Issuing
If you forget to bring your library card with you and you want to borrow items, we will ask for proof of your identity before issuing the items.
Everything you borrow has a due date and you need to return or renew the items by this date.
We can send you SMS and email reminders two days before your items are due. Sign in to My Account and update your personal details by choosing to be notified by SMS and email. If you have any difficulties please contact us.
Loan periods & Overdue charges
| Item | Loan period | Rental fee | Overdue fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books | 3 weeks | Free | None |
| Children’s Books | 3 weeks | Free | None |
| Teens’ Books | 3 weeks | Free | None |
| Audio Books | 3 weeks | Free | None |
| Children's Audio Books | 3 weeks | Free | None |
| Teens' Audio Books | 3 weeks | Free | None |
| eBooks & eAudio Books | 3 weeks | Free | None |
| Magazines | 2 weeks | Free | None |
| Hot Picks | 2 weeks | $4.00 | None |
| CDs | 3 weeks | Free | None |
| DVDs (Under 300min) | 3 weeks | Free | None |
| DVDs (Over 300min) | 3 weeks | Free | None |
| DVDs (Knowledge) | 3 weeks | Free | None |
| Children's DVDs | 2 weeks | Free | None |
Reservations
You can reserve most of the items you find in the library catalogue and reservations are free. When you place your reservation, choose which library you want to collect it from, and we’ll let you know when it’s there for you.
You can also make reservations for items held by other SMART libraries. Please be aware that different loan charges may apply to items borrowed from these libraries.
In most cases, there is no limit to the number of reservations placed on a library card.
Ask at any library or contact us if you would like a staff member to place a reservation for you.
If you can’t find what you are looking for in the Hutt City Libraries or SMART collections, you can Request an Interloan, or Suggest a Purchase.
Renewing items
Any item, except magazines, may be renewed twice if no one else has reserved it. When you renew a rental item, you will have to pay another rental charge.
Ask at any library or contact us if you would like a staff member to renew your loans. You can also renew your items online by signing into My Account.
Renewing an interloan item will depend on the consent of the library that lent the item.
Returns
You can return your items to any of our eight Hutt City Libraries or to any of the libraries in the SMART Libraries, regardless of where they were issued.
All libraries have after-hours returns slots. Anything you return when the library is closed at the end of the day is considered to have been returned on the next day that library is open.
Lost & Damaged items
We may charge you for the costs of repairing something that you have damaged.
If you lose an item or it’s damaged beyond repair, you will be charged the original cost of the item. These charges will also apply if you lose part of a multi-part item.
We regret we cannot accept a replacement copy from you to replace your lost or damaged library item.
Refunds
A refund for the cost of the item may be given if you’ve paid for an item then find and return it within six months after we sent you a final notice.
We can’t give you a refund for the following:
- Something that is returned so damaged that we won’t put it back on the shelves for other customers.