FAQ

When are you open?

View our opening hours.

 

Where is the library?

The library is located at 1 Ariki St, at the intersection of Ariki St, Brougham St and King St. 

Find out how to get here.

 

What do I need to become a member of the library?

You need one form of photo identification e.g. drivers licence or current passport.

Find out about library membership.

 

Does it cost anything to use the library?

Anyone is able to use the resources in our libraries at no charge. Members can borrow books and magazines at no charge. Overdue charges apply if items are returned after the due date. Some of our collections, such as bestsellers and DVDs have a small rental charge. There are also charges for other services such as inter-library loan.

Please check with us if you have any questions about what charges may apply to services you are interested in or see the Fees and Charges page.

 

Can I join the library while I am visiting Taranaki on holiday?

We are happy to arrange a Visitor Membership ($23 for 3 months) so you can borrow books and magazines. We require identification with full name, signature and details of your contact address in your hometown and your contact address during your stay. Visitors wishing to access our research collections are also welcome - access is free although charges apply for photocopying. Borrowing limit for visitors is five items.

 

Will my library membership ever expire?

Your library membership will remain active provided you use it at least once every 2 years.

 

Where can I access the catalogue?

Puke Ariki and Community Libraries' catalogue is available at all our libraries.

You can also access the catalogue online. You can search, reserve and renew books using your card details to login.

 

What is the extent of the catalogue?

The catalogue lists all items held at Puke Ariki and Community Libraries. It also includes all eBooks and eAudiobooks you can borrow through BorrowBox and Libby.  

 

How many books may I borrow?

You may borrow up to 40 items at a time on your card.

 

How long are items issued for?

Books and audiobooks are issued for four weeks. Magazines and DVDs are issued for one week, and bestseller books are issued for two weeks. You may borrow and return items to any of our libraries and our mobile library.

 

Can I renew items I have out?

Renewals are possible if there are no other customers waiting for the item you have.

To renew an item, you can:

 

What happens if the item I want is checked out?

You can reserve it and we will send you a notice when it is available.

You can reserve items by:

 

What happens if you don't have an item I want?

We can try and get it for you from another library. This service is known as 'inter-library loan' or 'interloan'.  We can interloan a range of items like books, journal articles, CDs, DVDs and sheet music. There may be a charge, depending on the item. You could also fill in our Suggest a Book Buy form and we may purchase the item for the collection. If you would like to interloan an item please contact us.

 

Can I return items after the library is closed?

Yes, all the libraries have after-hours return slots at their entrances. There is also a returns bin in the Puke Ariki Museum car park off St Aubyn street where you can drop off your books anytime. You can also return items to any of our libraries no matter which branch you borrowed them from.

 

I'm visiting the New Plymouth District - do you have the internet available at your libraries?

Yes, free internet access and WiFi is available at all our libraries through the Aotearoa People's Network.

 

Do I get charged if the items I borrow are overdue?

Yes, we charge 50 cents per day per overdue item for books borrowed on adult cards. From 1 July 2020, there will no longer be overdue charges for children’s and youth (under 18s) library cards.
All existing overdue charges on children’s and youth cards will be cancelled.
Please note, cancelled charges only apply to children’s and youth cards, this doesn’t include children’s and youth books checked out on an adult card and charges for lost books still apply.

Charges for other overdue items can be found on the Fees and Charges page.

 

How do I pay my overdue fines?

Overdue fines and other bills on your account need to be paid in person at one of our library branches.

 

Do I have to pay if I lose library materials?

Yes, we will ask you to pay the replacement cost of the item. This is based on the retail price when we purchased the item. If the purchase price was below $10, a minimum charge of $10 will apply.

 

Do you have a photocopying service?

Yes, all our libraries have a photocopying service where you may do your own photocopying, and staff will help you if you require assistance. Puke Ariki, Waitara and Inglewood all have a colour photocopying service. See the Fees and Charges page for more information.