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As one of New Zealand’s oldest and most innovative public libraries, the Dunedin Public Libraries has an exciting range of collections, services and events available for your recreation and information.

An overview of Dunedin Public Libraries and its services for new library members.

Click here for more language and accessibility options.

HOW DO I JOIN?

It’s easy to become a member. There are a couple of ways to do this:

To pick up your new library card and activate your membership please visit one of our libraries and bring in the following two forms of identification:

  • Signed photo identification, e.g. driver’s licence or passport; and also
  • Address verification: i.e. a document with your name and address on it, such as a bank statement, or phone account.

WHO CAN JOIN?

  • Anyone who lives or pays rates in Dunedin City may join the Dunedin Public Libraries for free.
  • Any permanent resident of the Otago and Southland regions, which includes the local government authority areas of the Waitaki District Council, Clutha District Council, Gore District Council, Southland District Council, Invercargill City Council, Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Central Otago District Council.
  • If you are a visitor and show your membership card from another New Zealand public library, you may join the Library for free for up to three months. We will hold your other library card until you leave Dunedin.
  • If you are a visitor to Dunedin and will be here for up to three months, you may join the Library by paying a bond from which a small charge will be made for each week you are here. The balance will be refunded when you leave.
  • Those who do not qualify under the above conditions may join by paying an annual subscription.

DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP

If you aren't currently a library member you can now access our huge range of online resources as a digital member.

Just complete our online registration form, select digital only membership and provide the information needed. Use the membership number you are given at the end of the form or in the email sent to you, plus the password you selected, to use our digital platforms.

If you have any questions please ring 03 474-3690.

LIBRARY CARD

After you’ve joined, you’ll be given a Library card. You are responsible for your card and for all items borrowed on it.

You will also be given a PIN that enables you to check your account on any computer in the Library and on our website.

It is very important that you:

  • Always bring your card with you when you want to borrow Library items.
  • Don’t let anyone else use your card.
  • Let us know immediately if you change address or if your card is lost or stolen.

WHAT IS MY PIN?

Your personal identification number (PIN) enables you to take full advantage of our catalogue and website, whether in the Library or at home.

You will be able to:

  • Check your Library record.
  • View the Library databases from home.
  • Place Holds.

If your PIN doesn’t work please contact us and we’ll reset it for you.

CONDITIONS OF USE

The Conditions of Use include the following key points:

  • The cardholder is responsible for any items out on the card and any charges that arise as a result of its use. For members under 18, their guarantor is responsible.
  • Your Library card must be produced when borrowing material.
  • Your Library card is not transferable and only one card per member is permitted.
  • Use of false information is not permitted. The Library must be notified of any changes of details (e.g. contact details, eligibility for membership).
  • One member may take out a maximum of 30 items, and there may be additional restrictions on the number of items on the same topic.
  • An acceptable standard of behaviour is expected towards other Library users and staff. Children must be accompanied by an adult and properly supervised

A full copy of the Libraries’ Conditions of Use policy is available at any branch of the Dunedin Public Libraries network.

LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

Dunedin Public Libraries offers a number of membership options for individuals and organisations.

RESIDENT MEMBERSHIP TYPES

Resident

Any person, regardless of age, living permanently in Dunedin City.

Any person who intends living in Dunedin City for three months or more for the purpose of attending an educational institution, a course of treatment, or holidaying in the city, etc.

Ratepayer

Those who pay property rates to the Dunedin City Council.

Non-resident

Those who do not qualify under the above conditions may register for a non-resident membership on payment of an annual subscription to be determined by the Council from time to time.

Corporate

Businesses and corporate bodies that pay property rates to the Dunedin City Council.

Educational Institution

Pre-primary, primary and secondary educational institutions in Dunedin City.

Print Access

Print Access membership is designed for customers able to visit the Library, but needing more than 28 days to read their books, due to disability or medical reasons.

Membership is available to adults and children who meet the criteria. Evidence of disability must be supplied with each application and can include: doctor/specialist’s letter, membership of the Foundation for the Blind or Association of Blind Citizens etc.

Print Access members are entitled to borrow books for 50 days. For all other items the standard loan periods apply.

VISITORS TO DUNEDIN CITY

Reciprocal

Members of other New Zealand public libraries which allow members of Dunedin Public Libraries holidaying in their districts to borrow are eligible for temporary membership while in Dunedin City. Proof of membership, such as a Library card, is required.

Non-Reciprocal

Persons in Dunedin City for more than four days but less than three months, who do not qualify for membership under any of the above clauses, may join the Library temporarily on payment of a fee to be determined by the Council from time to time.

A proportion of the fee will be refunded, provided all material borrowed is returned on time and in good order.

Otago Southland Reciprocal Residents

Any permanent resident of the Otago and Southland regions, which includes the local government authority areas of the Waitaki District Council, Clutha District Council, Gore District Council, Southland District Council, Invercargill City Council, Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Central Otago District Council.

I LIVE OUTSIDE OF DUNEDIN. CAN I JOIN?

Yes, you may join the Library at no charge if you live in any of these local government areas:

  • Waitaki District Council
  • Clutha District Council
  • Gore District Council
  • Southland District Council
  • Invercargill City Council
  • Queenstown Lakes District Council
  • Central Otago District Council