How Do I?

Find answers to the questions most often asked by users -- and potential users -- of the library in this section.

Simply click on the links on the left for answers to frequently asked questions. If you have a question not listed here, please call the library at 973-208-6244.

How Do I?

Donate a used Book

The library accepts small donations of books, CDs and DVDs. Please bring donated materials in plastic shopping bags, with a limit of 1-2 bags. We cannot accept encyclopedias, magazines, condensed books, textbooks, records, cassette tapes, videocassettes, or any material in poor condition. 

The Morris County Library offers a link with suggestions on where to donate your used books. Click here for more information.

The New Hope Thrift Shop accepts donations, they are located at 316 Dover-Milton Road in Oak Ridge, NJ.

Jefferson Rescue Squad has a green donation book bin, located at 827-835 Route 15 South in Lake Hopatcong, NJ.

Find a Book

Find a book using our new discovery catalog -  MAIN Catalog.

With the discovery catalog, you can browse popular categories OR search for an item by title, author, keyword, or subject.

Find out how long I can keep a book

Library loan periods for all Jefferson Library items are: 

  • Books – 28 days
  • Magazines, Audiobooks on CD, and music CDs – 14 days
  • DVDs – 7 days

Please note that loan periods for items borrowed from other MAIN libraries may be shorter.

To check the due dates on your account, click here - sign in with your barcode and PIN

Get a Library Card

All Jefferson Township residents aged 4 and up are eligible for a free library card. 

libcard_01Bring proof of residency (driver’s license, utility bill) to the library to apply for and receive your card. You may also apply online right here and pick up your card at the library.

Renew a Book

Starting in 2021, MAIN libraries started automatic renewal. Your book will automatically renew 3 days before the due date, pending there are no Holds on the item(s) and your account balance is less than $10.

To check your renewals, log on to your account:

  • Visit the MAIN Catalog 
  • Sign-In using your Library Card# and PIN
  • Click on Checked Out 
  • Items will appear in the order they are due
    • Due date and renewal information will appear in the listing
  • To renew an item, click on RENEW button


Call the library at 973-208-6244 if you need help, or if you do not have access to a computer.

Request a Book

To request a book online, visit the MAIN catalog. The new Discovery Catalog will make your search easier. You can scroll through pre-selected categories, or search for the titles you want. Items will show if they are on the shelf at our library, if you must request from a different MAIN library, and if copies are available.

How to request an item in the catalog?

  • Browse categories, such as New and NYT Bestseller lists
  • OR - Search by keyword, title, author, subject, etc.
  • Once you've selected your item, click the Place Hold button
  • Sign in using your library barcode and PIN 
  • Check the pickup location (set for your home library, Jefferson)
  • Submit request.

Request items not found in the Library Catalog

If you do not find what you are looking for in the MAIN catalog, you may

Research a Topic

In addition to books in the library's general and reference collections, you may visit our Research Tools for a list of available databases. 

A Reference Librarian is available at rachel.kelly@jtpl.mainlib.org if you would like to email a question or a request for information.