FAQ – Hamilton Libraries

How many library items can I borrow at a time?

You can take out 50 items at a time. This includes books, DVDs, magazines, kits etc.

How can I check my library account?

You can check your account at any time through our online catalogue. Log in using your library card barcode (e.g. C1234567D) and passcode. If you’ve forgotten your passcode, please contact your local library.

Once logged in, select the ‘My Account’ tab. From here you can:

View your personal information.
Change your passcode.
Configure your account preferences, such as your preferred pickup library.
View your checkouts – physical, digital and historical.
View or amend your holds – physical, digital and those ready for pickup.
View any amount owing, items accruing fines and your payment history.
View and edit items you’ve requested that Hamilton City Libraries purchase.

Note: If you’d like to know your position in a hold queue, please contact your local library.

How can I renew my loans?

You can renew items for an additional loan period, provided there are no holds on them. You can renew items up to two times while you have them on loan.

To do this, you can:

• Email, phone or visit your local library.
• Renew online. Select ‘My account’ followed by the ‘Checkouts’ tab.

Checkouts

Please note: If you’re renewing an item that had an initial rental fee (e.g. a Best Seller), an additional rental fee will be charged when you renew.

How can I place a hold on an item or cancel / modify existing holds?

To place a hold on an item, click the 'Place Hold' button next to the item in the catalogue.

place hold

Select your preferred pickup location and click the 'Place Hold(s)' button.

pickup library

To cancel or modify an existing hold, select 'My Account' followed by the 'Holds' tab. From here, you can cancel a hold, change your preferred pickup location, suspend a hold and cancel a hold suspension.

holds

How can I pay my library fees and charges?

Your local library accepts cash and EFTPOS payments. Alternatively, you can pay library charges using internet banking. Please note though that overdue charges cannot be paid until the overdue item has been returned.

Our account number is 02-0316-0030142-17

Please use your library card number and your name as references when making payments to us.

What fees and charges apply to library lending and services?

Most items are free to borrow. Some collections (e.g. Best Sellers and kits) have rental fees. Overdue charges will be incurred for items returned after their due date.

Please see our fees and charges for a complete list.

Can I issue an item if I don't have my library card?

Yes you can, but you will need ID to issue items. If on the third consecutive visit you still can’t produce your library card, you will have to purchase a new one in order to issue items.

Where can I get technical support?

If you require help accessing any of our electronic resources, please contact the Matihiko Digital Services Team with a description of the issues you're having and we'll do what we can to assist.

Do libraries have internet and wi-fi?

Internet access is available at all libraries through the Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa (APNK). Sessions are free, but may be limited to 30 minutes if other people are waiting. Free Wi-Fi access is provided to all libraries during opening hours.

How can I suggest that the library purchase an item?

To suggest a purchase, first log into your library account. You'll find our request page by selecting the 'Can't find it?' option in the main menu.

Next, select ‘Recommend for Purchase’ from the drop-down menu, fill out the form and click ‘Submit’.

recommend for purchase

If the recommendation is approved, a reserve will be placed and a reservation charge of $1.50 will apply to all items in adult collections.

What do I need in order to access eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, eNewspapers and eComics?

You’ll need:

A Hamilton City Libraries card and passcode.
Access to the Internet.
A desktop or laptop computer, mobile device or eReader.

For an overview of what’s available through Hamilton City Libraries’ eCollections, please visit our eCollections.

For technical support, please contact the Matihiko Digital Services Team.