Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Mission Statement of the Roxbury Public Library?
Our Mission is to make a positive difference in the quality of our community’s life.

How large is the Library Collection?
As of December 31, 2006 the library houses 82,162 items.  Print books, audio books (including downloadable ones), DVD's, videos, software, large-type books and magazines may be borrowed.  Online information resources are available in-house, and, with your library card, remotely from any computer in the world.  

How do I find out if the library has a book I want?
You can search the library catalog ( http://catalog.mainlib.org). Instructions for searching are here:  http://www.roxburylibrary.org/AS-iBistro.htm.  To log in to the catalog enter your library card number (the bar code on the back of the card) and your pin.  Your pin is usually the last 4 digits of your phone number.  If you are unsure of your pin or have trouble logging in, please call the library at 973-584-2400.

The book is in the catalog but not at the Roxbury Public Library, how can I obtain this item?

The Roxbury Public Library is part of the Morris Automated Information Network (M.A.I.N.)  This network consists of 37 municipal library as well as the Morris County Library.  This gives you access to the 2.5 million items held by these libraries.  Your Roxbury Public Library card is accepted at all of these libraries.  For a complete list see http://mainlib.org/libraries.

If you do not wish to go to another library, you can request that the material be sent to the Roxbury Public Library.  Requests can be placed online from the library catalog. Click here for directions on how to place a hold. http://www.roxburylibrary.org/AS_CatalogHold.htm  Or you can call the library at 973-584-2400.  Please have your card ready when you call to place a request.

If you can not locate what you want in our catalog please call the library or come in and visit.  We will try to locate the material in a library outside of Morris County.

How do I reserve my favorite author’s newest books?
Join I. Queue to automatically reserve your favorite authors’ newest books.

I’m interested in joining a Book Discussion Group.  Do you have such a program at your library?
Both daytime and the evening groups for adults meet once a month for stimulating discussion. Contact Jan Perrier at 973-584-2400 ext. 501 for further information. For children and teen clubs contact Diane Sebastian at 973-584-2400 ext. 503.

How much is it to make photocopies on the library’s machines?
$.15 per page. Students are entitled to four free copies from Reference materials for homework research.

Do you have computers available for use by the public?
A wide variety of computer applications are available, including Internet access. Research databases, along with MS Office and Photoshop are available on library computers.  In addition, the library also has wireless Internet access for those patrons who want to use their own laptops in the library.  Printing from our computers is available for a fee of .15 per page for black and white copies and $1.00 per page for color printouts that includes images.

When can I bring in my documents to be notarized and what is the charge?
Some of the library staff are notaries. No charge. Please call in advance to see when a notary will be available.

I am a member of a local community group. Do you have rooms available for our organization’s meetings?
Both a large and small meeting room are available to community groups, free of charge. Information and a printable application is available at www.roxburylibrary.org/DD-meeting_room_scheduling.htm. Once your application has been approved you may apply online at http://evanced.info/roxbury/evanced/roomrequest.asp. Contact Sue Unger at 973-584-2400 ext. 109 for further information.

I would like to remember a loved one by donating a book or other item to the library in his/her name.  Tell me about what programs are available.
Consider the Memorial and Gift Program if you would like to give a special gift for a variety of occasions.  Contact Susan Collins at 973-584-2400 ext. 502 for further details.  

I would like to help support the library.  How can I do so?
The Friends of the Roxbury Public Library (FRTPL) provide financial support to the Library and sponsor the semi-annual book sale.  Membership applications are available from the web site at www.roxburylibrary.org/FL-Friends.htm or at the Library front desk.    Contact the Friends at 973-584-2400 ext. 401 for more details. 

Where can I learn more about the Roxbury Public Library and what it has to offer?
Right here at our website is filled with the latest news about our library.  It is being updated continuously.  

LIBRARY HISTORY

Formation of the Roxbury Public Library was begun in 1959 as a project of the Roxbury Woman's Club. The members of the club were the catalyst behind the formation of the Roxbury Library Association and the opening of the Library on February 20, 1961. The first library building was the former home of the Steneck family at103 Main Street, the site of the current Library.

In November of 1968 the residents of Roxbury voted to municipalize their Library.  By 1971 the "library in the house" was bursting at the seams with books, structurally unsound, and too small to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community. A bequest from local author Mary Wolfe Thompson and funding from the Township enabled the first part of the current building to be erected on property behind the house. This new Library building was dedicated on September 8, 1974.

Since that time the Library has expanded twice. The first addition in 1983 provided additional space for adult and children's materials. The second addition, which was completed in the summer of 1993, provided much-needed quiet study space, increased seating, an expanded Reference Department, an improved check-out area, a computer resources center, a periodical reading room, and a small meeting room.  In addition, the exterior of the building was modified to harmonize with the other buildings in the Main Street Historic District. A new landscape design was donated by Al Wartman, a Roxbury resident and nurseryman; flowers and shrubs have been planted and are being maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. With this latest addition, the Library was expanded to 13,596 square feet and extensively renovated with funds from bequests and donations - tax dollars were not used.

The Library is now almost five times bigger than it was when it started, but those who look carefully will find stained glass from the original building hanging in the reading room, and pieces of gingerbread from that first Library in the Queen Anne Summerhouse in the front yard. Likewise, the Library's impetus to service remains the same -- new or refurbished spaces, and computers in place of paper, are just improved tools for its ongoing goal of providing information and serving as a community center for educational, literary, and cultural activities.