Hours of Operation
Mon-Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun
10am-9pm
10am-5pm
10am-5pm
1pm-4pm
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Services
General Services
  • Renewals and reserves online, in person or by phone (excluding videos).
  • Reference and reader's advisory.
  • Four children's Early Literacy Stations.
  • Inter-Library loan services throughout the US, usually at no cost.
  • Reciprocity with most other Middlesex and Union County libraries.
  • Copy and Fax machines.
  • Books delivered to the homebound.
  • Year-round book sale located in Gambino Room (sponsored by the Friends of the Public Library).
  • Meeting Room for Cranbury organizations. (Call library to reserve the room.)
Internet Service

The Cranbury Public Library provides public access to the Internet, a global network of information accessible with a computer. The Internet offers access to many valuable local, national, and international sources of information, greatly increasing the reference materials available at the library.

The Internet user must be aware that the Internet is not controlled and that anyone or any organization may publish a Web page on the Internet. Some information found on the Internet may be inaccurate, incomplete, dated, or offensive to some individuals. A good information consumer must evaluate the validity and appropriateness of each Web site and the information found there.

Parents and legal guardians must assume responsibility for their children and decide if the Internet is an appropriate resource for their children to use. Parents and legal guardians should guide their children in the use of the Internet and inform them about materials they should not view or use.

To assist the public in the use of the Internet, the library contains various materials on Internet use and periodically holds classes on using the Internet. The Web sites linked to from our Recommended Websites, while not produced by the Cranbury Public Library, have been chosen because they have been found to be worthwhile reference sources in the past. However, the Internet is not static and information and links can change. Also, be aware that the Internet is a "web" of information and links may take the user from a reputable information source to one of questionable value.

Reference Services

  • NextReads Reader's Advisory : NextReads Newsletters provide you with an online reader's advisory service. If you wish you may subscribe and receive monthly newsletters by email.
  • Email Reference : A staff member will reply to any reference questions received by email within 2 business days. If you need an immediate answer call us at 609-655-0555.  If we are closed, you may use
    Q and A NJ. This service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. An experienced librarian will give you live, interactive search assistance.
Borrowing FAQ
Who may get a CPL card?
Cranbury residents/taxpayers and employees of Cranbury businesses are eligible for a library card. Children may have their own card with their parent's permission.

May I use my CPL card to borrow from other libraries?
Yes, if the library is a member of MURAL (Mutual Reciprocity Among Libraries). You may want to call the lending library to ask about any borrowing restrictions.

May I use a card from another library to borrow books from Cranbury Public Library?
Yes, if your library is a member of MURAL (Mutual Reciprocity Among Libraries).

Does CPL have reciprocal borrowing privileges with Mercer County?
No.

Do I need to come into the library to renew materials ?
No.  Materials may be renewed by phone or online using our online catalog.

May I reserve a book?
CPL cardholders may reserve a book by phone, online, or at the library.

What if the library does not have a book I need?
You may use your CPL card at another library through our open borrowing program or ask the staff at the circulation desk for an Interlibrary Loan.

How long does it take to receive a book through Interlibrary Loan?
Most books are received in 5 to 7 working days.

How long do CPL materials circulate?
Materials
Loan Period
New Books
2 weeks
General Collection
4 weeks
Magazine back issues
2 weeks
Graphic Novels
2 weeks
Audio books
2 weeks
CDs
2 weeks
DVDs
1 week
Video Games
1 week
Museum Passes
3 days
Is there a fee to borrow videos or video games?
No.

What are the fines for overdue materials?
All overdue materials, except Videos and DVDs, are fined $0.10 / day. DVDs and Video Games are $1.00 / day.  Museum Passes are $2.50 / day.

Other Questions?
Please call the library at 609-655-0555.
Museum Pass Program
The Friends of the Cranbury Public Library have generously provided FREE passes for CPL patrons to two of the area's most popular museums:
  • Grounds for Sculpture (Hamilton, NJ)
  • American Museum of Natural History (New York, NY)

Check out a pass to one of the museums with your library card, just like a book. Enjoy your visit with family and friends and then return the pass to the Library. Complete details of the Museum Pass program are listed below:

General Information
Cranbury Public Library adult cardholders in good standing are eligible for passes. Passes may be reserved and checked out any time during regular library hours the prior to use. Reserved passes must be picked up one (1) hour prior to closing time. Passes are loaned for a three (3) day period. Passes must be returned in person to the circulation desk. Do not use the book drop to return passes!

A fine of $2.50 per day will be charged for overdue passes. Maximum fine is equal to the card's replacement value. Only one museum pass per household may be checked out.

The following information about each museum and its policies is based on the Friends' understanding of membership benefits, as explained by the museum representatives.

Grounds for Sculpture
Hamilton, NJ
Phone:  609-586-0616

  • Two passes each entitling the bearer and 2 guests free admission to the park and museum galleries - including Member's Day (Sundays).10% discount on Museum Shop items.
  • Additional 1 use guest passes available while supplies last.  Limit 6 passes / family.

American Museum of Natural History
New York City
Phone:  212-769-5100

  • Two passes each entitling the bearer and 5 guests to free general admission and special exhibition tickets. Unlimited complimentary admission to IMAX films for six people.
  • Complimentary coat check.
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Updated: 8/28/08 • © 2008 Cranbury Public Library • Contact Us