A Hillside Public Library card offers you access to the physical collections of 40+ Libraries through the STELLA and M.U.R.A.L networks. As well as Hillside’s digital collections and research databases. Sign-up today!
Free Library Cards are available to anyone who lives, owns property, attends school, or works in the Township of Hillside.
First time registrants or former cardholders (expired 3-years or more) may start the registration process by visiting the STELLA Catalog and selecting “Get a Library Card.”
All library card requests (new, renewal and lost card replacement) require a visit to the Library with valid personal identification and proof of eligibility.
Hillside resident cards need to be renewed every 3 years. Non-resident cards need to be renewed every 1 year.
Adult Residents
- Valid Government Issued Photo Identification with a Hillside Address (no P.O. Boxes)
OR
- Valid Photo Identification and one of the following with a Hillside Address (no P.O. Boxes) with a name match:
- Current New Jersey motor vehicle registration or car insurance
- Current Lease, Mortgage or Rental Agreement
- Current Tax statement
- Utility bill (telephone, electric, cable, etc.)
- Bank statement
- Credit card statement
- Dated letter from social services agency
(Bills/statements must be dated within the last 60 Days)
Child Residents (ages Birth-11) Parent/Guardian must show their valid personal photo identification and proof of address. Child/Children must be present.
Young Adult Resident (ages 12-17) A valid Hillside Public School identification, report card, or school schedule and proof of address; or a parent/guardian may show valid personal identification and proof of address (young adult must be present)
Free Non-resident Library Cards are available to those who work or attend school in the Township of Hillside.
- Valid Photo Identification
- Proof of current address (no P.O. Boxes)
Plus:
- Confirmation of work status – current pay stub; letter on company letterhead, current company I.D.
- Confirmation of student status – current student I.D., letter on school letterhead, current school schedule or report card
Paid Non-resident Library Cards: Anyone who does not qualify for a free library card may purchase an annual membership for $50.00.
Lost or Stolen Cards
Cardholders are responsible for all items borrowed with their cards. Lost or stolen library cards should be reported to Hillside Public Library immediately.
Suspension of Material Check-out Privileges
Patrons with more than 19 overdue items on their account, or who owe $20 or more may not borrow library materials until overdue items are returned and fees are paid.
Items owned by Hillside Public Library will auto-renew up to the limit listed below. Patrons may view their account online or contact the Library for item due dates and renewal options.
Items on hold for other patrons or deemed lost (overdue by 42 days or more) will not be renewed.
| Material | Loan Period | # of Renewals |
|---|---|---|
| New Books | 14 days | 2, if no holds |
| Books | 28 days | 2, if no holds |
| Audiobooks | 28 days | 2, if no holds |
| CD (Music) | 28 days | 2, if no holds |
| DVD | 4 days | 2, if no holds |
| Magazines | 28 days | 2, if no holds |
| InterLibrary Loans | Set by lenders | 0 |
Cardholders may reserve titles online through the STELLA Catalog, in person, or by contacting the Library.
Hillside Public Library cardholders may use our Suggest an Item Form to request items not found in the STELLA catalog. Suggested items may be requested through Interlibrary Loan (ILL) or considered for purchase.
The Library will notify patrons by email, text, or automated telephone calls when holds/reserves are available for pick-up. Items must be picked up within 7 days of notification date.
Borrowers with less than 19 overdue items, no lost items, or unpaid fines over $20 may borrow up to 50 total items with the following limits:
- Books – 50 items
- CDs or Audiobooks – 10 items
- DVDs – 5 items
Hillside Public Library has eliminated late fines on our items. Prompt return of materials increase their availability to the public.
Please note, items checked out at other STELLA member library locations may still incur late fines.
Cardholders may opt to receive courtesy overdue reminders by email, text, or automated calls.
Patrons with more than 19 overdue items on their account, or who owe $20 or more may not borrow library materials until overdue items are returned or replacement fee is paid.
Items 42 days past their due date will be considered lost and the full cost of the item will be charged to the patron’s account.
Lost and Damaged Items
Cardholders are responsible for all items borrowed with their cards and liable for the cost of replacing items that are lost or damaged. Payments may be made via cash, check, money order, or credit card (min. $1 – online only). Payments for lost items will be refunded if these items are subsequently returned in good condition within 30 days of paying for lost items.
The Library cannot accept replacement items for lost or damaged materials.