Returns and Overdues
Overdue Policy | Interlibrary returns | Payment options | Lost & damaged items | Queries
Overdue Charges
All rates listed are per day. Overdue charges are calculated at the rate applicable on the date items are returned.
| Item | Adults | Children & Young Adults* | Housebound Borrowers | Out of Towner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Books | 80c | 30c | none | 80c |
| Magazines | 60c | 30c | none | 60c |
| CDs & CYA CDs | 60c | 30c | none | 60c |
| DVDs & CYA DVDs | $1 | 50c | none | $1 |
| Videos & CYA Videos | $1 | 50c | none | $1 |
| Tapes & CYA Tapes | 60c | 30c | none | 60c |
| CD-ROMs & CYA CD-ROMs | $1 | 50c | none | $1 |
| Kits & CYA Kits | 60c | 30c | none | 60c |
| Bestseller Books & Magazines | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 |
Overdue policy
Overdue fees are charged when items have not been returned three days or more after the due date. To avoid overdue fees, please return your items during opening hours within two days after the due date - or renew them online or in our libraries to extend their due date. Notices are sent out after an item has been overdue for five days after the due date. Replacement costs are charged for lost or damaged items. This is in line with the Wellington City Libraries' Customer Charter.
Interlibrary returns
An additional interlibrary return fee of $1 per item applies when a library item is returned to a library it wasn't issued from: as an example, books borrowed from Miramar Library are returned at Central Library. Returning items to the library you borrowed them from means they are back on the shelves sooner, for others to borrow. It means we can provide a more efficient service so that you get the most out of our libraries.
Payment options
Payments for overdue items and fees can be made
- in person: at any Wellington City Libraries branch by EFT-POS, cash or cheque
- by phone: call 801 4058 or 801 4055 Monday to Friday between 9:30am and 5pm with your credit card details
- by online banking: create a payment to Wellington City Council bank account: 06 0582 0106111 00 with 'Library' as your "Reference", your library card number as your "Code" and your name in the "Particulars" field. After paying please email wclcustomeraccounts@wcc.govt.nz to confirm your payment which you should see on your account within a few days.
- by post: send a cheque made out to "Wellington City Council" to Wellington City Libraries, PO Box 1992, Wellington
What do you do if you have a lost or damaged item?
Lost items:
Contact your library and let them know that you have lost an item as soon as you can. The replacement cost will be automatically loaded onto your card ready for payment.
Damaged items:
If you have damaged an item, you will be asked to pay the full replacement cost. If an item is returned with a part missing it will be classed as a damaged item (e.g. a DVD/CD returned without the disk or cover). If you find and return (in good condition) a item within six months of paying, you will receive a refund of the replacement cost.
Queries and further information
If you have any queries about overdue charges please e-mail us at enquiries@wcl.govt.nz or phone your local branch. Please have your library card number ready so we can check your record.
