Frequently Asked Questions
If you see “privilege expired” on your library account record, or while accessing one of our digital media collections, you must renew your library card privileges. For security reasons, renewals must be handled in person and cannot be updated over the phone. Visit any of our branches with proper ID and proof of residency.
Updating your account by presenting identification is a security feature we require all patrons to do once a year. This ensures that we have the correct information should we need to help or contact you.
Note: An expired privilege does not prevent you from logging in to your library account online; however, it does affect digital media access.
Visit any library branch with the proper ID and a staff member will issue you a new card and account number.
For your security, card holders must come in person. There is no charge for replacement cards.
If you have forgotten your PIN, you can:
- Visit a branch library with proper ID and a staff member will be able give you the information.
- Create a new PIN by using the "Forget My PIN" reset link. This is found when logging into your ACLS account online.
PINs cannot be relayed over the phone, or through email, for security reasons.
The Atlantic County Library System (ACLS) issues free library cards to residents of Atlantic County, and to residents of those communities having reciprocal borrowing agreements with ACLS. Citizens whose residency does not make them eligible for cards may purchase library cards on an annual or quarterly basis.
For more detailed information visit the Join the Library page.
Your library PIN can be changed by:
- Visiting any branch with your library card and proper ID.
- Using the "Forget My PIN" reset link found when logging into your ACLS account online.
For security, PINs cannot be relayed or changed over the phone.
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To access your library account information online. A link to log in to your library account is found at the top of all library web pages and in our catalog. This allows you to find out what items you currently have out, what you have on hold, what's overdue and if you have any fines. You can also place items on hold online and renew items you have checked out.
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To access your account, renew items and place holds from our mobile app.
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To log in to a public computer at any of our branches and to print materials.
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To access digital media services (eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, music downloads, streaming video) and to login to some of our databases.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Always keep your PIN private. Never share your card number or PIN with anyone.
If there are no holds on an item, or you have not reached your renewal limit, you can renew it in person at any branch, by phone or online by logging into your library account.
Different items have different borrowing policies. Please check the Borrowing, Renewals & Fines Policy page for more information.
There can be many reasons for this:
- Your library privileges may have expired.
- You may be using the incorrect library card number.
- When entering in your 14 digit barcode, DO NOT use spaces.
- You may be using the wrong PIN number.
If none of these is the reason, please visit any branch for help. Barcodes and PINs cannot be shared or changed over the phone for security reasons.
Place an item on "hold" by using the Place Hold feature in our online catalog. After logging into your account, you can select your preferred pick up location. You will be notified by phone when your item is available for pick up.
If you are having trouble, call or visit any branch and a staff member will be happy to assist you.
Go Green: If you would like to receive email notification for available holds, please make sure your account is updated with your current email address.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is cooperative lending program that allows our patrons access to millions of items nationwide and lets you request items not owned by us. You may request books, CDs, DVDs, videos and audiobooks using this service.
Requests can be made online through a Jerseycat* search, by contacting our Interlibrary Loan Office at 609-625-2776, ext. 6333 or by visiting one of our local branches. If the item cannot be located through Jerseycat, fill out a Request Materials Form.
*Jerseycat is New Jersey’s statewide virtual catalog and interlibrary loan system. It is provided to member libraries within New Jersey by the New Jersey State Library and LibraryLinkNJ, the New Jersey Library Cooperative.
Another option is to suggest a purchase. Please be advised that there is no guarantee when or if the item will be acquired.
Yes, you can suggest a title for purchase by using this form. Your suggestions will be carefully considered. Please be advised that there is no guarantee when or if the item will be acquired.
Absolutely. To access our digital media services, your account must be up to date and you will need to know your correct 14 digit library card number and PIN.
Services include:
Yes. Atlantic County Library System patrons have access to our Books-By-Mail service.
- Search our catalog from the search box in the side bar of our website.
- Go to directly to our primary online catalog.
- Use the "BookLook" feature in our mobile app to search for items by their ISBN barcode/number.
For more detailed information on using our primary catalog, see Enterprise Help.
- To renew items: Library items almost or already overdue can be renewed by accessing your account online or by calling one of our branches. However, items on hold for another patron or which have exceeded their renewal limits are not renewable.
- To pick up an item: If you were notified that a hold is available for you but will not be able to pick it up, call your local branch for assistance.
- To update or a replace a library card: For your protection, this can be done only in person.*
- To find out or change your PIN: For your protection this can, be done only in person.*
- To update your library account and privileges: For your protection, this can be done only in person.*
*If you have restrictions that prohibit you from visiting one of our branches, please contact the branch manager to see what can be arranged to assist you.
Books-By-Mail and digital media services are also available to those who cannot visit one of our branches.
Fines can be paid by cash or check at any of our branches. We do not accept debit or credit cards.
To learn about borrowing periods and fine accrual for different types of materials, click here.
If a library item you are sure you returned is still showing up in your checkout list, please contact your local branch. Knowing the approximate date and to which branch you returned it would be very useful information for the staff.
You are responsible for the replacement costs, plus a $2.00 processing fee, for any damaged, lost or stolen items that were checked out on your library card. Click here for more detailed information on our Borrowing, Renewal and Fine Policy page.
Charges for interlibrary loan items (ILL) are set by the lending library. Please contact our Reference Center for further information and payment instructions.
Yes, all ACLS branches have free, open Wi-Fi available. Our connection is named ACLS Free, no password is required and anyone can use it.
Ventnor Branch offers a free Wi-Fi connection that in addition to providing access at the library, reaches out to the beach between Newport and New Haven Avenues.
Branches that have the space and personnel will offer exam proctoring. Please call the branch of your preference in advance to schedule a time, room or computer if available.
Some branches will accept book, CD and/or DVD donations. However, branches do reserve the right to refuse items because of their condition or lack of space. Please call ahead to see if donations are being taken at that time.
If a book donation is not placed in our collection it may be used for our book sales, sponsored by the Atlantic County Library Foundation, which help funds library programming. For more detailed information go to our Item Donations page.
Some branches do accept volunteer help from students and adults.
Contact each branch individually or go to the volunteering page of the Atlantic County Government website.
The Atlantic County Library Foundation was created to support the Atlantic County Library System. Donations made to the ACLF help sponsor programs, events and workshops as well as purchasing books and equipment that educate, entertain and benefit the community.
If you have received a 
