What is Open Borrowing?
Open Borrowing is a reciprocal borrowing program for library patrons to borrow in-person from among more than 150 public libraries in northern New Jersey. The participating libraries of Open Borrowing are
- BCCLS (Bergen County Cooperative Library System),
- LMxAC (Libraries Of Middlesex Automation Consortium),
- M.A.I.N. (Morris Automated Information Network),
- PALS (Passaic Library System),
- SWELL (Sussex Warren Electronic Lending Libraries).
Who is eligible?
Any resident with a valid library card from any participating Open Borrowing library is eligible for in-person borrowing. A green Open Borrowing sticker affixed to a library card gives a library patron borrowing privileges at all participating libraries.
Which libraries participate in Open Borrowing?
The Open Borrowing website's "Participating Libraries" page lists all participating libraries along with links to their websites and catalogs (if available.)
How can I find out if a library I'd like to visit is open?
Be sure to visit your local library first to get a green sticker on your library card. Then check the list of Participating Libraries and follow the link to the web site of the library that you would like to visit. Check their hours and make sure you have the correct address. If a library does not have a web site we have listed their phone number so that you can call them to check their hours.
- What may be borrowed?
Almost everything! Every library has its own rules, especially regarding DVDs and new books. Please call before traveling to any Open Borrowing library to make sure that you will be able to borrow what you want when you want it.