About Joining the Library

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free?
Membership is free if you live in the South Waikato District. Those outside the area boundaries may join for a yearly subscription of $44.00. Replacement cards cost $3.00.

Can I join online?
Yes, you can join online. You will still need to come into either the Tokoroa or Putāruru library with ID to activate membership.

What are the conditions of membership?

• Your membership (library card) entitles you to borrow from the Tokoroa and Putāruru library (and via LibraryLink in Tīrau).
• Membership for children under 18 requires parental or guardian consent. This consent acknowledges responsibility for all items and any charges incurred.
• Your library card is required when you visit the library and for when you ring to renew books or make other enquiries.
• If you don't have a library card, you must provide ID.
• Library staff take no responsibility for borrower's selection of items.
• It is illegal to remove any items from the library without first having them issued. There is a security system in place.
• Please do not lend your card to other people.
• You are responsible for all the materials borrowed on your card and for any charges incurred. Lost books incur an administration charge of $4.50.
• If you lose or damage your card, there is a $3 cost for a replacement card, providing you have ID.
• If your card is lost or stolen, tell us immediately so that we can stop other people using it.
• Please let us know promptly if any information changes, such as your address or phone number, so that we can update our records.

How many books can I take out?
A maximum of 15 items may be issued at any one time on a child or adult card or 20 items on a family card.

What if I want to keep my books longer?
You can ring Tokoroa or Putāruru branch to renew your books or you can do it online. Renewals are charged at rental prices. Hot pick books cannot be renewed. Toys, children's puzzles and magazines can be renewed once. All other items can be renewed twice, except if they have been requested by another borrower.

What if I'm late returning my books?
If items are late there is a charge of 10c per day per item for junior material and 30c for adult material. The exceptions are DVDs and hot pick titles which are charged at 50c per day. If we are closed there is a returns slot which you can use. Books can be returned at either Tokoroa or Putāruru. As a courtesy, the library will usually remind you of late books by email, a computer telephone message or letter but it remains your responsibility to return books on time whether there is a reminder or not.

What if I lose a book?
You cannot use your library card while you have a lost item on it. When items are four weeks overdue, the library will send out a final reminder letter, with the cost of the items plus overdue fines and administration/processing fees as at that date. If you pay for the books and then find them, the overdue fines and administration/processing fees are not included in any refunds.

What do you do about vandalism and stealing?
Removing items from the library without having them checked out first is not only illegal but also results in money having to be spent on replacing these items instead of purchasing new books. If the item is out of print it means that we can no longer buy it and you have just decided for 25,000 people that nobody else can read that book. A photocopier is available for use - please use that.

Can I eat and drink in the library?
Drinks in a spill-proof bottle and food which is not messy are allowed. Library staff are still able to ask customers to leave if they pose a damage threat to the material, or behave in ways that are uncomfortable to others.

What if I don't think the library should have a certain book?
The library does not represent only one viewpoint in any area. Any material which has been passed by the Chief Censor may be bought for the library. However, you are welcome to put your objection into writing and address it to the Libraries Manager.

What if I don't want my child to take out certain things?
The library cannot take on the role of parent as all parents have their own beliefs and rules. Restrictions must be enforced by family members.