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Anyone who lives, works, or owns property in Matawan or Aberdeen may apply for a library card at the circulation desk. Proper identification and a signed application are required. Students become eligible for adult cards in seventh grade. Those children who are younger require a parent's signature on their application. Non-residents who are not eligible for a STELLA library card may purchase a MAPL library card for $30 ($15 for seniors) renewed annually.
The following documents may be accepted as proof of Matawan or Aberdeen residence when obtaining a library
card or renewing an expired card:
(The patron should present the expiring card, if available, and one other proof of residence. If the proof
of residence is not a photo ID, then a second ID may be required.)
Materials | Loan Period | Renewal | Limit if not on hold |
---|---|---|---|
Most Books | 3 Weeks | Yes, 2 times | None |
New Adult Books | 2 Weeks | Yes, 2 times | None |
Adult Magazines | 2 Weeks | Yes, 2 times | None |
Books on CD, Playaways | 3 Weeks | Yes, 2 times | 5 |
Music CDs | 3 Weeks | Yes, 2 times | 5 |
DVDs | Most - 3 days TV Series - 7 days Instructional - 7 days |
No | 2 per Adult Card, (18 yrs. or older) |
Chromebooks | 2 Weeks | Yes, 1 time | 1 per Adult Card |
YA Playaway Views | 3 Weeks | No | 1 per Adult Card |
Children's Books | 3 Weeks | Yes, 2 times | 3 per subject, author, series, holiday |
Children's Summer Reading | 3 Weeks | Yes, 2 times | 3 per subject, author, series, holiday |
Children's Magazines | 2 Weeks | Yes, 2 times | None |
Children's books on CD, CDs, and Playaways |
3 Weeks | Yes, 2 times | 2 |
Children's Read-a-longs | 3 Weeks | Yes, 2 times | 2 |
Children's Playaway Launchpads | 3 Weeks | No | 1 per Adult Card |
Children's Playaway Views | 3 Weeks | Yes, 1 time | 1 per Adult Card |
Children's Educational Games | 3 Weeks | Yes, 1 time | 1 per Adult Card |
Wonderbooks | 3 Weeks | No | 1 per Card (Adult or Child) |
Updated 3/9/2023
Updated 3/9/2023
All library materials are now fine free, with the following exceptions:
Delinquent patron accounts (showing previous fines or lost materials) are blocked at $5.00. Patrons must pay the replacement cost for any lost item billed to their account. The library does not accept in-kind replacements. The fine free policy does not apply to lost materials.
Updated 3/9/2023
The Matawan Aberdeen Public Library strives to maintain a collection that meets the community’s interests and needs.
The Library carefully considers all collection development decisions before acquiring items to ensure materials provide a balance of viewpoints and are current, accurate, and produced by reliable sources. The library staff are trained and equipped to make selection decisions and consult a number of resources in selecting items, including professional journals, trade publications, reputable Internet sites, subject bibliographies, and publishers’ promotional material.
TThe Library’s membership in STELLA (Sharing & Technology Enhancing Local Library Access) enables our patrons to borrow materials from 42 other local libraries, either in person or through interlibrary loan. There is also access to collections in other libraries throughout the state via JerseyCat, a service provided by the New Jersey State Library. The Library staff is happy to assist with interlibrary loans, or consider requests for additions to our collection.
The Matawan Aberdeen Public Library carefully considers all collection development decisions before discarding items. In order to keep our collections fresh and interesting, items that are outdated, in poor condition, or do not circulate often are discarded. Other factors, such as an item's availability at other libraries, and overall balance in our collection are also considered.
The Matawan Aberdeen Public Library Board of Trustees, the library director, and staff believe that the freedom to read is a human right and an integral part of the First Amendment of the US Constitution. We endorse the Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read statement of the American Library Association, as well as follow its Code of Ethics.
Any additional questions regarding the library's collections should be directed to Kimberly Paone, Library Director (732-583-9100, kpaone@mapl.org).
Adopted by the Board of Trustees, December 7, 2018. [Revised January 11, 2023; July 10, 2024]
The Board of Trustees of the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library supports the basic premise that every
individual has the right to read what he or she wishes without fear of censure or legal consequences. MAPL
will protect each user’s right to confidentiality with respect to all information required for registration,
information sought or received, and materials consulted, borrowed, or acquired.
Exceptions to this policy are provided in N.J.S.A. 18A:73-43:2:
Library records which contain the names or other personally identifying details regarding the users of
libraries are confidential and shall not be disclosed except in the following circumstances:
Exceptions to this policy are also contained within the US Patriot Act, adopted by Congress on October 26,
2001. This Act enlarges the ability of the FBI and law enforcement officers to request court orders,
including search warrants and court-ordered subpoenas.
Examples of when records may be disclosed for proper operation of the Library include, but are not limited
to: correspondence with a collection agency to retrieve overdue materials or fines, discussions concerning
borrowing and overdue status with other libraries the patron may be using, and inter-library loan requests.
Also, registration information may be used in cases of theft or vandalism, if there is a need to contact
parents of school-aged patrons, or in circumstances of illegal use of MAPL’s Internet resources (see MAPL’s
Public Internet Use Policy).
Any questions or problems relating to the confidentiality of Library records that are not covered by this
policy (or other policies referred to above) should be referred to the Library Director. As necessary, these
questions will be discussed with the Library Board of Trustees and the Library’s attorney.
Nothing in this policy shall be construed to limit the public’s right to access under the Open Public
Records Act (OPRA).
If the staff is approached by a person making a request for confidential records (registration or usage
records, computer or reference use, etc.), the following steps will be taken:
All patrons of the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library are expected to use the Library and its resources in a responsible, lawful, and courteous manner. To better serve all Library patrons, the Library Board of Trustees has established the following standards of acceptable behavior to maintain an atmosphere which promotes the use and enjoyment of the resources and services of the Library and which protects the safety of the general public, the Library staff, and the equipment and materials of the Library.
Any activity which interferes with the rights of other patrons to use the Library, which disrupts Library operations, could result in physical, emotional, or mental injury to oneself or others, or in damage to the facilities, equipment, material, or Library property and grounds will be considered disruptive and unacceptable.
Conduct not acceptable in the Library or on Library grounds includes, but is not limited to:
Patrons are required to wear a shirt and shoes in the Library. Patrons who present a health hazard shall be required to leave the building.
No person may use the lavatory facilities other than for ordinary and usual use. Bathing and laundering clothes are specifically not permitted.
Library management has the discretion to discard personal items left unattended on Library property in order to preserve a safe environment for Library patrons, volunteers, and staff.
All bags and other articles are subject to inspection by Library staff members. The Library reserves the right to limit the size and number of items brought into the Library.
All patrons must leave the Library premises by closing time, when evacuation of the building is necessary, or at any time when requested to do so by Library personnel.
In the event that a patron violates any of these rules, a staff member will tell the individual that their behavior violates the Standards of Acceptable Behavior, and that it must stop.
If the individual continues the behavior, a staff member will inform the patron that they will be asked to leave the Library if the behavior does not stop immediately.
If the behavior persists, they will be asked to leave the Library. If the patron refuses, the police will be called to remove the patron from the premises. Under no circumstances will a Library employee touch the patron. The staff member who interacts with the patron, and any staff members who witness the interaction, will complete an incident report.
A patron may be suspended from the Library for a specific amount of time. This decision will be made by the Library Director. Notice of the suspension will be delivered by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by overnight courier with delivery confirmed to the last known address of the patron or, in the case of a minor child, to the parents or guardians. A copy of the letter shall be kept on file at the Library.
Appeal of the suspension may be made, in writing, to the Board of Trustees, Matawan Aberdeen Public Library, 165 Main Street, Matawan, NJ, 07747, within ten (10) days of receipt of notice of suspension. The patron, or in the case of a minor child, the parents or guardians, will be notified by the Board of the date and time of the hearing on the notice of appeal. At the hearing, the Board of Trustees may determine to lift, continue, modify, or extend the period of suspension.
Multiple activities violating the Standards of Acceptable Behavior executed by the same offender will be considered the second or third offense, even if the action is different.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees, February 9, 2012. Updated May 10, 2023.
The Matawan Aberdeen Public Library encourages all children to visit the Library and use its resources. The MAPL Standards of Acceptable Behavior apply to library users of all ages, and are in place to create a safe environment for all.
Parents need to be aware that the Library is a public facility and that it is open to all individuals. It is not the function or purpose of library personnel to supervise or care for children while parents, guardians, or caregivers are outside the Library, or while the adult is occupied elsewhere in the Library. Children visiting the Library should be supervised for their own safety and the consideration of other patrons.
The following guidelines have been established to insure the safety and well-being of children visiting the Library:
As a public agency, the Library serves in the best interest of the welfare of all children. The Library is required by law to notify the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) in the event of suspected abuse or neglect of any child. This includes, but is not limited to:
Approved by the Board of Trustees, March 14, 2012. Updated April 12, 2023.
The Matawan Aberdeen Public Library (“Library”) empowers patrons by offering opportunities both by accessing the broadest range of information created by others and by the sharing of information. Digital resources enhance the ability of the Library to fulfill this responsibility. One such resource is the Internet, to which the Library provides free access to all cardholders in good standing. Internet access is provided via our computer workstations as well as through wireless connection. The Library affirms the right of all patron users, regardless of age, to use the Internet in a safe and confidential manner.
The Internet is an unregulated, interactive medium with a highly diverse user population. It contains vast amounts of useful and valuable information. It also contains content that is inaccurate, misleading and offensive. The Library does not control information accessed through the Internet and cannot be held responsible for its content. Patrons are responsible for the content that they access. Parents are responsible for the safe use of Library computers by their children. The Library does not filter content on its computers or provide filtering software. Provision of Internet service does not imply that the Library endorses or approves of any material accessed.
The Library is not responsible for any damages resulting from use of the Library's computers or the Library's connection to the Internet, nor can it guarantee privacy of any Internet sessions. The Library reserves the right to suspend a user's privileges due to illegal usage or for any violation of this Policy.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 9, 2012. Updated November 12, 2014. Updated March 9, 2016. Updated January 11, 2023.
To increase access to the Internet and the library's digital resources, especially among our community’s senior population, the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library is pleased to offer a Chromebook lending program. Each of the five (5) Chromebooks available for loan are embedded with a Wi-Fi hotspot for ease of use where no Internet connection is available.
Chromebooks may be checked out by adult residents, with a valid Matawan Aberdeen Public Library card in good standing.
Chromebooks can be borrowed for up to fourteen (14) days. One renewal is allowed if no one has the item on hold at time of renewal. Chromebooks can be placed on hold at the library, by phone, or online. Once a Chromebook becomes available, it must be picked up within seven (7) days of notification of availability or the item will go to the next customer in the queue. Borrowers may not borrow a Chromebook for two or more consecutive loan periods.
Only one Chromebook can be borrowed per household at one time.
Chromebooks must be picked up and returned directly to the Computer Assistance
desk, located in the Reference room at the front of the library.
Chromebooks must never be placed in library’s book drop - they could be damaged
and the borrower will be responsible for replacement costs.
Overdue Chromebooks will be have the Wi-Fi hotspot deactivated.
Matawan Aberdeen Public Library reserves the right to terminate Chromebook
borrowing privileges from borrowers who damage, abuse, or lose equipment, or who
are repeatedly late in returning the device.
The overdue fine is $5 per day. Chromebooks not returned after 28 days will
be assumed-lost and the borrower will be charged the replacement cost.
Patrons are responsible for costs associated with loss or damage of Chromebooks
and/or cords, cases, etc.
Assistance with the device is available from Matawan Aberdeen Public Library
Computer Tech Assistants in person, via email, or via phone. Please call
732-583-9100 or email techQ@mapl.org if you have questions.
If a technical issue arises, the borrower should return the device immediately
to the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library Computer Assistance desk. A Matawan
Aberdeen Public Library staff member will assess the issue and either issue a
new device or return the corrected device to the borrower. The lending period
will be extended to account for any days spent without the device due to a
technical issue.
Matawan Aberdeen Public Library is not responsible for any liability,
damages, or expense resulting from use or misuse of the Chromebook, connection
of the Chromebook’s Wi-Fi hotspot, or data loss resulting from use of the
Chromebook.
Matawan Aberdeen Public Library is not responsible for the information accessed,
obtained, or disseminated while using the Chromebook. Any actions that lead to
criminal prosecution are the responsibility of the borrower, not Matawan
Aberdeen Public Library.
To help ensure a pleasant and productive atmosphere for all visitors, tutors who meet with students at the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library must follow all library policies, including the following special regulations for tutors.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees, July 10, 2024
165 Main St., Matawan, NJ 07747
Phone: 732-583-9100
Email: info@mapl.org
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
10am – 9pm
Tuesday & Friday
10am – 6pm
Saturday
9am – 1pm (summer)
9am – 5pm (after Labor Day)
Sunday
12pm – 5pm
Day Hours Monday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Tuesday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Wednesday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Thursday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
If you don't already have a library card, stop by the library to register - or you can complete our online form and we will provide you with a card number and PIN within about 24 hours.