Providing More at SCLS

The Somerset County Library System (SCLS) is on a mission to put more information resources into the hands of its patrons with no additional cost to taxpayers.  Two initiatives will advance that goal.

The first change is in how long items may be borrowed.  To get more books into additional patrons’ hands quickly, the “standard” loan will be reduced from four weeks to three weeks, beginning October 1.  While shorter by a week, as long as no one else has placed a hold on the title, customers may now renew items three times instead of twice.  On popular items with more than four holds, the lending period will continue to be two weeks with no renewals.

Additionally, in order to have more copies on hand of in-demand adult fiction at any given time, SCLS will begin leasing copies of popular titles.  This provides for more copies without having to buy books which would later become “surplus.”

“We’re always looking for ways to provide better services at lower costs,” noted Brian Auger, Somerset County Library System Director.  “Making small changes to loan periods and leasing popular materials are two easy ways to do that.”

Patrons with further questions can call SCLS at (908)526-4016 or visit the website at http://www.sclsnj.org.  The Somerset County Library System has branches in Bridgewater, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Manville, at the Mary Jacobs Library in Rocky Hill, North Plainfield, Peapack & Gladstone, Somerville, Warren Township and Watchung.