FAQs

Who can join the library?

Anybody who:

• lives permanently in the Tasman District, Nelson City or Marlborough District; or
• pays rates to the Tasman District Council; or
• attends an educational institution in the Tasman District

can join our library for free and have access to all of our wonderful resources.

If you're not yet 18 years old, you'll need an adult to act as a guarantor for you.

There are also other membership options available.

What is Digital Membership?

Does it cost to join the library?

No, it's free to join the Tasman District Libraries for anybody who:

• lives permanently in the Tasman District, Nelson City or Marlborough District;
• pays rates to the Tasman District Council;
• or attends an educational institution in the Tasman District.

How do I join the library?

You can sign-up at any of our library branches or complete the online sign-up form.

When joining you'll need to show personal identification.

Acceptable Identification:

• Current Driver's Licence (NZ or overseas)
• Current New Zealand Firearms Licence
• Current Passport (NZ or overseas)
• Current New Zealand Government ID (e.g. NZ Armed forces ID, NZ Police ID)
• Current New Zealand Student ID

If you sign-up online you'll be issued with a temporary membership number. To have full access to our wonderful resources, you'll need to pop in to the library within three weeks and show us your personal identification.

Do children need ID to join the library?

Children require a guarantor (over the age of 18) to join the library. The guarantor will be somebody who:

• lives permanently in the Tasman District, Nelson City or Marlborough District;
• pays rates to the Tasman District Council;
• or attends an educational institution in the Tasman District.

Can I use my Tasman District Libraries card at Nelson Public Libraries?

No, but you can join Nelson Public Libraries for free. You'll need to show suitable personal identification.

Can I use my Nelson Public Libraries card at Tasman District Libraries?

No, but you can join Tasman District Libraries for free with suitable personal identification.

I've lost my library card, how do I get a new one?

Pop in to one of our branches with photo ID and we'll issue you with a new library card. There's a $4.00 charge for a new card.

Do I need my library card with me when I visit the library?

While it's not essential, we do prefer that you bring your library card with you on your library visits. (It makes things much quicker.)

Does the library open at weekends?

View our current local library hours.

Our usual weekend hours are:

• Motueka: Saturday 9.30am – 1.00pm
• Murchison: CLOSED
• Richmond: Saturday 9.30am – 1.00pm; Sunday 1.00pm – 4.00pm
• Tākaka: Saturday 9.30am – 1.00pm

I'd like to volunteer at the library, who do I talk to?

Thank you for your kindness. You could pop in to your local branch or send us an email: library@tasman.govt.nz

How can I keep up-to-date with events?

• Visit our Events page
• Some events are listed on the events tab on our Tasman District Libraries Facebook page
• Pop in to your local branch – they'll have posters and flyers available

Can I pay my fees online or with a credit card?

Yes you can pay library charges via internet banking with Tasman District Council.

For details on how to make payments via internet banking visit the Tasman District Council website.

Please note that it may take a couple of days for the payment to clear and for us to update your library account.

Do you have telephone books?

If it's an address you're wanting - all our branches hold local electoral roles and Richmond Library has all of New Zealand's electoral roles. You can find addresses there.

If it's a phone number you're wanting – our Richmond, Motueka and Tākaka libraries have phone books. You could also try the online White Pages, though many people are moving away from landlines and are no longer listing their number.

I am researching my family/local history how can the library help me?

We offer a range of resources to support your family and local history research, including local archives, online databases and knowledgeable staff who can help you get started with your research. Whether you're local or visiting, contact us in advance or use our Ask a Librarian service to make the most of your time.

Prefer to do your own research? Explore:

• Ancestry Library Edition, available for free within our libraries, ask staff for more details
• Tasman Heritage – a digital archive of historical records and images
• The Prow – stories and history from the Top of the South

If you'd like more hands-on help, look for the next one of our Family History Friday drop-in sessions at Richmond Library or visit the Heritage section of our website for more tools and resources.

Is there a JP at the library?

Yes. Check our current JP drop-in times.

What is the best way to contact the library?

We're always happy to hear from you - here's how to get in touch:

• Motueka: 03 528 1047
• Murchison: 03 523 1013
• Richmond: 03 543 8500
• Tākaka: 03 525 0059

I'm not a member. Can I still use your computers?

Yes. We have guest passes available so you can log on to our internet computers while you're in the library.

How long can I use a computer for?

We have two types of free internet computers that you can use in the library:

• Desktop computers with mice, keyboards and touch screens available for 30-minute sessions
• Laptops for loan and use within the library buildings in Motueka, Tākaka and Richmond. These can be used for one hour at a time

*PressReader is available on the desktop computers in both Murchison and Tākaka, but there isn't a dedicated PC just for PressReader.
** In the Imaginarium.

For desktops:

• Jump on a machine if no one is using it and log in with a guest pass or your library card.

For laptops:

• Ask a librarian at one of the service desks in Richmond, Motueka or Tākaka and they can supply you with a laptop.

Can somebody help me with my CV?

We can't type your CV for you, but if you need help uploading a document for your CV, or completing a job application, try our Book a Librarian Service. A library staff member can help you get started. We also have computers and free WiFi you can use in your job hunt. Resources for Job Seekers.

I have a Kindle, can I read your e-books on it?

No, the Kindle eReader does not support our library e-Book collections. But the Amazon Fire tablet is compatible with our e-Book platforms, using the Libby or Borrowbox apps.

What is Skinny Jump?

Skinny Jump is a low-cost, pre-pay internet service for homes with:

• Families with school aged children
• Job seekers
• Senior citizens
• Refugees and new migrants
• People with disabilities
• People living in social housing

Contact the library about joining Skinny Jump by phoning 03 543 8500 or through the form on our website. This service is subsidised by the Spark Foundation and offered through a partnership between the Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa and Tasman District Libraries.

I'm having trouble with my tech (phone/tablet). Does the library offer help with this?

It's best to contact your local library to see if we can help with your specific situation.

We host regular tech drop-in sessions at our libraries and pop-up libraries in the community and occasionally at local events. View our current dates and locations.

Our Book a Librarian Service provides free one-to-one assistance with a range of digital dilemmas.

Do you have tech/computer classes?

If you're wanting to learn new digital skills register for TechConnect. These sessions are designed to cater to your pace and preferences.

Fill in the form at your local library or online and we'll be in touch when we have enough people to run a session.

Our Book a Librarian Service can help you to become familiar with digital devices or digital services.

Does it cost to borrow items?

It's free to borrow most items but others have a small fee:

Can I ask you to buy an item you don't have?

Yes. Please fill out the Suggestion for Purchase form on our website. Our Collections' Librarians will consider your suggestion and let you know.

If an item is out, how can I get it next?

You can place a hold in one of three ways:

1. Phone us and we can place a hold for you
2. You can place a hold online with your library card number and a Password / PIN
3. Ask us at the desk when you're in the library

If the item is on loan, you'll be added to the list of people who are waiting. If more than one person has requested an item, new requests are added to the queue.

There is a $2.50 charge for holds placed on items from all collections, excluding Children's and Young Adults'.

I can't find an item on your shelves, what do I do?

Ask one of our friendly staff members to help you. It's what we do.

I've lost a book, what should I do?

If you think you've lost an item that you've borrowed, please contact us as soon as you can.

How do I know if the library has purchased a book which has been published recently?

Check to see whether we hold the item by searching our catalogue. If we have the item but it's out, you can place a hold.

If we don't have the item, you can request we buy it by filling in our suggestion for purchase form or phoning the library on (03) 543 8500.

Can I borrow/request a book that the library doesn't have from another library?

Yes. If we don't have the item you want, we may be able to borrow it from a library outside of the Tasman District.

Books published in the last six months aren't available through this interloan service. Please suggest a purchase instead.

How do I return items when the library is closed?

There are afterhours returns, near the entrance, at all our libraries.

To open the afterhours returns' slot hold one of your library items against the panel. This will unlock the returns' slot. Open the slot and pop all of your items inside. (no need to do this one by one: fill up the slot!)