Dunellen Public Library
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a Library Card?

If you are a resident, a property owner or work in the town of Dunellen.... ​
Library cards are free. All you have to do is bring in your driver’s license with a Dunellen address or two (2) items that have your name and Dunellen address on them and we'll set you right up with your very own card.
Please Note: If you elect not to use your license, one of your items MUST have a picture of yourself for identification purposes.
If you are a child of a resident . . . 
All you have to do is bring in a parent, who must bring in their Driver’s license with a Dunellen address or two (2) items that have your name and Dunellen address and we'll set you right up with your very own card.
What if I don't live in, work in, or have property in town....
No worries, you still can get a library card at the Dunellen Library. Getting one costs only $25 and the privilege lasts for one year.

Does the Library accept Book Donations?

Current status of book donations...
The Dunellen Public Library is currently accepting book donations. We ask that all books donated MUST be in good and readable condition.
What will the Library (NOT) accept as book donations...
The Dunellen Public Library does not accept the following book categories: 
  • Encyclopedias
  • Dictionaries
  • Religious sacred texts
  • Computer books/manuals (copyright 2018 or earlier)
  • Dieting books (copyright 2018 or earlier)
  • Real estate books (copyright 2018 or earlier)
  • Financial books (copyright 2018 or earlier)
  • Reader's Digest
  • Magazines
  • Cassettes
  • Sticker or coloring books

Does the Library offer Notary Services?

Current status of Notary Services...
At this time the Dunellen Public Library DOES offer a notary service for a small fee. Before you bring documents to be notarized, please call us at (732)-968-4585 to be sure an appointment is available with our notary.
Guidelines for Notary Services at the Library...
  • If you have more than one (1) item to be notarized, please call and make an appointment.
  • Bring a current photo ID, such as a valid driver's license or passport, with you.
  • Do NOT sign the document ahead of time; it should be signed in front of the notary.
  • If more than one person must sign the document, they must all be present at the time of notarization.
  • The Dunellen Public Library notary follows all regulations of the State of New Jersey.
  • Please bring your own witnessses.
  • ​We can only notarize materials in English.
Additional Information of Notary Services...
A notary only verifies the signer's identity and that the signature was made willingly and freely. 
Notarization does NOT:
  • Prove a document to be true or accurate.
  • Legalize or validate a document.
  • Prove that a statement under oath is true.
​Public notaries are also not legal professionals. Please do not ask legal questions or legal advice.

What are prices for the services?

Current price of services...
At this time the following services have a cost connected with them:
  • Printing - .30 cents per black and white page, .60 cents per color page
  • Copying - .25 cents per page
  • Faxing - $1 per page excluding provided cover page
  • Notary - $2.50 fee per document notarized.
Additional costs at the Library...
Borrowing a DVD (with some exceptions) - $1 per provided time period, this excludes Inter-Library Loans.
Book sale - Prices are posted monthly at book sale locations and may vary month to month.

How much are fines?

The current rate of fines...
Fines vary by media borrowed and duration from the due date. The current rate goes as follows: 
  • Books and other materials - .15 cents per day the item is late 
  • DVDs - .50 cents per day the item is late
Please Note: When you reach $5 dollars in fines, the library may not be able to loan out material until you pay off existing fines.
How can I pay those fines?
Fines can be paid digitally or in person at the library. Library staff will notify you of any outstanding fines on your account when checking out or on request. In person, the library only accepts cash payments. Digitally, fines may be paid using SmartPay, a Middlesex county library option for online payments. 
Digitally paying fines...
Fines paid through SmartPay can be accessed on the homepage of the Dunellen Public Library’s website or on the homepage of the catalog website. Start by going to the SmartPay website through the safe links on either of these sites. Log in to the system using your library card number and PIN. At the top of the page click on “Pay Fines/Fees” and it should display your currently owed amount. On this page enter the amount you wish to pay, your credit card information, and finally click on the Finish button on the bottom. A confirmation should be generated and this will be reflected in your account.

Can I reserve the meeting room?

How to start the process...
The first step we recommend is that you call ahead to check availability of the meeting room, as programs or other appointments may already have taken up your desired time slot. Following this you will have to come to the library and pick up a small packet which contains an application and a copy of the meeting room policy.
What happens after submitting your application...
The Dunellen Public Library first has to receive a completed application, which we request at least one week prior to the requested date(s). Once it has been received, the current Director will review the application and make a decision regarding the use of the meeting room. You will be contacted with the result.

How do I connect to the Wifi?

How to connect...
On your personal device, please check in your settings and look at Network or Wifi and select “Dunellen Public Library” while you are in range. No password is required for this connection and is provided freely to patrons of the Library.
Are there any services I could use through the wifi…
By being connected to our wifi, you are able to print through your personal device to one of our printers with no need to log in to the public computers. However, printing costs remain the same.

Can I request materials, place holds, or renew items without going to the library?

The Library Catalog and other services...
Are all available 24/7 through the LMxAC site. You are required to possess a library card to use any of these services digitally or in person at the library. Temporary digital cards are available through the LMxAC catalog or from the Dunellen Public Library's front page.
Placing holds...
To place a hold, start at our online catalog. From there, log into your account at the top using your library card and PIN.  Now search using the search bar to locate the book you want. Next to the item, select PLACE HOLD and a drop down menu will appear. From here, make sure the Dunellen Public Library is selected and confirm the hold. You should receive an email or phone call when the item arrives or is made ready for pick-up. If you prefer, you can call the library and the staff will be able to place a hold for you directly.
Renewing Items...
To renew an item borrowed from the library, start at our online catalog. Log into your account at the top using your library card and PIN. Once logged in, select “My Account” at the top. On the new page, select the tab of “Checkouts” and a list of items you currently have checked out should appear.  Select the items you want to renew by clicking the box next to the item and pushing the “Renew” button. Confirm the renewal and the new due date should appear if it is the first renewal. If an error appears, the item is no longer allowed to be renewed and must still be returned on the original due date.

NOTE We are a part of the Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium (LMxAC).
​ If you are a resident of another town in the LMxAC system, you can use your home library's card here!
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  • Home
  • Services
  • Events
  • Adults
    • Resources
  • Teens
    • College Resources
    • Study Hall
    • Ultimate Book List
  • Children
    • New Children's Books
    • Games
  • About
    • Directions & Parking
    • Donations
    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Library Board
    • Our Goals
    • 2023 Holiday Closing
    • Volunteering
  • Friends of the DPL
    • Community