Borrowing items
Locate the item
- Use the catalogue to find out what is available in our libraries
- If you are not sure how to locate the item please ask at one of our desks or our guide to the Dewey Classification System might help
- If an item is out you can place a hold on it:
Placing holds
- You can place a hold on an item using a computer in a library or via the Internet. You may also phone in your hold or ask a librarian at any of the desks to place it for you
- First look up the item in the catalogue and go to the full item record. Click the
button on the far left and follow the instructions. You will be asked for your library card number and your library PIN - A notice will be posted to you when the item becomes available or you can arrange to be contacted by email. You may also choose to use the Library Elf service to be notified of holds
- For adult borrowers a service charge is paid when you collect the item
- The hold limit for all customers is 15 except for adult customers (e.g. Adult, Adult non-resident) who have a hold limit of 30
If you need an item that we do not have it may be possible to borrow it from another library or purchase it for our collection. Use our online form to request an item or phone us for more information.
Borrow the item
Items are issued at either our member services desks or you can use the self issue machines.
- Books, CDs and tapes are issued for 4 weeks
- We do not renew items, if you want to keep an item out for longer than 4 weeks there is a charge per item per day for up to a further 4 weeks
- See below about overdue items
- Bestseller items are lent for up to 2 weeks
- Standards are lent for 1 week only
- Adult CD Roms are issued for 28 days
- Childrens CD Roms are issued for 1 week only
At any time you can check what you have out and when its due back by using the My Account feature in our catalogue. You may also choose to use third party services to be notified of holds and items due.
Returning the item
- All items are returned to the returns desk at community libraries or returns boxes at the Central Library or in the Central Bus Exchange.
- If you prefer to have your items discharged while you wait, please take them to a member of staff at a customer service desk.
- When libraries are closed items may be returned to the after hours bin at each library and the Bus Exchange, but please note that any charges owing on your items will be automatically added to your account.
Overdue Items
- If your items are overdue you will be contacted by tele-message or email three days after your items were due and again by letter or email at 8 days. You may also choose to use Library Elf or other third party services to be notified of overdues.
- When any items are 31 days overdue, a block will be put on your library card and you will no longer be able to borrow until the items are returned or paid for.
- Once you have overdue fines on your card all debt must be paid within a month before you can use your card again.
- You may be referred to a debt collection agency if you owe $50 or more in fines or overdue items.
