Auckland Council Libraries: Borrowing and requesting items

​Borrowing and requesting items


Child and parent borrowing books using a self-checkout machine at a library

You can borrow up to 35 library items at a time on your Auckland Council Libraries account! 

It’s free to borrow most items except for music CDs and rental DVDs. Learn more on our Fees and charges page.



Borrowing at a library

Search for items in the library catalogue or browse the shelves at any of our libraries

To check out an item, take it to a self-checkout machine. All you need is your library card! Our staff can check out items for you or show you how to use the self-checkout machines.


Borrowing eCollections

You can browse and borrow digital items directly from our eCollection platforms

You can also find eCollection titles in the library catalogue. Just follow the link next to the resource to check it out.

Please note:
  • the number of items you can borrow at a time may vary between eCollection platforms
  • eCollection items don’t count towards your limit of 35 items checked out at a time. 


Interloans

Find out how you can access materials from other libraries on our Interloan service page.

Please be aware there is a charge for this service and overdue fees apply. Learn more on our Fees and charges page.


Loan periods

You can borrow most books for 28 days and magazines for 14 days. The Bestie collection operates on 14 day loans. Check the table below to see loan periods for other items.

​Description
​Loan period
​Books
​28 days
​Bestie collection
​14 days
​Magazines
​14 days (cannot be renewed)
​eBooks and eAudiobooks*
​7, 14, 21 or 28 days
​eMagazines
​7, 14, 21 or 30 days
​eNewspapers
30 days
​Audiobooks on CD
​28 days
​Language courses
​28 days
​Choral/orchestral sets
​90 days
Sheet music with parts
​​90 days (one renewal)
Sheet music
​28 days
​Kids' CDs and audiobooks
​28 days
​Kids' and youth DVDs
​14 days (cannot be renewed)
​Music CDs
​14 days (cannot be renewed)
​Rental DVDs
​14 days (cannot be renewed)
Rental DVDs (over 6 hours)
​28 days (cannot be renewed)
      *Loan periods for these items may vary between eCollection platforms.


Requesting items

Search results in our library catalogue will show if an item is available or checked out. You can request an item whether or not it’s available. Search the library catalogue

Use the ‘Request It’ button next to an item in the catalogue to request to borrow it.

  • When you request a physical item (such as a print book or DVD), you can choose which library to pick it up from. You’ll receive an email when the item is ready to collect.
  • You can access digital items (such as eBooks or eAudiobooks) as soon as they’re available. If the item is checked out, you’ll receive an email when it’s ready for you to borrow.


View your requests/holds

If an item isn't available right away, it’ll be added to your ‘Holds’ list under the ‘My Bookshelf’ tab on your library account. Log in to your library account 

You can view or cancel your holds, or freeze your place in queue when logged in to your account. 


Collecting holds

You’ll receive an email notification when requested items are ready to collect. Your items will be waiting for you in the holds pick-up area at your chosen library location, on a numbered shelf indicated in the email.

Collect your requested item by the date shown in the email you receive when your item is ready for pick up. The usual period is one week.

Bring your library card and remember to check out your requested items as usual!


Auckland Council Libraries:Borrowing and requesting items