Borrowing Information
Patrons are responsible for all items checked out on their library cards. If a card is lost or stolen, contact the library immediately so that the card may be blocked. If items charged out to a patron are lost, damaged or destroyed, the patron must pay the cost of the item – replacements are not accepted. Refunds will not be issued if the lost material is found after payment.
| Material Type | Lending Period | Renewals *see Renewal Policy | Borrowing Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books | 3 weeks | 2 renewals | 25 (3 per series/author/5 digit Dewey #) |
| New Books – Adult & YA | 2 weeks | 2 renewals | 5 |
| New Books – Children’s | 3 weeks | 2 renewals | 5 |
| Magazines | 3 weeks | 2 renewals | 3 per title |
| Audiobooks & Playaways | 3 weeks | 1 renewal | 5 |
| Wonderbooks | 3 weeks | 1 renewal | 3 |
| Launchpads | 7 days | No renewals | 2 |
| Battle of the Books titles | 1 week | No renewals | 1 |
| Summer Reading (MS and HS) books | 2 weeks | No renewals | 2 |
| Music CDs | 1 week | 1 renewal | 5 |
| DVDs (titles marked 5 days) | 5 days | No renewals | 3 *see Fee Schedule below |
| DVDs (titles marked 14 days) | 2 weeks | No renewals | 1 |
| Interlibrary Loans (via JerseyCat) | 3 weeks | No renewals | 5 |
| Reference Material & New Magazines (latest issue) | Non-circulating | N/A | N/A |
| Technology Items | As Marked | 1 renewal | 1 |
| Museum Passes | 2 days | No renewals | 1 |
Fees & Fines
As of September 2022, books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, and magazines will not accrue fines. Fines for overdue museum passes and technology items will be charged at the daily rate labelled on the item. Items overdue more than 40 days will be assumed lost and the replacement fee will be charged to your account. The replacement fee will be removed only when the item is returned or the fee is paid. Cards are blocked at $5.00 in fees. *This does not apply to items checked out in-person at another STELLA location.*
Residents of the Borough of Sayreville may join the library free of charge. Non-residents may purchase an out-of-town borrower’s card for $75.00 per year. Note: The non-resident card will not work at libraries other than Sayreville. Many local libraries participate in our STELLA consortium which provides borrowing between libraries, so you may be permitted to borrow Sayreville materials if you have an account in good standing with your hometown library. Check with the circulation desk for details and to see if your library participates.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Library Card Replacement | $3.00 |
| Non-resident Card (entitles the bearer to full Sayreville resident privileges for 1 year) | $75.00 |
| DVDs rented exceeding the allotment of three 5-day DVDs, one 14-day DVD | $1.00 per extra item |
| Lost Barcode or Media Case | $3.00 |
| Lost DVD Sleeve or DVD Insert | $5.00 |
| Lost or Damaged Library Material (Sayreville item) | Cost of material, as listed on item record (No replacements accepted.) |
| Lost or Damaged Library Material (owned by another library) | Lending library determines price/processing fees |
| Photocopies | $0.15/B&W page $0.35/color page |
| Computer Printing | $0.15/B&W page $0.35/color page |
| Notary Services | $2.50 per stamp (or seal) |
Renewal Policy
Items will automatically renew, when applicable. Patrons may also renew material online, through the STELLA LIBRARIES app, by visiting the library or by speaking with a staff member during open hours. In order to successfully renew material, a patron must have a balance below $5.00. Renewals will be denied on material with a hold queue.
Blocked Accounts
When a patron’s balance is $5.00 or more, the card will be blocked. Pay a fine here.
Book Drops
Books, DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks may be returned in the book drops. Magazines, Wonderbooks, and technology items should be returned to the circulation desk. Museum passes should be returned to the reference desk.
The drive-up book drop is open 24/7. During business hours it should be utilized only by patrons not planning to borrow materials the same day. Patrons returning material and charging out new material within the same day must return their material inside. The outdoor book drop at the front door is locked during business hours and can be used only when the library is closed.