Matawan Aberdeen Public Library: Library Card Policy [download policy]All borrowers must present their valid library card each time they check out materials or renew materials at the library.
Individuals who live or own property or a business in Matawan or Aberdeen may apply for a three-year library card at the front desk. Proper identification and proof of residency are required. If photo ID does not include proof of residence, then additional documentation will be needed.
The following documents may be accepted:
Youth Card
Children become eligible for adult cards in seventh grade.
All identification listed above must be current and must include name and a Matawan or Aberdeen (including Cliffwood, Cliffwood Beach, and select areas of Keyport) street address. (If the applicant has a Matawan street address, but pays taxes to Old Bridge, they will need to go to the Old Bridge Public Library to obtain a card.)
Teacher Card
Teachers who work in the Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District who are not eligible for a STELLA library card may apply for a one-year library card at the front desk. Identification with current home address and proof of employment are required. Acceptable proof of employment documents include ID badge or paystub.
Work Card
Individuals who work in Matawan or Aberdeen may apply for a one-year library card at the front desk. Identification with current home address and proof of employment in Matawan or Aberdeen are required. Proof of employment must include the individual’s name, the company’s name, and the company’s local address. Acceptable documents include ID badge, paystub, or business card.
This card includes access to Matawan Aberdeen Public Library’s physical collection and limited electronic resources.
Non-Resident Paid Card
Non-residents who are not eligible for a STELLA library card may purchase a one-year library card for $30 ($15 for seniors).
This card includes access to Matawan Aberdeen Public Library’s physical collection and limited electronic resources.
Renewing Library Cards
Patrons must renew their library cards in person and should present their expiring card, if available, along with proper identification and proof of residence. See Proof of Residence list above.
Lost Library Cards
Patrons must provide proper identification and proof of residence to obtain a replacement library card. See Proof of Residence list above.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: July 2026.
Matawan Aberdeen Public Library: Borrowing Policicy [download policy]| 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 |
| 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) |
Returning Materials
Books may be returned:
DVDs, CDs, Playaways and Audiobooks on CD may be returned:
Playaway Views and Museum Passes must be returned:
Chromebooks must be returned:
Renewing Materials
Library materials may be renewed in person, by phone, or online as long as they are not on hold for someone else.
Placing Reserves on Materials
Library materials may be reserved at no charge. Reservations can be made by completing a reserve card in the library, by phone, or online.
Interlibrary Loans
Items not owned by Matawan Aberdeen Public Library may often be borrowed from other libraries at no charge. Reservations can be made by completing a reserve card in the library, by phone, or online.
Lending policies may not be the same for all libraries. Lending periods may be different and materials may incur fines if overdue.
Overdue Materials
All Matawan Aberdeen Public Library materials are fine free, with the following exceptions:
Lost or Damaged Materials
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.
An item that is water damaged, torn, marked with pen/marker/paint, or defaced in any other way that causes the item to be deemed unusable and removed from the collection must be paid for at the current replacement value of a new item.
Adults are responsible for their children’s lost or damaged items.
Delinquent patron accounts (due to fines or lost materials) are blocked at $5.00.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: July 2026.
Matawan Aberdeen Public Library: Collection Development Policy [download policy]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.
The 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]
Public Computers and Internet Use PolicyThe 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.
Internet and Computer Use Guidelines
Patrons must have a valid Matawan Aberdeen Public Library card or a valid card from an LMxAC library to use Internet computers. Visitors who are not eligible for an LMxAC library card may obtain an Internet Access card after showing a valid ID. Patrons must use their own Library card to access the computers. Sharing of cards for this purpose is not permitted and could result in the suspension of computer use privileges for the cardholder.
Patrons with overdue fines in excess of $5.00 will be blocked from computer use until the fines have been paid.
There is a limit of 90 minutes of computer time per person per day. This 90 minute usage period includes any time spent on a SAM computer (Internet station) at any LMxAC library in a given day. Additional 45 minute sessions may be provided as long as
there are at least 2 available computer stations. The Library cannot guarantee that usage time can be extended beyond the original 90 minute allotment.
As with other Library materials, parents or guardians are responsible for the Internet information selected or accessed by their children. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or a caregiver aged 14 or over, while using an Internet computer. (See also: MAPL’s Supervision of Children Policy.)
Printing and downloading of materials from the Internet is permitted as long as it does not violate copyright laws or established licensing agreements. Users may not download or save files or software to the computer’s hard drive. Downloads should be made directly to a flash drive. The Library has flash drives ($3.00) available for purchase at the Computer Assistance desk. Any files stored temporarily on the desktop must be removed before the end of the user’s session.
Users may print information from the workstations at the cost of $.15 per black and white page and $.35 per color page. Users should be aware of the size of the document they are printing. Users must add money to their Library account before printing, and are financially responsible for all printouts. Users should preview their print selections prior to printing. No refunds are given after pages have been printed.
Computer Assistants are available to assist patrons Patrons who require extensive help are encouraged to ask about computer classes and one-on-one sessions offered at the Library. The Reference Librarians are also available to help navigate the Library’s website, to troubleshoot computer hardware and the Library’s software, to assist with electronic library resources, or to help with printing questions.
The Library cannot guarantee privacy and security for any user. Personal information such as addresses, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, etc. may be intercepted and misused if transferred electronically. Patrons should use caution when accessing personal and financial information, especially emails, bank accounts, credit card information, etc. The Library is not responsible for damage that may result from information accessed, transferred or downloaded by the user.
Patrons must respect copyright laws and established licensing agreements and abide by general Internet conduct.
No patron may disclose personal information about a minor through interactive online media, i.e., email, chat, etc. Illegal or criminal activity utilizing the Internet is prohibited. Such illegal or criminal activity includes, but is not limited the following: hacking, uploading or downloading computer viruses, sexual exploitation of minors, online stalking or harassment.
Users may not charge to or impose any charges upon the Library through Internet usage or by access to fee-for-service information providers. The Library is not responsible for any software or shareware fees incurred through downloading of software by patron users. Patrons may not attempt to circumvent or compromise the Library’s web security software. Behavior which jeopardizes the Library’s account or access to resources or attempts to tamper with the Library’s web security will result in revocation of Internet use privileges.
The Library reserves the right to cancel any patron’s session or to deny access to computers by patrons who violate this Internet Policy, the Library’s Acceptable Behavior Policy or engage in illegal or criminal activities. In the case of serious, deliberate damage to the Library computer systems or illegal or criminal activities, the Library reserves the right to contact law enforcement. The Library also reserves the right to modify this Policy and guidelines as necessary to ensure the fair, safe and reasonable use of the Internet.
Adopted by the Board of Trustees, May 9, 2012. Updated November 12, 2014. Updated March 9, 2016. Updated January 11, 2023.
Matawan Aberdeen Public Library: Chromebook (with embedded Wi-Fi hotspot) Lending Policy [download policy]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 Chromebook available for loan is embedded with a Wi-Fi hotspot for ease of use where no Internet connection is available.
Eligibility
Chromebooks may be checked out by adult residents, with a valid Matawan Aberdeen Public Library card in good standing.
Loan Period and Holds
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.
Restrictions
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.
Fines & Liability
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.
Need help?
Assistance with the device is available from Matawan Aberdeen Public Library Computer 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.
Disclaimer
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.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: July 2026.
Matawan Aberdeen Public Library: Program Registration Policy [download policy]Patrons planning to attend programs at the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library should refer to the events calendar on the website (https://mapl.events.mylibrary.digital/) for registration requirements for particular programs and other program details.
There are three different types of programs:
Non-registration Programs
These programs are open to all with no restrictions or library card requirements. This includes many Zoom programs and drop-in programs. Patrons should check the program’s description for the intended audience. Space and/or supplies could be limited.
Registration Programs
These programs have space constraints, and/or require a participant count for prep/supplies/set-up. Some programs are also limited to age groups based on levels of development or an age-appropriate capacity.
MAPL resident cardholders are given priority on a first-come, first-served basis. If a program is not filled, registration will open to guests (non-resident card holders and non-card holders) five days prior to the program date. An email address is required for guest registration.
After a program is filled, a limited waiting list will form. If there are cancellations, patrons on the waiting list will be notified.
Partner Programs
These programs are arranged through a third-party by the library. Registration may be required through the partner’s website. An MAPL library card may be required. Some examples of Partner Programs include the Library Speakers Consortium and the Library Chef Spice Club.
Please refer to the Standards of Acceptable Behavior and Supervision of Children policies for further information regarding program attendance.
The Library reserves the right to deny program entry to patrons who arrive after a program has started.
The Library asks for consideration of other patrons. If you have registered for a program but will miss the event, please call the library to relinquish your spot. Multiple missed events after registering for library programs may result in reminders about program registration policies. Some programs may have a waiting list. Being a no-show does not allow for us to notify another patron of the available space.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: July 2026.
Matawan Aberdeen Public Library: Standards of Acceptable Behavior Policy [download policy]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 theresources 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,interferes with Library staff, 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 is prohibited.
Library management has the discretion to discard personal items left unattended on Library property to preserve a safe environment for Library patrons, volunteers, and staff.
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.
Violation of Standards of Acceptable Behavior:
If 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 removethe patron from the premises. Under no circumstances will a Library employee touch the patron. The staff member whointeracts with the patron, and any staff members who witness the interaction, will complete an incident report. Additionally, the Library Director will inform the Board of Trustees of the situation the day of the event.
A patron may be suspended from the Library for a specific amount of time. The Library Director will make this decision and inform the Board of Trustees at the time of the suspension. Notice of the suspension will be sent by email and either 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 aminor 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 or permanently exclude the patron from the Library.
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.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: July 2026.
Matawan Aberdeen Public Library: Supervision of Children Policy [download policy]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 ensure 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 Library Board of Trustees: July 2026.
Matawan Aberdeen Public Library: Confidentiality Policy [download policy]The Board of Trustees of the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library supports the basic premise that every individual has the right to read what they wish without fear of censure or legal consequences. MAPL will protect each libraryuser’s right to confidentiality with respect to all information required for registration, information sought or received, materials consulted, borrowed, or acquired.
New Jersey law, NJSA 18A:73-43.2 protects the confidentiality of library records, subject to limited exceptions, as follows:
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:
a. The records are necessary for the proper operation of the library;
b. Disclosure is requested by the user; or
c. Disclosure is required pursuant to a subpoena issued by a court order.
Further exceptions to this confidentiality right are contained within the US Patriot Act, which enlarged the ability of the federal law enforcement officers to obtain library records pursuant to a search warrant.
The confidentiality afforded to library records under the New Jersey statute protects from disclosure, all records that contain the names of library users, all their personally identifying details and all documents or electronic files that connect a library user to their use of library materials, facilities, programs or services.
Examples of when library records may be disclosed for “proper operation of the library”, include 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 Computer and Internet Use Policy).
Any questions or problems relating to the confidentiality of library records 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.
If the staff is approached by a person making a request for confidential library records (registration or usage records, computer or reference use, etc.), the following steps will be taken:
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: July 2026.
Matawan Aberdeen Public Library: Meeting Room and Public Space Policy [download policy]Outside (non-library) groups, organizations, clubs, etc. are not permitted to reserve space or to congregate and/or meet to engage in their activities in the library due to space limitations.
The library furnishings are arranged for the accessibility and safety of our patrons and should not be moved unless library staff deems it necessary.
The library’s community bulletin board is available to local nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies for the posting of events; however, content must be presented to, and approved by, the library before it is posted.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: July 2026.
Matawan Aberdeen Public Library: Tutoring Policy [download policy]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:
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: July 2026.
Matawan Aberdeen Public Library: Use of Recording Devices Policy [download policy]All photographic, video, or audio recordings are prohibited on library property unless permission has been granted by the Library Director.
If you attend a Matawan Aberdeen Public Library sponsored event, please keep in mind that video or photographs may be taken. By attending a sponsored event, you acknowledge that you may appear in photographs posted on the MAPL web site or social media sites.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: July 2026.
Matawan Aberdeen Public Library: Exam Proctoring Policy [download policy]The library does not offer proctoring services due to space and staff limitations.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: July 2026.
Matawan Aberdeen Public Library: Monetary Donations and Gifts Policy [download policy]The library welcomes monetary donations and gifts.
If a donor has a specified use for a gift, the Board of Trustees will vote to accept or reject any amount of $500 or over, based on the library’s needs.
Please contact the library director for further details and discussion.
Approved by the Library Board of Trustees: July 2026.
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.
