Any person who lives, works, attends school, or owns property in Elizabeth is eligible for a free library card, valid for three years. Cards can be obtained at any EPL branch.
You'll need two forms of ID, such as a NJ driver's license, non-driver ID, or passport, plus one document showing your current address (utility bill, lease, tax bill, bank statement, or similar piece of first-class personal mail).
Children (birth–12): A parent or guardian must register and show ID. The child must be present.
Teens (13–17): Eligible for an adult card; parents remain financially responsible until age 18.
Work or school in Elizabeth: Non-residents who work or attend school in Elizabeth are eligible for a card — bring a current paystub or student ID.
EPL is a member of the STELLA Consortium, so your card works at 40+ member libraries across Middlesex, Monmouth, and Union counties.
Yes. If you don't yet have a permanent Elizabeth address, you can get an Internet-Only card that gives you computer and database access at the library.
If you have a letterhead document showing your expected length of stay, a standard card may be issued with an expiration date. This card allows up to two print items (DVDs not included).
Once you have a permanent address, your card can be upgraded to a full-service card.
Yes! Your EPL card works at all four EPL locations (Main, Elmora, LaCorte, E'port) as well as any STELLA member library and most public libraries in Union and Middlesex counties. Your card also works at participating MURAL libraries and Open Borrowing locations.
You can renew at the circulation desk, by phone at 908-354-6060 x7212, or online through your account.
EPL is a fine-free library — we no longer charge fines on items returned past their due dates, and previously existing fines have been waived.
We still have due dates. If materials are not returned or renewed, your account will be blocked and you'll be billed for the item. Returning the item typically clears the account. Lost or damaged items are still charged at replacement cost.
If you return items to another STELLA library, that library's own fine policy applies.
Log in to your account at our online catalog using your library card barcode and PIN (get your PIN at any circulation desk).
Search for a title, click Request Title, choose your pickup location, and click Submit Request. You'll get a confirmation message when it's ready.
Need help? Call Reference at 908-354-6060 x7203.
Visit the online catalog and click My Account. You'll need:
From your account you can view checked-out items, holds, and renew materials that are not overdue.
Download the full circulation policy here.
A valid EPL library card in good standing is required to use public computers. Cardholders get up to 2 hours per session. Time limits may vary by location and demand.
You can reserve a computer up to one hour in advance by calling your branch. Reservations are held for 10 minutes — after that, the computer is released to the next patron.
All computers shut down 15 minutes before closing. The library is not responsible for unsaved data.
Print costs: 25¢/page B&W | 50¢/page color
Yes. Non-residents may apply for an Internet-Only card that provides in-library computer access and remote access to the library's online databases. No charge for this card.
EPL provides internet access as a public service. Users must:
The library reserves the right to terminate internet access for anyone who does not comply with this policy.
All Children's Room computers have internet filtering enabled in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act. While the library uses current filtering software, no filter is 100% effective — parents and guardians should remain actively involved in supervising their children's internet use.
Children are not permitted to use chat or email on library computers.
Yes. Meeting rooms are available to organizations engaged in educational, cultural, intellectual, and charitable activities. Commercial use and admission charges are not permitted.
Reservations are first-come, first-served and require a written application. Groups may not schedule recurring meetings, and Sunday use requires special permission from the Director.
Groups affiliated with the City of Elizabeth use meeting rooms at no charge.
For non-affiliated groups:
All applications must be approved by the Library Director. For questions, contact the Assistant Director at 908-354-6060 x7154.
Access is by appointment only. Visit our Local History & Special Collections page for details and to schedule.
The Elizabethtown Reading Room is Elizabeth's only collection of its kind. Holdings include local government documents, genealogy materials, Union County history, high school yearbooks, and historic maps. All materials are non-circulating and available by appointment only.
The Main Branch at 11 South Broad Street has a parking lot with entrances on both Rahway Avenue and South Broad Street — capacity for 77 vehicles, including 24 staff spaces and 2 accessible spaces. The lot is for library patrons, staff, and trustees only.
Overflow parking is available at the Bollwage Garage on Caldwell Place, approximately two blocks away. All branch libraries also have on-site parking.
Yes. The Main Branch and all branch libraries are fully accessible for patrons with disabilities.
Patrons who are physically unable to visit the library may be eligible for home delivery service through the Adult Services Department. Call 908-354-6060 x7201 for more information. A medical certification may be required.
Fax machines are not available at EPL. Reference staff can suggest nearby businesses that offer fax services.
The Main Branch has public restrooms on the ground floor and on the 4th floor when the auditorium is in use. The Children's Department has restrooms for children and accompanying adults only. All branch libraries have restroom facilities.
Restrooms are for short-term use only. Misuse — including washing clothes, bathing, or consuming food — is prohibited and may result in loss of library privileges.
EPL posts all open positions on our website as they become available. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or applications for positions not currently advertised. Check back regularly for updates.
Adult volunteer opportunities are limited at this time. If you're interested in future programming or fundraising support, email eploffice@elizpl.org with FRIENDS in the subject line.
Teen volunteers in grades 9–12 can find information and an application on the Teen page.
All donations are appreciated! For each $25 donation, the library will plate a book in honor or memory of someone you designate.
Donations are accepted by check payable to Elizabeth Public Library, mailed to the attention of the Library Director. Please include this form with your donation.
Adult book donations are not currently being accepted. However, Children’s and Teen materials are welcome and may be brought directly to those departments. Donations to the Local History & Special Collections Department are welcome — please contact that department directly.
For other options, consider donating to Better World Books.
Call (908) 820-4298 to schedule an appointment with the City of Elizabeth's Office of Public Health. Leave your name and number and someone will return your call.