines
The library no longer charges late fees on overdue books. However, patrons will be charged $2.00 per day for returning a kindle late (maximum $20). Kindles – $2.00 per day up to $20 (Replacement cost if lost or damaged $300.00)
All library patrons will automatically have access to auto-renewal.
Items that are checked out will automatically be renewed if eligible.
An item will be automatically renewed as long as:
1. You have renewals left for that item.
2. Another patron isn’t waiting for the item.
3. You have a valid library card in good standing.
* Digital materials such as ebooks are not auto-renewed.
When a book or other library material is lost or damaged beyond repair you will be charged the replacement cost according to the unit price schedule. Replacement copies purchased by you will not be accepted unless first OK’d by a library staff member.
A receipt will be given to you for the lost material. If the item is found after payment has been made, you may keep the item. The Library has a no-refund policy.
The Mendham Township Library offers free, Internet access.
Computers
The Library has two computers available for public use.
WiFi Access
Free wireless Internet access for your notebook, laptop, or PDA is available throughout the library whenever the library is open. Wireless users must comply with the library’s Internet Policy.
Printing and copying available for a fee, 15 cents black & white, 25 cents color.
Legal size – 20 cents black & white, 25 cents color.
Books Available on Kindle
We are excited to offer museum passes for Mendham Township Library Card Holders Only.
American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History in New York City is a world-renowned institution that captivates visitors with its vast array of exhibits. From towering dinosaur fossils to stunning dioramas of wildlife, the museum offers a journey through the natural world. Its collections also include gems and minerals and insightful exhibits on human evolution and biodiversity. The museum provides an immersive experience that inspires curiosity and appreciation for the natural sciences. Ticket entitles you to a free admission and one special program. Limit 2 tickets per household per year while supplies last.
Caroline Foster bequeathed Fosterfields to the Morris County Park Commission, to be preserved as a “living historical farm,” the first in New Jersey. Not a replica, Fosterfields is a working farm, using the tools, techniques, and materials of a turn-of-the-century farm.
Discover the ‘Birthplace of the Telegraph’ and experience life during the early years of the Industrial Revolution and at the dawn of the new era of communications. Through guided tours, special events, school and youth programs, home school programs, and summer recreational programs, this National Historic Landmark museum, comprised of 8.22 acres, offers hands-on opportunities to capture the flavor of life during the early to mid-19th century.
Cooper Gristmill, located on 14 acres, was built in 1826 and is one of the remaining restored water-powered mills in New Jersey. It is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. It is a living example of the state’s transition from an agricultural to an industrial economy.
As New Jersey’s second-largest museum, it showcases an eclectic mix of art, history, and science. Highlights include the Guinness Collection of Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata, an internationally renowned display of intricate, self-playing instruments and mechanical wonders. Perfect for visitors of all ages, the Morris Museum offers a unique blend of creativity, innovation, and education in the heart of Morris County.
MUSEUM PASS BORROWING GUIDELINES
- Passes may be checked out for three (3) days. (Exception–American Museum of Natural History is a “ticket” that does not need to be returned.)
- The pass must be returned to the Mendham Township Library. There will be a $5 charge if returned to another library.
- The fine for an overdue pass is $1 per day. The charge for a lost museum pass is $25 plus the museum’s charge for a replacement.
- Exception-American Museum of Natural History is once per year.
Call the library on 973-543-4018 or stop by the desk to check-out the pass. A Mendham Township Library Library card is required.
We’re excited to introduce our new Quiet Pod—a comfortable, enclosed space perfect for individual or small group study, reading, or focused work. The pod is available by reservation only and can be booked in person or by calling the library at 973-543-4018. Users must be 12 or older, and reservations are limited to 2 hours per day, with a maximum of 2 reservations per week per person. Bookings can be made up to one week in advance. Please respect the space, clean up after use, and let staff know if you need to cancel. Failure to follow usage guidelines may result in loss of pod privileges.