Please note: Return chutes at Chartwell, Dinsdale and St Andrews Library are temporarily closed from Thursday 23 April for one week due to upgrades.
We have Returns Shelves and Returns chutes at each of our libraries. These use RFID technology to scan your item as soon as you return it, meaning the loan comes off your library account right away.
How to Return
Returning items is as easy as placing them on the shelf. You can place multiple items on the shelf at once.
The names of the items will appear on the screen next to the shelf, so you can be sure they have been scanned and returned correctly. There is no need to scan your library card.
If you don't see the name of the item appear on screen, it may not have been detected. Talk to a member of staff if you need assistance.
The Returns Chutes show a green light to indicate they are operating. Start by holding the spine of your book or item to the flap.
When the chute detects that a library item is present, it will unlock. A beep will sound and the light will flash green and yellow. You can then push the items through the flap. They will be scanned on the way through and removed from your account.
The chute may not unlock if you are trying to force your item through or holding it the wrong way around.
If the light is off or flashing multiple colours, there is a problem with the chute. Please return your items elsewhere if you can, or contact us for assistance.
Please note that Hillcrest Library at Hamilton Gardens does not have a computerised returns chute.
Items returned to Hillcrest Library at Hamilton Gardens after hours through the slot will not be processed until the next day, as this branch does not have a computerised returns chute.
You can also return Hamilton City Libraries items to the following Hamilton City Council sites:
For more information on this returns process and what items can be accepted at these locations, see Returns at Hamilton City Council.
We are upgrading the external library returns chutes at Chartwell, Dinsdale, and St Andrews Libraries. This is the same modern, reliable returns system already in use at Central Library and Te Kete Aronui Rototuna Library. From Thursday 23 April, the external returns chute may be unavailable at these branches for a week while installation and testing are completed. You will still be able to return items inside these branches during open hours. For after-hours returns, you are welcome to use the returns facilities at Central, Glenview, Hillcrest Library at Hamilton Gardens, and Te Kete Aronui Rototuna Library.