Library FAQs

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Library FAQs

  • Conditions of membership

    • Your membership entitles you to borrow items from the Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries, and requires you to return them by the due date.
    • For your protection and safety, do not lend your library card, or any items borrowed to anyone else. You are responsible for all items borrowed on your card, and for overdues or other charges on your card. Let the library know immediately if your card is lost or stolen. You will need to produce identification for a replacement card. Cost $3.00.
    • For your own protection, you are advised to produce your card or barcode on the library app to borrow items.
    • It is illegal to remove any items from the library without first having issued them first.
    • Two renewals are permitted on most items unless required by another borrower. Renewals may be made over the telephone, by emailing libraries@westernbay.govt.nz, by logging onto the catalogue at www.westernbay.govt.nz/libraries or by using the Western Bay District Libraries app. DVD or Top Shelf items will incur the rental charges again on renewal.
    • OVERDUES: A reminder overdue notice is sent 10 days after the due date and a second notice 10 days after that, detailing the cost of the item(s) outstanding. At 30 days the item is considered lost and an account for the full replacement cost is sent. Failure to respond within the 14 days of this account being sent will result in the outstanding account being passed to our debt collection agency who will add their charges to the amount payable. NB. An automatic block will be placed on your card for charges exceeding $5.00 in total.
    • OVERDUE FINES: Paid items returned after the due date incur overdue charges; $1 per day per DVD or Top Shelf item. These charges are calculated upon the return of the item and will be charged to your card.
    • Membership for all children under the age of 16 require parental/guardian consent. Parents/guardians are required to act as guarantor and acknowledge responsibility for all items issued and any charges incurred by children in their care.
    • Library staff take no responsibility for borrower’s selection of items. Items specifically labelled for Teens cover a wide range and will not necessarily suit all teenagers. Parental supervision may be appropriate.
    • The personal information you provided on joining the library is for the purposes of Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries administration only. This information will not be provided to anyone else without your prior consent except where the information is sent to a debt collection agency to facilitate the return of lost items or payment of overdue accounts. Your membership will be updated every 2 years. It is your responsibility to report any change of address or phone number.
    • Your membership may expire if your card is not used to borrow items during any 2 year period. Please let the library know if you would like to discuss your membership, borrowing, or use of the library.

    Details of services provided are available from the library or online at www.westernbay.govt.nz.

  • You can use the our catalogue here and then choose Log In

    Or you can go here

  • There are a few things you need to know:

    • Placing a hold ensures the item will be held for you, once it becomes available.
    • You will be notified when the item is ready to be collected, via email or phone/text.
    • It will only be held for 7 days, and then returned to circulation.

    *A hold can not be placed on a Top Shelf items - if you have a hold on an item and borrow the Top Shelf version, can you please let us know (and we will remove the hold for you)

    • Books and audiobooks: 3 weeks
    • Top Shelf books: 2 weeks (these are some of the latest releases, and are unable to be reserved)
    • DVDs: 1 week
    • Magazines: 1 week
  • In short, Yes! (unless someone else has put a hold on it)

    There are a number of ways to do this:

    • Give us a call on 0800 926 732
    • Pop in and visit any of our libraries
    • Renew it online
    • Renew it using the Library App (ask our staff for help)
    • On the self-issue kiosk in the Library
    • Email us at libraries@westernbay.govt.nz
    • Replacement card $3
    • Visitor membership $55 ($45 refundable upon return of all items)
    • Interloan request fee per book $8, per article $5. Plus lending library’s fee, if any.
    • Top Shelf (2 weeks) $3
    • DVD (1 week) $3
    • DVD, Top Shelf per day $1 to a maximum of $10 per item
    • Lost or unreturned items: Replacement cost plus collection fees (if any)
  • Pick up a Top Shelf Bonus Card and receive a stamp each time you borrow a Top Shelf item. Every 5th item is free!

  • You can use your library card at Katikati, Omokoroa, Te Puke and Waihi Beach libraries.

  • Yes you can, ask your local friendly library staff how to do this.

  • There are a number of ways to do this:

    • Give us a call on 0800 926 732
    • Pop in and visit any of our libraries
    • Renew it online
    • Renew it using the Library App (ask our staff for help)
    • On the self-issue kiosk in the Library
    • Email us at libraries@westernbay.govt.nz
  • There are a number of reasons, why you can't renew your item:

    • Someone has placed a hold request for the item
    • Your membership needs updating
    • You have outstanding charges that need to be paid
    • The renewal of rental item may incur a repeat fee.
  • To renew your item or items online:

    • Select Catalogue & Account in the header, at the top this page.
    • Select My Account.
    • Enter your card number.
    • Enter your PIN.
    • Select Checkouts.
    • Select the items you wish to renew and select Renew.

    To make sure this has been successful, please check the due date – to ensure your item has been renewed.

  • To place a hold online:

    • Find the item in our catalogue.
    • Select Place a Hold (green button to the right of the item).
    • Enter your card number and PIN
    • Select Login.
    • Select the Pickup Library from the drop down list
    • Select Place Hold.
    • Select OK.

    To place a hold via the Library App:

    • Find the item through the search bar at the top.
    • Push PLACE HOLD button.
    • Check the pick up location is correct.
    • Select PLACE RESERVATION.