Somerset County Library System

The eight library branches of the Somerset County Library System are all equipped with Internet ready computers. Wireless Internet should be available at each branch by the end of 2006. The online library catalog offers users the ability to place holds, renew materials and manage most functions of personal library accounts. The library's comprehensive website offers many e-resources such as digital e and audio e books, online databases and other reference tools.

The Somerset County Library System is funded by a dedicated library tax paid by the citizens of its thirteen member municipalities; Bound Brook,Branchburg, Bridgewater, Green Brook, Hillsborough, Millstone, Montgomery, North Plainfield, Peapack-Gladstone, Rocky Hill, So. Bound Brook Warren and Watchung.

Library Cards
In order to obtain a Somerset County Library System card, you must meet one of the following requirements:

Live, own property or go to school in a member municipality. ·

Work for Somerset County government or be a student enrolled at Raritan Valley Community College.

Be a literacy volunteer/student using a SCLS Branch Library for tutoring.

Volunteer in a Somerset County Library System facility.

Be a volunteer fireperson, auxiliary police officer, rescue squad member or an emergency medical service member in a member municipality.

Pay an annual fee to become a member.

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The Somerset County Library System will issue a free library card to Somerset County residents who have a documented mental or physical disability.

Anyone may use the libraries of the Somerset County Library System, but a valid library card is required to check out materials.

A Somerset County Library System card may be obtained at any Branch Library. Patrons must present identification and proof of eligibility to obtain a card. With a Somerset County card, patrons may check out materials from any Branch Library.

A Somerset County Library System card is an all access pass to the eight branch libraries that are a part of the system. The card entitles the holder to borrowing privileges, admission to library programs and 24/7 access to reference providers. SCLS cardholders may also access the library's online subscription databases that are available to use from home.

SCLS patrons enjoy Internet privileges at all branches of the Library System as well as the assistance of a highly trained staff.

SCLS librarians may be contacted for reference help in person at the library, through e-mail, or via the telephone. Patrons may also take advantage of Q&ANJ, a live reference service provided via the library's website.

Library patrons may borrow the following:

• Books
• Periodicals
• Pamphlets
• Cassettes
• CDs
• Videos
• DVDs

The Somerset County Library System was established in 1930 as part of an effort to get more library materials into the hands of people who wanted to read. Dorothy VanGorder was the first director of the Somerset County Library System. Miss VanGorder drove a little black Model T Ford all over the county delivering materials to existing libraries, and library stations located in private homes, school buildings, storefronts and even a chapel. In the first year, the Model T Ford delivered 6,000 books.

Computer classes, concerts, crafts programs, storytimes, yoga, plays, movies, book discussions, science crafts, game nights, mehndi classes, world music and more are constantly featured at the library. Check the online calendar at www.somerset.lib.nj.us for the latest offerings.