My Library

Information about joining through to suggesting what books to purchase at the library.

Recommendation for Purchase

If you can’t find the item you are looking for in the Library and you think it would be useful for the Library to buy, you can make a recommendation for purchase. Fill out the form by clicking here.

Joining The Library

How to join

Membership of the Timaru District Libraries is free for all residents and ratepayers of the Timaru District.

Please bring proof of address eg Rates Account, Electricity Account, Bank Statement etc and identification when joining the Library eg Drivers Licence, Passport, Bank Card etc. For a full list of suitable ID see below.

Your Library card ensures that you can borrow from any of the District Libraries at Timaru, Temuka and Geraldine. There is no limit to the number of books you can borrow.

To speed the joining process you can print off a copy of the membership form and have it ready before you arrive at the Library if you wish.

Returning Items

Items can be returned to any of the 3 Libraries – it doesn’t matter which Library you had them issued from.

When the Libraries are closed books may be returned through the “After Hours book returns” slot – each Library has one, situated at the main entrance.

Inter-Library Loans

When an item is not held in our Libraries we can usually borrow it via Inter-Library loan from another New Zealand Library.

We can sometimes borrow music CD's and Educational videos, as well as obtain photocopies of particular articles from periodicals.

Please click here to use the Inter-Library Loans Service.

Renewing An Item

To check items onloan or to renew items telephone the Library on 6877202, ask at the Issue Desk, renew online via the OPAC Library Catalogue (you will need a password, contact us to get one) or by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Items can be renewed providing they have not been already renewed once or reserved by another borrower.

Reserving Items

If an item is listed on our OPAC Library Catalogue but is on issue or held at another Branch you can reserve it to be held aside when the item is returned / located.

There is a charge of $2.00 for each reserved item from the Adult collection. (Books that are available i.e. on the shelf in another Branch are Free to Reserve).

Locating Items

You can use the OPAC Library Catalogue to search for an item and find out if it is available.

If you are not sure how to search for an item while you are in the Library please ask at any Help Desk.

Borrowing Items

Most items are issued for 4 weeks. There is no limit to the number of items you can borrow with the exception of some limitations in the Children's Library.

Items are issued for 4 weeks (except for Children's DVDs', Videos and PlayStation Games - 1 week issue) and can be renewed for a further 4 weeks (Children's DVD's, Videos and PlayStation Games can be renewed for 1 week).

Overdue charges apply on any items more than 1 week overdue.

Using The Library

Your Library card offers access to the entire collections held in the Timaru District Libraries as well as access to material held in other Libraries in New Zealand.

Please bring your Library card every time you visit the Library, we will not issue items without it.

Please do not lend your Library card to other people - you are responsible for all materials borrowed on your card and for any charges for overdue, lost or damaged items.

Lost cards - please notify the Library immediately if your card is lost or stolen, there is a charge of $5.00 for a replacement Library card.

Change of details - please let us know promptly if any information, such as your address and / or telephone number changes, so that we can update your record.