Frequently Asked Questions
Our Services
How can I join the library?
You can visit one of our libraries and join - or begin by registering online.
Where can I ask a question on your website?
You can fill in our online form or at 
with your enquiry. We welcome feedback about our services.
Can I check my library card online?
Yes! You can check your library card to review items on loan to you, any overdues or fees on your account, and check which items are on reserve for you. You can also cancel any reserves you no longer want.
How do I reserve an item on your website?
Browse our online catalogues, (EasyFind Visual Catalogue or Classic Catalogue) and when you've found the items you want to reserve, follow the onscreen prompts. If you would like to reserve a magazine issue, fill out the magazine reserve form. NB. Each reserve costs $2, unless you hold a child or young adult card.
Can I pay my rates at the library?
Libraries no longer offer this service - rates payments can now be made at NZ Post.
Do you have any jobs available at the moment? How can I apply for a job?
Any current vacancies are advertised on our website. You are also welcome to bring in a CV and covering letter anytime to our libraries and these will be held on file.
Can I suggest the library buy an item?
You can fill out a suggestion form online. If you want to place a reserve on the item, if we buy it, make sure you enter your library card details on the form.
When are you open?
Central Library hours are Monday to Friday 9.30am to 8.30 pm, Saturdays 9.30am to 5.00 pm, and Sundays 1.00 pm to 4.00pm. Click here for all library branch details.
How many items can I take out?
There is no limit to the number of items you can take out - but, if someone wishes to borrow all items on the subject, we may ask you, in fairness to other library users, to limit your selection.
Can I renew books?
We offer "extended loans" which allow you to extend the issue period of items by one week.
You can extend items when visiting any branch, online or by emailing us. The charge is $1 per item, in addition to any rental charges. For example, renewing a DVD costs $5 - $1 for the renewal and $4 for the rental charge. Items can only be renewed once.
Items more than one day overdue or on reserve cannot be renewed. If there is a block on your card (e.g. $10 or more owing) you will also be unable to renew items.
How long can I borrow items for? Do any items cost?
Click here for a list of different borrowing periods and charges for different items.
Do we give discounts?
We do give discounts of 50 % on our audio visual colletion (CDs, DVDs and audiobooks) and reservations if you have a current Leisure Card. If you belong to the Deaf Association, you will get free DVD issues if you have a Deaf Asssociation Members card. Current cards have to be shown at the time of issues.
What are your overdue charges?
Click here to find out what our charges are. Our policy is that items must be returned on the day due during the issuing library's opening hours - if the items are returned after this time, they will incur a charge.
Do I need to return books to the same place I got them from?
We do have a $1 return fee when you return an item to a different library than the one you borrowed it from.
Can I use my community services card at the library?
Yes you can. Our borrowing page shows the discounts available in our libraries; click here for more information from the Wellington City Council website.
I want a book which you don't have. Can you get it for me?
You can use our Interloans system or complete a suggestion to purchase form.
Do you have free internet services?
All our branch libraries have computers offering access to selected websites. Many online newspaper websites are also available on these computers for browsing. Just ask a librarian to show you which computer has these services.
Can I check my email and use search engines at the library?
Yes you can. We have internet computers in most libraries* which are available for general internet use. This is a charged-for service: $1.50 for 15 minutes, $3.00 for 30 minutes and $6.00 for 60 minutes. If you don't use all of your time in one session, you can use the remaining minutes within 30 days. You will need to sign an Internet Use Agreement form before using these computers. (* libraries NOT offering general internet: Wadestown, Brooklyn and Khandallah)
I need to type up my CV - can I do this at a library?
All our libraries have computers available with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. It is free to use with each page printed costing 20c.
What are the latest news and events happening at the library?
For the latest news and events check out the library website homepage, with feature articles on the News Blog. We provide holiday programmes for children during the year: these are advertised on the KidzZone "What's On" page. We also have RSS feeds which tell you of all the new updates on our site and events, including new books each month.
I have lost my library card? What should I do?
Ring or email at and report it lost or stolen as soon as possible. This will ensure that no one else can use your card in the meantime. You will need to come in to one of our libraries and get a replacement card.
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.
Do you have a music room?
Central Library has a small music room with a keyboard available to customers. You may book in advance (phone 801 4073) or just turn up. It is located in the Arts, Music and Literature area on the first floor at Central.
I need to book a meeting room. Do you have any available?
We have a meeting room available for hire. You may ring or at with your enquiry.
I have just moved to Wellington; do you have local community information?
The Community Directory is a comprehensive list of community-based groups and organisations in Wellington. Also check out our community links page and the Wellington City Council website. We have up to date community notice boards featured at all of our libraries.
Do you have information in other languages?
We provide library and joining information in over fifteen languages.
I need a letter signed by a Justice of the Peace. Can you help me?
A Justice of the Peace is available at the Wellington City Service Centre located at the Wellington City Council, Wakefield Street.
Where is the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) located in the library?
The CAB is located on the mezzanine floor at the Central library next to Clarks Cafe.
Do you do library tours?
Currently we do tours for groups including ESOL, university and schools. Phone us (801 4040) and let us know your group requirements and we will put you through to the right person to cater to your group's needs.
Can you courier books to my house?
When you reserve an item you can select that you would like "home delivery". Fees apply depending on the number of items you have ordered and where you live. More information is available on our home delivery page.
Another option if you need us to select the books for you is Library Express, which is a service offered to people who are temporarily unable to get to a library due to illness, immobility, work load etc. Please phone on 801 4065 or email at to arrange a suitable service to meet your needs.
What services do you offer older people or those who are housebound?
We have a seniors' page on our website that features new books and links to websites. There are special services for housebound customers and customers with disabilities.
I have a sight disability. What sort of collections and services do you have?
Audiovisual materials are available free of charge to print-disabled borrowers. There are collections available at all our libraries with an extra talking book collection located at Housebound on the second floor at Central Library. Click here for more information.
Will you help me do my research?
We can. Prosearch is an in-depth professional research service that is able to find resources and information quickly. Two hours of free assistance or research within 3 days is available. Contact the ProSearch team on 801 4059 or at G O V T dot N Z">.
Can I issue my own items at your libraries?
Yes - we have self check machines where all free material can be issued. They are located on the ground and first floors at Central Library as well as at Kilbirnie, Tawa and Karori libraries.
Library Collections
Here are some tips on finding information from our website, catalogue, databases and other related links:
How do I use the library catalogue?
We have an extensive Catalogue help page. Or just ask us - we will show you how to use it and help you find what you are looking for!
What are the latest items that the library has?
If you are interested in fiction, every month we provide lists of new material from our library collection. For selected titles and reviews in a multitude of subject areas, visit the Recent Picks in MyLibrary. Also look out for recently aquired material lists at Central Library subject desks and at the start of our book aisles in branches.
The catalogue says the book is available but I cannot find it on the shelf. Can you help?
Follow these steps to locate an item on the shelf. Come and ask us at the desk if you need help.
I want a really good novel to read. Where can I start?
Our Popular Topics' Fiction page will point you to new and previous fiction picks, book recommendations from our library staff, and recent awards. Our most recent acquisitions are listed here and reviewed in MyLibrary. We also welcome Customer reviews.
Where are the electoral rolls?
Current electoral rolls are located in the Central Library on the second floor by the Enquiries desk. We hold NZ Electoral rolls from 1866. For general information on elections we suggest you go to www.elections.org.nz.
I want to apply for a scholarship and also funding for an organisation I work with. Do you have access to any information?
The "free internet computers" in our libraries offer access to BreakOut, which offers funding information for students, researchers, sports people, artists and those wanting professional development. You can also access FundView, a source of information about funding for voluntary organisations and which contains over 600 different funding schemes. These databases are also available via mygateway.info - all you need is your library card details.
What sort of magazines do you have?.
We carry approximately 3000 magazines from around the world, on subjects from the very popular to the esoteric, in languages ranging from Chinese to French, Somali to Afrikaans. There is a large range available at Central Library: smaller collections at branch libraries. More information about the collection, including new subscriptions, is available on our Magazines subject guide.
We also subscribe to databases which provide a huge range of magazines and journals available in full-text, which you can access using your library card details: these are part of our mygateway.info resources.
Do you hold car manuals?
We have a large collection of car and motorcycle repair manuals.
How do you organise your library collection?
Our non-fiction books are organised by the Dewey Decimal Classification System. The number on the spine of a book is its 'Dewey' number. We also have a map outline of Central Library which can help you find your way around all of our collections.
What sort of Māori resources do you have?
We have a collection of Māori material on the 2nd floor of the library and we have translated the library catalogue search screens into te Reo. Information on joining the library is also available in Māori. Check out He Korero o te Wa (Māori news), Maori Information Resources, Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington), Māori Databases, and Whakapapa. You can contact the Māori specialist on 801 4112.
Can you search the catalogue in other languages??
Yes, our catalogue is searchable in Samoan, Simplified Chinese, English and Māori. Information about the collection items will be English with the surrounding screens translated.
Do you have information on famous New Zealanders?
There are adult and children's biography sections at all of our libraries. Check out our biographical databases, especially the New Zealand Dictionary of NZ Biography. Our Kids Catalogue can link you to library items and recommended websites about famous people, including New Zealanders, in ExploreIt.
I need some career help.
We provide a range of books and other resources that may be of use on career choice including job hunting and changing your career. We also have a guide for mature jobseekers over 45.
Do you have New Zealand Standards?
Standards are held at the Science and Humanities Enquiries desk on the first floor at Central library. Standards published after 1996 may not be photocopied or taken out of the library. For more information, see the Standards subject guide.
Which newspapers do you have?
We have an excellent Newspaper finder to help you orientate your way through our collections at Central and branches - and also what's available online. Online databases such as ProQuest and EBSCO allow full text searches of articles back to 1996.
Do you have telephone and business directories?
These are the telephone directories and business directories that we hold.
What sort of business information do you have?
A guide to our business, management and career resources can be found in the Business Toolbox.
Do you have the Road Code?
Yes we have multiple copies of the most up-to-date versions. These can be issued for one week. It is also available online.
Do you have births, marriages and deaths records? I am researching my family history. Also, what other resources are available?
Births, Deaths and Marriage records are located on the second floor at the Central Library. We also have a fantastic overview of genealogy available online which provides more information about these, as well as other genealogical resources to assist you with your research.
How can I find out more about Wellington?
Our Wellington pages link you to a wealth of resources about Wellington's history, current issues, natural history, and community resources.
I need a map of New Zealand
We have a variety of maps from road atlases through to detailed topographical maps of the entire country. The main collection is held on the 2nd floor of Central Library; branch libraries have some maps in travel books. Further information is available on the Maps subject guide.
Kids
Do you have any fun stuff for kids?
Yes, in Kidz Zone, we have loads of activities, things to make and do, games and fun things to do with books that you may like.
Can you recommend any books to read?
Check out our book reviews page which includes reviews, recommendations and books that have won prizes and much much more... There are lists of recommended books in our Kid's catalogue. Our picks of the latest children's picture books, fiction, non-fiction and multimedia is available in MyLibrary.
Can you help me look for a book?
Yes! First look at the Kids Catalogue which was made for finding kids books, dvds and cool websites. And of course we can help you, just ask at a desk or at
Can you help me with my homework?
We have loads of exciting and fun stuff to get you started including interesting homework sites, Encyclopedia Britannica and help with using the catalogue. As well as coming in to visit us at the library, you can also visit an online librarian at Any Questions Monday to Friday, from 1pm to 6pm.
What's happening at the library?
For events happening at your local library for children, check out our What's On page - this has BookBusters news, holiday programmes and lots of cool stuff.
Teens
Do you have information on stuff happening for teenagers?
Check out our Teen Blog which is always being updated. We have all sorts of stuff on it what's on in town, new books, and other cool stuff.
Can you help me with my homework?
We have a great service called AnyQuestions.co.nz where you can talk live online to a librarian from 1-6pm Monday-Friday. They will help you find answers for your homework. We also have S*Lab which has study help - or you can or visit us.
Can you recommend something for me to read?
Check out our latest new books, graphic novels, magazines, cds and other stuff to see if there is something there you might like to try.
Parents
What sort of resources and services do you have available to help me with my children?
Check out our Parents' Corner for info on Books to Babies, preschool storytimes, tips and values of reading to your child. We also have a fabulous parenting page with links to books, DVDs, online databases and articles and more.
