Borrowing and requesting items
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
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 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
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.
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.
Holds help
Collecting requests
You’ll receive an email notification when requested items are ready to collect. Your items will be waiting for you in the requests pick-up area at your chosen
library location.
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!