Why Isn't the South Orange Library a Member of BCCLS?

I was reviewing my budget today and I realized that I have spent a fair amount of money over the last year buying books because they were not available from the South Orange Library.  When we lived in Maplewood, one of the things I loved was the ease with which we could order books from other BCCLS libraries if they were unavailable at MW.  Why isn't the SOPL a member of BCCLS and how can we change that?

 S. Orange Library has gotten me books from the library in Newark.  

But why ask on here?  why not ask them the head librarian?

I know with Maplewood, we can get a sticker to take out at SOPL. Perhaps there is a way to get the opposite-so you are associated with both libraries?

I remember this discussion.  It is expensive, and we would have to have a collection that other libraries could use to be invited to join, and our neighbors are already members, if I recall correctly.

South Orange residents can ask for an inter-library loan by speaking with a librarian at the South Orange Library.  This is not as quick as BCCLS delivery often is and will not duplicate the combined collections of over 70 BCCLS member libraries but it will expand borrowing options beyond South Orange Library's own collection.  

Sprout is referring to the sticker, available at the South Orange Public Library which will enable South Orange library card holders who have the sticker affixed to their library card, to borrow circulating materials from the Maplewood Library; but, that applies only to circulating library items currently on the shelf.  It does not apply to holds on Maplewood Library materials currently checked out or to materials owned by other BCCLS member libraries.

mikescott said:
 S. Orange Library has gotten me books from the library in Newark.  
But why ask on here?  why not ask them the head librarian?

Why not ask?  Plus, it’s a little snowy for a quick hike to the library today.  

The South Orange Library is still a member of ReBL. I borrow lots of books from South Orange that way as a Maplewood library member. 

wendy said:
The South Orange Library is still a member of ReBL. I borrow lots of books from South Orange that way as a Maplewood library member. 

ReBL is only good for circulating materials available on the shelves.  A South Orange Library Card holder is unable to use the BCCLS catalog to reserve books through the BCCLS system or place a hold on a Maplewood Library owned material that is currently checked out.

Other members of REBL are West Orange, Livingston and Montclair public libraries, so really you have access to LOTS of books that way. Also, Seton Hall University library is part of Rebl. You can park right across the street in the multi-level parking structure.

A call to request a book, dvd or other materials will be immediately entered into the system to be located and sent to SOPL. I've seen books arrive from as far away as Hawaii and Washington State. Just call 973-762-0230 or email Librarian@SOPL.org  A ReBL stickers on your SOPL card allows you to visit and take out material at about 15 different libraries in Essex County including SHU and Rutgers Newark (Not 100% sure about Rutgers, but I think so)