How can I obtain a library card?
A library card is free if you live, work in, or own property in Old Bridge or Township. There is a $75 fee for all others who wish to get a card. To receive a card, you need to provide proof of your current residential or work address. Children under 17 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign for the card.
If I am not a resident of Old Bridge, can I still check out materials?
Anyone with a library card from the Old Bridge Library, or from LMxAC or MURAL member libraries, may borrow library materials. To see if your library is a member, click here. If your library is not listed, you may be able to buy an OBPL card for $75/year.
Who answers the questions at the reference desk?
Professional librarians with Masters of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degrees. If we can’t find the answer within a reasonable amount of time, give us your contact info and we will be pleased to research further and get back to you as quickly as possible.
Can I make copies of this page, map, document? Can I make/receive a fax or can I scan to email?
We have 2 B&W/Color Xerox copy machines available for the public, next to the Computer Help Desk. The cost is 15 cents for B&W per page single-sided and 25 cents for color copies single sided. Double-sided copying is also available.
Scan to email is free on both of our Xerox copiers.
Faxing is available at the library. Staff assistance is required for faxing. The first page of an outgoing fax is $2 with succeeding pages $1 per page. Incoming fax service is not available.
Cash accepted only, no debit or credit cards accepted at this time.
How do I renew a book/ request a book/place a hold.
Follow the instructions on our circulation page.
I took out and returned a book several weeks ago and would like to take it out again but I forgot the title. Can you look up my record?
For your privacy, when an item is returned on time the transaction information is purged from your record by default. We have no way to retrieve that information.
Our catalog now offers the option to record your checkout history (which is viewable only by you, not by library staff). Sign into your account and go to the ‘Preferences’ section of the Personal Information tab to enable this feature.
I want to know what books my wife/husband/teenager has been checking out of the library.
The Old Bridge Library has a strict confidentiality policy. Unless permission had been granted in advance, we cannot tell you what another person has checked out on their own library card.
Do I need to register for library programs?
While some library events do require registration, many of our library programs allow anyone to attend. Almost all of our library programs are also free to attend. To get more information on a program you are interested in, please visit our events page or sign up for our newsletter.
I need to use a computer for work/school/email/recreation.
We have 16 regular internet accessible computers and 3 Chromebase internet accessible computers on a first-come, first-served basis. You can use the computers for 1 hour; if no one is waiting you can have your time extended in 30 minute increments. If you do not have a library card then please ask for a visitor pass.
I need to print a photograph/document from my flash drive/email.
You can print from a flash drive, from your email, from the internet or anything you create during your session on the computer. Color and black & white printing is available via the computer. The cost is 25 cents per color printout, 15 cents per black & white.
I need to print my resume on my special paper.
Printing on your own paper is only available at the discretion of the Library. The cost is 15 cents per B&W copy and 25 cents per color copy whether you use your own paper or ours.
I need a room for my group to meet.
Several of our rooms are available for booking in advance by non-profit groups. Please visit our Meeting Room Rental page here for more details.
Can you help me write my resume/term paper?
We can offer tips on writing, but we do not offer one-to-one help at this time. Tutor.com is available as well as databases such as Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center for resume and term paper help.
Do you have books in other languages besides English?
Books in other languages are searchable in the catalog.
We have books in Spanish, Russian, Hindi, Gujarati, Polish, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Urdu, and Tamil.
Do you have movies?
We have many feature movies both old and new. We also have instructional videos in many subjects and movies in many world languages. The Library also offers streaming video through Hoopla Digital and Kanopy, services available with your Old Bridge card.
It’s 11pm and my paper is due tomorrow … I need information now!
We have resources available 24/7! Please visit our Online Databases & Journals page. Have your library card handy.
Are there online classes available?
Universal Classes are free and available for Old Bridge library card holders. Visit Universal Class and enter your library card number. Note: these are non-credit and non-transferable. In addition, we have LearningExpressLibrary classes.
I want to learn a new language at my own pace.
Pronunciator, our online language courses are available for Old Bridge library card holders. You will need to enter your library card number. The Library also offers Muzzy Language Learning for children.
I am out of work. Can you help?
We have a career center at the library, with books to help you with your resume and cover letters. We also have an online career center with links to job opportunities and tests to help you improve your skills. Tutor.com and LearningExpressLibrary also offer resume and job search resources.
I want to research my family history. Do you have any resources which can help me?
We are very pleased to offer Ancestry.com Library Edition for use in the Library. Ancestry.com has billions of records including passenger lists, military records, census data and much more to research your family history. We also have HeritageQuest, which can be accessed from your home, with millions of additional records. Please come in and use this fascinating and worthwhile resource to learn more about your heritage.
How can I volunteer in the library?
The library offers volunteering opportunities for teens. To find out more about our teen opportunities visit our teen volunteering page here.
How can I obtain a museum pass?
We offer free museum passes for a variety of museums to Old Bridge library card holders. To learn more about our free museum pass program click here.
How can I receive/renew a passport?
We are currently taking appointments for passport services. Please click here to make a Passport appointment with one of our agents.
All information on our passport services can be found here.
How do I receive notices about library programs and events?
Sign up for our newsletter to stay notified on upcoming events at the library. To sign up, click here.
Does the library accept donations?
The library accepts donations in accordance with our Gift and Donation Policy, which can be found here.
Can I suggest a book or other materials for the library to purchase?
You can suggest books or other materials you would like to see purchased by the library. The library will consider these suggestions for purchase in accordance with the our Collection Development Policy.
What is the Idea Farm?
The Idea Farm is both a creative space for the community and a place for the community to share knowledge. It is a ‘makerspace’ where folks can tinker, experiment, explore and learn at their own pace. The Idea Farm consists of a workshop space, tool and equipment collection, an outdoor demonstration garden, and other components.