Library FAQs

Visit one of our four branches with identification that shows your name and address, such as a driver’s licence, and we can join you up straight away. If you prefer, you can complete the online form before visiting then collect your library card from any branch by showing your ID, including your current name and address.

This can be viewed in all branches and can also be read here.

Ku-ring-gai Library - Statement of Service(PDF, 322KB)

Application for library membership requires you to provide personal information as defined in the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998. This information will only be used within Ku-ring-gai Council. The supply of this information is voluntary, but if you do not wish to provide any of the information sought, it will not be possible to process your application.

Standard Loans (General books, DVDs, CDs) – 4 week loan (you can have up to two renewals on these items).

Quick Picks – 2 week loan (there are no renewals on these items).

Magazines – 2 week loan (you can have up to two renewals on these items).

Please note: any items reserved by another library member at the time of your loan will have the loan period reduced to half the length listed above. Loans with active reservations will not be eligible for renewal.

This is a new collection of some of the most in-demand materials in the library.

Quick Pick items can be loaned for two weeks only with no renewals.

Items in the collection cannot be reserved or transferred. Items are displayed in a special area and are on a first come first served basis. 

JP services are available at Gordon Library, Lindfield Library and Turramurra Library. Please see dates and times for each Library on the JP page. 

Up to 50 items can be borrowed at any one time, regardless of the format of the item.

Most items can be borrowed for 28 days with 2 renewals.

Magazines can be borrowed for 14 days with 2 renewals.

Quick Picks can be borrowed for 14 days, no renewals.

Reserved in-demand items have a loan period of two weeks only.

Occasionally the library reserves the right to limit seasonally popular materials, such as Easter and Christmas books.

You can renew items in person, over the phone or via the Library's online catalogue for a further loan period if they have not been reserved by another library member. Items can only be renewed twice. Exceptions apply.

Items may be automatically renewed if they are not reserved by another member. If this happens, you will be notified via email that your loan period has been extended. You will need to return your item/s within this extended loan period. Items may be auto-renewed up to two times if there are no existing reservations placed on them.

Auto-renewals do not include e-resources (e-books and e-audiobooks).

Items at other branches can be transferred to a different branch at no charge. Contact library staff who can do this for you. There is a limit of 5 reservations at a time.

You can place a reservation on most items that appear on the library's online catalogue. You will be notified when they are ready for you to collect once they are returned to the library.

Visit our online catalogue and log in using your library card ID and PIN. If you forgot your PIN you can reset it by visiting the login page and selecting 'Forgot your password'.

You can change your PIN and email address by logging onto your library account and clicking on the 'Personal Details' tab. For other changes, contact your library.

You can reset your password via an email - directions on 'how to' can be found on the library catalogue.  You just need your membership number and the current email address we have on file for you.  Click here to reset your password.

We are no longer charging overdue fees

If an item is 14 days overdue, library membership will be suspended until the item is returned.

After an item is 30 days overdue, the cost of the item will be added to the membership.

There are reduced fees for replacement library cards and updated fees for lost and damaged items. 

Yes, items borrowed from any branch of Ku-ring-gai Library can be returned to either Gordon, Lindfield, St Ives or Turramurra libraries. Please take care that you don't return books to school libraries or other public libraries outside the Ku-ring-gai area. You are responsible for any item incorrectly returned to libraries other than Ku-ring-gai Libraries.

Yes. Ku-ring-gai Library provides an Inter-Library Loan service to assist members with accessing material not available at their local library. There is a charge of $7.50 per request (non-refundable).

Most public libraries will allow you to join as a reciprocal member if you would prefer to borrow an item in person. If the item is only available through a university or special library, an extra fee of $21 will apply, payable prior to the request being sent to the lending institution.

The charges are:

• $18.50 for core copies electronic delivery (for example: articles) for up to 25 pages; $4.40 for every additional 25 pages.
• $28.50 for core loans including normal delivery from university libraries or special libraries.

Some library materials are very expensive, so please treat them with care. CDs and DVDs are fragile, so take care to not scratch them. Please report damaged or faulty items to staff.

If you lose or damage any item you have borrowed, you will be charged for the cost of the item. Replacement copies will not be accepted. 

A list of all fees and charges can be found on the Council's fees and charges page. 

Ku-ring-gai Library strives to ensure that all items meet a high standard of quality and durability. As standard operating procedure, library staff check all items for potential damage upon return, but we do sometimes miss things. If you notice damage to any item, you have borrowed please notify staff at checkout or as soon as possible by either phone call or email. Staff will make a note of the damage and the date on either the item or borrower record. Sometimes the damage can be subtle so if in doubt please contact library staff.

Ku-ring-gai Library charges fees when items are returned in a damaged condition. Damaged items are assessed by senior library staff. Patrons will be charged the full replacement cost if items are damaged beyond repair, or a fee up to this level if item can be repaired. Charges will be applied to the previous borrower’s card if items are found damaged on return as standard operating procedure.

Ku-ring-gai Library doesn’t accept replacement copies for damaged items.

Damaged Items

Ku-ring-gai Library will not charge for normal wear and tear on library items. However, the following do not constitute normal wear and tear and may result in patrons being charged to replace the item.

• Wet or mouldy.
• Books liquid damaged books that are dry (wavy pages).
• Books returned with food stains, oily or sticky residue.
• Books missing covers or pages.
• Books chewed by animals.
• Books containing marking by pencil, ink or highlighter.
• Books showing tears, cuts, graffiti or other unusual damage.
  
  

Replacement or repair costs

Replacement or repair of an item is at the discretion of senior library staff and is determined on a case-by-case basis.

If library staff conclude that an item is beyond repair and must be withdrawn from the collection, the replacement costs will be applied to the last borrower's library card. The replacement costs consist of the price we paid for the book when purchased. This price can be found by asking Library staff.

A list of all fees and charges can be found on the Council's fees and charges page.

It is important to report the loss of your library card to library staff as soon as possible to prevent its unauthorised use. A replacement card can be issued in person from any library for a charge of $2. You will need to show proof of identity, with address and signature. 

Visit one of our libraries and show identification with your new address. Alternatively you can log onto your profile here and update your details online.

Bring documentary proof of your new name and ID with your residential address to one of our libraries. We will cancel the card with your old name and issue you with a new card free of charge. 

A list of all fees and charges can be found on the Council's fees and charges page.

All four of Ku-ring-gai's libraries have colour photocopiers. View pricing below.

Black-and-white copying

• 20 cents per black and white A4 page (self service).
• 40 cents per black and white A3 page (self service).

Colour copying

• $1 per colour A4 page (self service).
• $2 per colour A3 page (self service).

Microfilm / Microfiche copying (available at Gordon only)

• 20 cents per black and white page (self service).

The library provides word processing and other Microsoft Office applications on computers available for booking. You can book an eZone computer free of charge, using your library card membership number and PIN.  If you are not yet a library member, you can access the ezone as a guest user by showing valid identification to a member of our library staff.  The guest card is valid for a 30 minutes booking session. 

Yes, there are public access Internet computers in the ezone at all libraries. Access is free. The library also supplies a wireless internet hot-spot at all branches for those patrons with Wi-Fi compatible devices.

Yes, all libraries have access to web-based email services. These are accessed through the ezone.

There are three study rooms available for use at Gordon Library. Rooms seat up to four people and can be booked for a two-hour period each day. A booking fee of $5.00 applies and must be paid for in advance at the library. These rooms are for private use and not commercial use ie. private/community group study only and does not include tutor services.

The Library has a home library service and a Libraribus for those unable to visit a library branch with their own transport, or who are housebound. Please contact your nearest branch for further updates.

There are several things you can do to assist us. They include:

• Adhere to Library regulations (copies kept at all libraries).
• Return items on time and in good condition.
• Respect the rights of other library users.
• Notify us if you change your address.
• Report your lost card immediately.
• Suggest stock for us to purchase.
• Do not bring hot food or large bags into the library.

Donations are accepted by the library.

Please note that:
All donated material becomes the property of the Library and the decision to retain or dispose of a donated resource will be the responsibility of the Library without consultation with the original owner.

Donations may be recycled.

Donations may not be accepted:

• If the donor wishes to place any limitations on its use or disposal.

• If the items are not in good condition.

• Subject books older than 2 years.

Please contact the Library before donating items.

Each Ku-ring-gai Library has a community noticeboard to display information about community groups, services, facilities, programs and events in the local area. If you have a notice for display in our libraries, read our Community Noticeboard Guidelines(PDF, 926KB).