An enriching environment for the Oakland, NJ community and beyond…
How to obtain a Library Card...
Getting a library card is easy and only takes a few minutes. You can instantly start borrowing books, movies, music, games and more! A driver’s license or another form of documentation is needed to show that you are a resident of Oakland. Also, you can apply for a temporary card by clicking here.
For children five years or older, a parent or guardian must sign permission and accept responsibility for all materials checked out on a minor’s card. The parent or guardian must present identification to verify address.
Borrowers must present a library card that is valid for use at this library. A card may be used only by the person whose name appears on the card and in the computer record. If you placed a request for an item using our online catalog, you must pick up the item with the same library card you used to place the request.
For more information, please click here: Library Card Policy.
Also, please be aware that:
- A maximum of 50 items can be borrowed at any point in time. Any item exceeding the loan period specified is subject to a fine as defined above. Fines are not assessed for days the library is closed. Please note that these fines are for items owned by Oakland. Items borrowed from other libraries are charged using that library’s fine schedule.
- The default price indicated by the BCCLS system will be charged for lost or damaged materials. Borrowers have the option to replace the item in lieu of payment. An item is considered lost when it is overdue 90 days.
- A patron’s borrowing privileges will be blocked when outstanding fines reach $10.00 or if 10 or more items are overdue.
Checking your Library Card...
You can find out what materials are checked out on your card, when they are due, and if there are any fines or fees expected. You can also renew most items. You need your library card barcode number and your password (formerly your 4-digit PIN). If you have an e-mail address connected to your account, you can request a password reset from your computer. Otherwise, please visit the library if you do not know your password. Please note that to protect your privacy, we will not reset your password over the phone.
Go to the BCCLS website home page (www.bccls.org) and look for “My Account” in the top left corner. You can log into your account by filling in the rectangle below “Your Library Card # (without spaces)” and then filling in your password in the rectangle below “Password/PIN (forgot your password?)”
Making requests for pick-up at Oakland Public Library...
BCCLS Catalog:
You may request a hold on almost any item in the BCCLS catalog. We will let you know when it arrives and hold it for you at the front desk for up to four business days. Use the online catalog or see library staff to place a hold. Some restrictions may apply.
Inter-Library Loan Materials:
Public and university libraries throughout New Jersey, the country and even around the world, participate in lending materials to other libraries! This means that if a BCCLS library doesn’t have what you want, we will look for it in more places. Please see a library staff member to open a request.
Anywhere in Bergen County at: www.bccls.org
Anywhere in New Jersey at: www.jerseycat.org
Please note that all ILL materials must be returned directly to the Oakland Public Library.
Borrowing in-person at other libraries...
BCCLS Libraries:
Using your Oakland library card, you can borrow and return books and other materials at any BCCLS member library just the same as at the Oakland library although some restrictions may apply at some member libraries.
Bergen Community College:
Residents of Bergen County may use their public library card at the Sidney Silverman Library of Bergen Community College located at 400 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ 07652, 201-447-7100. Please contact the library for specific information.
Ramapo College:
Residents of the State of New Jersey may borrow materials as a Community Borrower. For details, please click here.
Online services available with your card...
Your library card gives you access to many valuable online services 24/7!
