Become a member- it's free!

If you are living in Marlborough on a permanent basis it is absolutely free to get a library card. But to get one if you are under 18, you need to bring Mum, Dad or somebody over 18 who looks after you, to fill out a membership form.

If they don't already belong to the Marlborough District Libraries, they will need to bring the following:

How many items can I have on loan at one time?

Once you get a library card you can borrow up to 15 items at any one time.

Will it cost anything?

You can borrow all children and young adult books, story and music CDs, magazines, videos, jigsaw puzzles for free. The library also has CDROMs, PS2 games and DVDs -there are charges involved in borrowing these items, (the maximum charge is $4).

If you don't know whether it costs to borrow something, or not just ask a librarian.

Which libraries can I use?

You can borrow books from either the Blenheim or Picton Libraries and return them to either library. If you spy an item on our catalogue which is at a different library from your local library, you can request that item. If it's on the shelves, it will wing its way over to you in one to two days. It is absolutely free to reserve children's and young adults items!

How long can I borrow items?

• Most items (books, magazines, book & CD sets, talking books, jigsaws) can be borrowed for four weeks, with the option to renew for another four weeks.
• Videos and DVDs and CDROMs and PS2 games can be borrowed for one week.
• Music CDs can be borrowed for two weeks

Reserving items

Sometimes if a book is on loan to another borrower, you can reserve it to ensure you get it. When you reserve an item you may have to wait for it to be returned to the library, but when it does come back the library will let you know- you then have seven days to come and collect it.

It is free to reserve Children's items. You can reserve items on the website, in the library through our online catalogue or ask a librarian, they will do it for you!

Renewing items

It's easy to renew your books via our website, or online catalogue in the library. All you need to do is click on My Account, then type in your library card number (it is the number below the barcode on the back of your card and starts with A0…

The computer will also ask you for a pin number, which is set automatically as your year of birth. Then all you need to do is follow the instructions to renew any books- you can only renew your items once. It's really easy!

You can also renew books at the issues desk at your local library.

Beating Fines

If you return items after the due dates, we charge fines - 10 cents per day/ per item for children's items.

Here are a few ideas to help you remember to return your library books and other items on time: Put your pink library ticket on the fridge, a noticeboard, or in your diary. Circle the due date on your calendar or diary and write a reminder that your books are due back. Have a box or special place at home where library books live- before and after enjoying them. Don't, whatever you do, let library books slip under beds and couches, behind furniture or under piles of newspapers. When getting your books ready to bring back to the library check them off on the pink slip which tells you the names of the books you have out.