Eligibility for Library Cards
Library cards are issued after completion of the library card application, signed borrower’s agreement, and proof of residence is provided.
The following is a list of acceptable forms of proof of residence that can be presented to get a library card:
P.O. Boxes are not acceptable as proof of residency.
Library Card Types
Residents
All residents or property owners in Bradley Beach are eligible for a free library card. Renters must provide a copy of their lease and proof of their permanent residence, phone and email. Library cards are issued for 3 years at a time in order to ensure the maintenance of an accurate database of active members and usage. See proof of residency requirements above. Children under the age of 18 are eligible for a card by providing proof of residency through their parent, guardian, or caregiver.
Children (Age 18 and under)
Children under the age of 18 presenting proof of residency or proof of enrollment in the Bradley Beach Elementary School may secure a Provisional Student Library Card without parental permission, which will allow borrowing privileges for one year. The child will be allowed to have a maximum of 6 library books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, or magazines checked out on their card at any one time. The child’s provisional card will be blocked from further checkouts if they have any lost or damaged items on their account. A welcome letter will be sent to a child’s parent or guardian informing them that their child was issued a provisional library card and to ask them to bring proof of residency at the time of their child’s next library visit or to sign the welcome letter so that when the child returns the signed letter can be switched to a permanent resident card.
Non-resident
People living outside Bradley Beach can join the Library. An individual membership fee of $25.00 per year per individual is required. Senior Citizens (ages 60 and older) may purchase a non-resident library card for $15 per year. Proof of age is required. Additional cards may be issued to other family members residing at the same address for an additional $3 each.
Employees or Business Owners in Town
Complimentary library cards are available, renewable annually, for non-residents who own businesses or work in Bradley Beach. Business owners must present their business registration; people working in Bradley Beach must present a letter from their employer, employee ID/badge, or a paystub with the applicant’s name and the employer’s workplace address dated within the last four weeks. Business cards are not accepted as proof of employment.
Library Card Renewals
Established accounts may be renewed in person or via email. Cardholders will keep their same card number, but need to provide proof of residence either in person or electronically. If the card is a non-resident card payment can be mailed by check. The library is only able to accept cash or check payments at this time. For those who work or own a business in town, proof of employment/business may be provided electronically.
Statement of Responsibility
All cardholders accept responsibility for any use of their library card and agree to abide by library policies and procedures. Cardholders must present their library card or a digital version of their card on their mobile device with their library card barcode on it for all account transactions. Cardholders must pay all fines and fees incurred on their card. Parents, guardians, or caregivers are responsible for all fines, fees, lost or damaged items on their children’s library cards until 18 years of age.
Lost or stolen cards must be reported immediately and change of name, address, or phone number should be reported promptly. Once a card is reported lost, that card number cannot be reinstated. Replacement cards will be issued for a nominal fee.
Cards are issued to individuals. Cards may be used by family members or a caretaker with the cardholder’s permission. A cardholder may authorize specific person(s) to pick up requested materials. Library staff will enter the names of the authorized persons in the cardholder’s account. The authorized person(s) must present the cardholder’s card when picking up items.
