The Library is part of the Bergen County Cooperative Library System (BCCLS), and welcomes account holders in good standing from all BCCLS libraries. The Library requires that must present a valid Library card in order to check out materials.
Fine Free
We believe our community is stronger, healthier and engages in more robust and civil discourse when residents have access to the information they need to pursue their educational, career, family, and life goals. We believe late fees and overdue fines act as a barrier to the free flow of information, thereby reducing civic engagement.
Moreover, the Library strives to be known for the quality of its customer service: we want to do our best to connect all residents to the information they need, providing a stress-free experience without having to worry about late fees. Eliminating late fees makes a trip to the library more pleasant for Mahwah residents and frees staff to focus on elevating customer service.
Fine-free applies to overdue fines items owned by the Mahwah Library, excluding Launchpads, Museum Passes, and items from the Library of Things. Fine-free does not include overdue fines on materials owned by other libraries, nor does it include replacement fees for any lost or damaged items.
Borrowing Guidelines
Fines accumulate daily on all overdue items until the item is renewed, returned, reaches a maximum fine, or is declared lost by either the borrower or the Library.
| Item | Loan Lengh | Number of Renewals | Daily Overdue Fee | Maximum Overdue Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Books | 14 days | 1 | Fine Free | |
| Other Books | 28 days | 2 | Fine Free | |
| New DVDs | 7 days | 1 | Fine Free | |
| Other DVDs | 14 days | 2 | Fine Free | |
| Music CDs | 14 days | 2 | Fine Free | |
| Video Games | 14 days | 2 | Fine Free | |
| Magazines | 14 days | 2 | Fine Free | |
| Playaway Launchpads | 14 days | - | $1/day | $5 |
| Museum Passes | 3 days | - | $10/day | $20 |
| Devices & Things | 14 days | - | $10/day | $20 |
Replacing Lost Items
The Mahwah Library will accept new, identical copies as replacements for items that have been lost or damaged and are less than 90 days overdue.
Items that are over 90 days late will not be accepted as returns and may not be replaced with an identical copy. The full replacement cost must be paid for any items that are over 90 days late.
Automatic Renewals
BCCLS automatically renews eligible items checked out to library cardholders.
How do Automatic Renewals Work?
- Eligible items will renew automatically 3 days before their due date for the full loan period.
- You will receive a notification via email or text if an eligible item has been renewed.
- Notification is only via email or text, so be sure we have your current information in our system.
- You can still renew eligible items at any time through your account at bccls.org or at any BCCLS library.
An item is NOT eligible for Auto-Renew if:
- The item has reached its renewal limit.
- The item is on hold for another patron.
- Your card has expired.
- You owe $10 or more in fines.
- You have 10 or more items overdue.
