Frequently Asked Questions: Joining the Main Library Alliance

When will the transition take place?

The migration to the MAIN catalog is scheduled for June 10, 2026.

The ability to place holds will be temporarily suspended as of April 15. Why will placing holds be temporarily suspended?

The ability to place holds will be temporarily suspended beginning April 15 while we prepare for the migration. Holds on digital content through Libby will still function normally.

Holds cannot easily transfer between different Integrated Library Systems (ILS). Limiting new holds before the transition helps ensure that existing holds are preserved and no patrons lose their place in line.

Holds will resume once the new MAIN catalog becomes available.

What is a library consortium?

A library consortium is a group of libraries that collaborate to share materials, services, and technology. By working together, they can expand access to collections and benefit from group purchasing discounts.

This means patrons can access a much larger collection using a single library card.

What is the Main Library Alliance?

The Main Library Alliance, founded in 1979, is a network of 60 participating libraries in:

• Essex County
• Hunterdon County
• Morris County
• Somerset County
• Union County
• Warren County

Together, they share more than 3.2 million items.

For comparison, our current collection includes about 160,000 items, meaning the MAIN collection is nearly twenty times larger.

Why is SFPL joining MAIN?

Joining MAIN will allow us to:

• Provide access to a significantly larger collection
• Increase availability of popular titles
• Reduce wait times for many materials
• Improve overall convenience for patrons

Do I need a new library card?

No. Your current library card will continue to work. Your barcode number and PIN will remain the same.

Can I use my card at other MAIN libraries?

Yes. Your card can be used to borrow materials and place holds at any MAIN member library.

Some services may be limited to residents of a library’s home community.

How do I log into my account in the new catalog?

You will log in using your library card number and PIN/password, just as you do now.

What can I borrow from other libraries?

You can borrow many types of materials, including:

• Books
• Audiobooks
• DVDs
• CDs
• Magazines
• Other items depending on the owning library’s policies

Are there borrowing limits?

The maximum number of items allowed on a single card is 100 items.

Can I renew my items?

Yes. Items can be manually renewed. If no other patron has placed a hold, items will automatically renew on their due date.

What happens to my reading history?

Reading history will not transfer to the new system.

After the transition, you may choose to enable reading history again in your account settings.

How do I request items from other libraries?

You can place holds through the online catalog:

1. Search for the item you want
2. Click “Place Hold”
3. Select your preferred pickup location
4. Log into your account

How long will it take to receive items from another library?

Most items arrive within a few days, depending on delivery schedules.

If you need something sooner, you may visit the owning library and borrow the item directly.

Will wait times be shorter?

Often, yes. Because more libraries share materials, there are typically more copies available.

However, popular titles may still have wait lists.

Where can I pick up my holds?

You may choose any MAIN library as your pickup location.

Where can I return materials?

Items borrowed from MAIN libraries may generally be returned to any participating library, unless otherwise noted.

Will fines or fees change?

Our fine policies will remain the same. However, individual MAIN libraries may maintain their own policies for overdue materials.

What if I have a problem with fees or lost items?

Replacement costs for lost items are typically determined by the owning library.

Library staff can help answer questions or assist with resolving issues.

Will I still have access to eBooks and audiobooks?

Yes. You can continue to borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks through the Libby app.

Access will now be through the MAIN collection rather than eLibraryNJ, so the selection may look somewhat different.

Will other digital services still be available?

Most existing digital services will continue, including streaming and digital borrowing platforms.

Some services may change as new consortium resources become available.

What happens to digital items I currently have checked out?

Digital items already checked out will remain on your account during the transition. You can continue using them and return them by their normal due date.

Will my holds be lost during the transition?

No. We are carefully managing the migration process to ensure existing holds remain on patron accounts once the new system goes live.

Will there be service interruptions?

There may be brief periods when some services are unavailable during the transition. The ability to place holds will be temporarily suspended beginning April 15 while we prepare for the migration.

If interruptions are expected, SFPL will communicate details in advance so patrons can plan accordingly.

If you have additional questions, library staff are happy to help.

Phone: 908-273-0350
Email: reference@summitlibrary.org
Or speak with a staff member during your next visit.