Council has eight main libraries and a mobile book bus, and membership is free to all Southland District residents.
You can borrow a book several different ways:
Southland District libraries have material in a variety of formats, including large print, audio, dvd, e-books and e-audiobooks. Most items are loaned free of charge although a small charge is placed on services such as reserves and interloans, and to borrow dvds.
Our branches offer free wi-fi access and computer use.
Library membership is free to all district residents.
To join, you need to:
All members of a family should have their own card, for purchasing and budgeting reasons. Each person is allowed to borrow up to 20 books for four weeks before they are either returned or renewed.
Reserving a book costs 50 cents. Books not held by any Southland district library can usually be obtained from another New Zealand library at a cost of $5.
You can also borrow books from one library and return to another, but be aware of library opening hours and due dates.
If you want to renew your books, you can call 0800 732 542. You need to give your membership number and the book will be renewed usually for four weeks, unless it is reserved. You can also renew your books online here (external link)
If you do not renew your book and go over the four-week lending period, you will be fined - 20 cents a day per book for borrowers 16 and over, and 10 cents for children and young adults.
If you lose or damage a borrowed book, you will have to pay replacement costs.
Southland District Council provides a bookbus mobile library service. It operates out of Winton and covers 38 stops in the district on a fortnightly or four weekly basis.
