How do I...

access online databases if I'm not in the library?

Accessing Databases

If you're not in the library and would like to use our online databases, click here to be directed to our database page.

From our database page, you can search for a specific topic or use the dropdown menu to find the resource you desire.

While most databases can be accessed remotely by using the barcode number on the back of your library card, there are some databases that you can only access at the library.

Databases that you cannot access remotely are labeled "(In-Library Use)" and may be accessed on-site.

apply for a job with the Ocean City Free Public Library?

Job Application

To apply for a job at the OCFPL, check our Employment Opportunities page for job postings and application instructions.

become a member of the Ocean City Free Public Library?

Library Membership

To signup, please visit the circulation desk located on the first floor of the library.

Residents: Membership for Ocean City residents is free. Proof of residency must be presented. Children 14 and under must have a parent or guardian's signature on the application card.

Acceptable I.D. includes a valid N.J. driver's license, tax bill, voter's registration, major utility bill, or phone book listing.

Non-Residents: Residents of nearby communities and visitors to Ocean City must show proof of their residency and pay $25.00 for the year or $15.00 for ninety days to join the library. Internet Only membership cards are available for $10.00 for a ninety-day membership.

Acceptable I.D. includes a valid driver's license, tax bill, voter's registration, or major utility bill.

connect to the Internet if I bring my laptop to the library?

Connect to the Wifi

To connect to the internet with your laptop, open your settings and select the icon for Wifi.

From here, select the connection named OCFPL.

decide which app to use for Books and Audiobooks? Overdrive or Libby?

Overdrive or Libby?

If you use one iOS or Android device to browse, download, and read or listen to digital books, we recommend Libby (iOS, Android). It’s a great one-device experience.

If you want to read books on a Kindle or prefer to browse and read titles on your computer, stick with OverDrive.

donate a book to the library?

Book Donations

Book donations are accepted by the Friends and Volunteers of the Ocean City Free Public Library

To donate books, please drop them off in our drop-off bins located by the 17th street entrance. The drop-off location can be seen in the image below.

Please do not donate encyclopedias, textbooks, newspapers, or magazines.

download audiobooks?

Download Audiobooks

To download audiobooks, hover your cursor over the Browse tab on our website home page and click Digital Library.

From here, you can access different websites that allow for audiobook downloads. Sites include Hoopla, OverDrive-Ocean City, and OverDrive-South Jersey.

find out about the library's borrowing policies?

Borrowing Policies

Patrons may take out a maximum of 30 items.

Certain materials such as Rokus, Museum Passes, WiFi Hotspots, and Kindles are limited to one item at a time.

Most media items can be renewed twice unless another patron has placed a hold. 

Books, Audiobooks, Music CDs, Periodicals, Playaways, Juvenile Software, & Educational Videos:
2 week loan period

Entertainment Videos:
1 week loan period
Minimum age for checkout is 18

Children's Videos:
1 week loan period

Video games & Television series: 
1 week loan period
Minimum age for checkout is 18

Kindles, Rokus, & WiFi Hotspots:
1 week loan period
Minimum age for checkout is 18
Patron card must be in good standing at time of check out; with a limit of one per household.

Museum Passes:
1 week loan period
Patron card must be in good standing at time of check out; with a limit of one per household.

Launchpads:
1 week loan period
Minimum age for checkout is 18
Patron card must be in good standing at time of check out; with a limit of 2 per household.

find out what reference services the library offers?

Reference Services

The OCFPL's online reference services can be accessed through our Research tab on our homepage.

Hover your cursor over Research and select Databases, Newspaper Archive, or Subject Guidesdepending on your desired resource.

To view eBooks, audiobooks, and other materials in our Digital Library, hover over the Browse tab and select Digital Library.

For information on our Museum Pass Program, hover your cursor over Browse and select Museum Passes.

For further reference assistance, contact the reference desk directly at (609) 399-2434 ext. 5231.

learn about new items in the collection?

New Items

To find new items in our collection, visit our New at the Library tab in our Online Catalog. You can view Just Arrived items by clicking here.

manage my shelves in the online catalog?

Managing Online Catalog Shelves

To manage your shelves, follow the steps in the video below.

opt-in to SMS text notifications?

SMS Notification

The Ocean City Free Public Library offers SMS text notifications for holds and overdue items.

To opt-in, please click here and log in with your barcode and pin.

Under "Mobile Settings," please enter your mobile phone number, select the "Opt-In" checkbox then hit "Submit" at the bottom of the page.

*Please note that you will continue to receive the phone or email notifications as well as the text notifications.

print out documents from the Internet?

Library Printing

To print documents from the internet, use our Remote Printing service or print directly from a computer in our Computer Center.

For remote printing directions, hover your cursor over the Services tab on our home page and select Remote Printing.

Printing costs .15¢ per page.

If you need further assistance with printing, contact our Computer Center at (609) 399-2434 ext. 5224.

renew items online?

Renew Items Online

To renew items online, log in to your account on our online catalog at https://oceancity.bibliocommons.com/ and select your account in the blue text box on the top-right corner of the page. 

From the subsequent dropdown menu, select Checked Out to view your currently checked out items. 

From here, you can click Renew in the blue text box next to each item to renew the material. After renewing the item, an updated due date will appear.

Most media items can be renewed twice unless another patron has placed a hold.

request something for the library to purchase?

Item Request

To request an item for the library to purchase, visit our online catalog at https://oceancity.bibliocommons.com/ and click Can't find an item.

In the Can't find an item menu dropdown, click Suggest a Purchase. After signing in with your barcode and PIN, click Add Suggestion on the right side of the page. 

Submit your suggestion by entering information related to the desired item. Begin by entering the item's Title, Author, Performer, or Director, and by selecting Next.

Complete the suggestion by providing information in the required fields (Format, Audience) and clicking Submit.

 

reserve a meeting room at the library?

Meeting Room Reservation

To reserve a meeting room, hover your cursor over the About tab on our home page and select Meeting Rooms.

For more information about meeting room reservations, contact Julie at (609) 399-2434 ext. 5222.

search the library catalog and place a hold on an item?

Searching the Online Catalog and Placing Holds

To search the online catalog and place a hold on an item, visit https://oceancity.bibliocommons.com/ and select the Log In icon in the top-right corner.

To log in, use the barcode number on the back of your library card and your PIN number. If you do not have a PIN, follow the directions listed in the "How do I set my library PIN?" question on this page.

Once you are logged in, you can search using the search bar or by using the Explore, New at the Library, and Browse menu drop-downs. 

When you have found the desired book, click Place a Hold and confirm your pickup location. Once you've confirmed your pickup location, click Confirm Hold.

Depending on your contact information, you will receive a text, email, or phone call notifying you when the hold request is ready for pick-up.

set my library PIN (Personal Identification Number)?

Create a PIN (Personal Identification Number)

To set up a library PIN, follow the steps in the video below.

sign up for Curbside Pickup?

Curbside Pickup

Due to the pandemic, the OCFPL now offers a "Curbside Pickup" service. This service allows patrons to borrow library materials without coming into the building.

Curbside Pickup is offered:

Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Sunday: 11 AM - 5 PM

Call (609) 399-2434 ext. 5226 for Curbside Pickup Instructions.

For more information about Curbside Pickup, click here.

sign up for Homebound Library Delivery?

Homebound Library Delivery

Eligible library patrons can have materials delivered straight to their homes. 

To qualify for this free service, the homebound patron must live in Ocean City and have a library account in good standing. Materials will only be delivered to Ocean City, NJ addresses. 

To register for the delivery program, please email bookmobile@oceancitylibrary.org or call us at 609-399-2434 ext. 5223

For more information about our Homebound Library Delivery Program, click here.

text the library?

Text the Library

You can text (SMS) the library any questions at (609) 952-6511
For example:

  • For library hours, text "Hours"
  • For directions to the library, text "Directions"
  • For information about our computer lab, text "Computer"
  • For staff phone numbers, text "Phone"
  • For the library's address, text "Address"