The MAIN Library Alliance

The New Providence Memorial Library recently joined the MAIN Library Alliance to provide our patrons:

MAIN Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is MAIN?
A: MAIN Library Alliance is a northern New Jersey network of 50 public libraries. Membership in MAIN allows reciprocal borrowing of materials across all libraries, and helps to defray high costs of services through the power of group discounts. By joining MAIN, our small library can offer MORE to our patrons!

Q: Does MAIN have a mobile app?
A: Yes. Download the MAIN Library Alliance app to quickly search the library's collection and manage your account on your mobile device.  The catalog and your account will also continue to be accessible from a web browser.  You can also use the library card barcode saved in the mobile app to check out, instead of a physical library card.

Q: Will I need a new library card?
A: No. Your current New Providence library card will still work in our library, online in the new system, as well as at all other MAIN Libraries! Your PIN will remain the same. 

Q: How has the library's catalog changed?
A: The new MAIN catalog can search for items in ALL of the MAIN libraries, not just New Providence. Just click the New Providence tab in the Search Results if you want to take a look at our items only. In addition to placing holds on items that are checked out or that are at another library, you may also place holds on items currently available in the New Providence library for convenient pick up at the front desk at New Providence. Holds must be picked up at the front desk within seven (7) days after they arrive, or they will be released to the next person in line.

Q: How can I place a hold in the catalog?
A:  Click Catalog on the library website, search for an item, and click the blue Place Hold button to the right of the title. You'll be prompted to log into your account. View this short video tutorial on the library's YouTube channel.

Q: How do I turn on my reading history in my library account?
A:  For privacy reasons, the library does not track items that you checked out unless you request it. Here's how: go click My Account on the library website, log into your account, click your name in the top right corner, and go to Reading History. Then click Start Recording Reading History. View this short video tutorial on the library's YouTube channel.

Q: Will I still be able to place Interlibrary Loan (ILL) requests from libraries outside of MAIN?
A: Yes. If an item is not available through MAIN, it can still be requested through traditional Interlibrary Loan (ILL). 

Q: What is the difference between MAIN and and the existing Interlibrary Loan (ILL) system?
A:  Requests are easy to place in MAIN than they were in JerseyCat. We are noticing deliveries arriving more quickly than traditional interlibrary loans, thanks in part to increased number of delivery days.   

Q: What can I borrow from other MAIN libraries?
A: Books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, and other items depending on library policy. 

Q: Will I be able to return books from other MAIN libraries to New Providence?
A: Yes. You will also be able to return New Providence library materials to other MAIN libraries.

Q: Will New Providence still participate in M.U.F. and M.U.R.A.L.? 
A: Yes to both. Joining MAIN will make checking out seamless at a majority of Morris-Union Federation libraries. Your New Providence card will continue to be valid for use at M.U.R.A.L. libraries, which are mostly located in Middlesex & Union Counties.  

Q: Will I still be able to access Libby by OverDrive, Kanopy, and other digital content? What about databases?
A: Yes, you will still have access to all of New Providence's databases and digital content, plus you now have access to new additional resources like Consumer Reports and the Wall Street Journal.  

Q: Who are all of the MAIN member libraries?

Click here to view a full list of MAIN Alliance member libraries. 

Have a Question not answered here? 

 Click here to Email a librarian!