The Union City Public Library will issue free library cards to all persons who live, work, go to school, or own property in the City of Union City.
Full Access Cards
Your library card is your passport to borrow materials from UCPL and other libraries in the PALS Plus library system. It also allows you to use the PALS Plus catalog to place holds on materials (books, DVDs, magazines, and CDs) held by any PALS Plus library to be sent to either UCPL location.
For materials not available at UCPL or other PALS Plus libraries: UCPL cardholders may also request interlibrary loan materials from other libraries in New Jersey, via the JerseyCat network. Note that all materials may not be available. Ask a library staff member for details and for help placing your interlibrary loan request.
Additionally, your library card allows you to access digital library resources, including collections of e-books, audiobooks, e-magazines, movies, music, research databases, and more.
To get a free library card, you must live, work, go to school, or own property in Union City. Proof of address and a photo ID are required. For a child’s card, proof of address in the name of the parent or guardian is required.
Acceptable Forms of ID
Union City residents must present a photo ID with proof of Union City residency:
- Valid NJ driver’s license, valid NJ State-issued ID card, or Union City-issued ID card with current Union City address.
If a driver’s license or photo ID is from out-of-state /country or does not have your current Union City address, one of the following documents must be provided as proof of Union City residency:
- Lease
- Recent utility bill
- Recent bank statement
- Recent credit card bill
- Medicare/Medicaid ID (with current address)
UCPL cards may also be used at libraries in the PALS Plus system, the Open Borrowing network, and Hudson County Public Libraries.
Union City Public Library cards are good for three years, at which time they must be renewed by presenting the physical Union City Public Library card and showing the same documents that are used to apply for an initial card.
Replacing a Lost Library Card
A Union City resident wishing to replace a lost library card must present the Acceptable Forms of ID and proof of Union City residency listed above. We will replace a lost or damaged card for free up to two times during a three-year period between renewals. The cost of the replacement of a frequently lost library card is $1.00.
Limited Access Cards
UCPL also provides courtesy privileges to members of all other public libraries in Hudson County and to members of other public libraries which are part of the Open Borrowing network. The privileges are limited to the materials owned by UCPL. To access these privileges, the member of the other library will present his or her card at either UCPL location. Hudson County and Open Borrowing courtesy privileges are good for one year; at which time they must be renewed.
