How do I get a library card?

Any resident of Chatham Borough or Chatham Township, or anyone who pays taxes in either town, is entitled to privileges at Library of the Chathams. Proof of eligibility is required at the time of registration. Acceptable forms of identification include a New Jersey Driver’s License, bank checks, lease or mortgage agreement, rent or tax receipt, or a utility bill; all must include the applicant’s name/address. 

Children may register for a library card when they are five years old. A parent or guardian must sign for and be accountable for materials charged out by minors. Students at Chatham Middle School and Chatham High School may apply for a card with their school ID. If you are the parent or legal guardian of a child who is eligible for a library card and you are unable to come in to the library, you can print and fill out a special form to give to another responsible adult who can bring your child in to register. Click here to view/print the form.

Teachers and students (K-12) attending schools in Chatham who have a permanent address outside of the MAIN member municipalities are eligible for a full-service library card that can be used at every MAIN library.

Out-of-County residents employed by a Chatham business or taxpayer are entitled to a free courtesy card.  Proof of employment in the form of a pay stub or a letter from the employer is required. This card is renewable every year with updated proof of employment.  *This card may be used only at Library of the Chathams and Morris County Library.

A Library of the Chathams card is valid at the over 50 public libraries in the Main Library Alliance consortium. Member libraries are located in Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren Counties. Chatham residents are also welcome to use the MUF (Morris-Union Federation) libraries in Summit, New Providence (now part of Main), and Berkeley Heights.

Chatham patrons in good standing may request a green Open Borrowing sticker on their Chatham Library card, allowing them to borrow from participating libraries in Hunterdon County Library System, LMxAC (Middlesex), PALS (Passaic), and SWELL (Sussex/Warren) systems. Click here for more information on Open Borrowing.

To register for a library card stop by or sign up online.