FAQs

Please see the Our Libraries page for opening hours for all the libraries in the Hurunui district.

You can fill in our online membership form or visit your local library with two forms of identification such as a bankcard or drivers license. Please also bring a proof of address such as a bank statement or electricity or phone bill.

Anyone is able to use the resources in our libraries at no charge. Members can borrow books and magazines at no charge. Overdue charges apply if items are returned after the due date. DVDs are $2 to borrow. There are also charges for reserving items popular items ($1) and other services such as inter-library loan ($6.50) and database searches we do on your behalf. Please check with us if you have any questions about what charges may apply to services you are interested in or see Fees and Charges.

Membership of the Hurunui Libraries is open to everyone.

Your library membership will remain active provided you use it at least once every 2 years. Every two years we will check that we have your correct contact details.

Hurunui District Libraries catalogue is available at Amberley, Hawarden, Cheviot, Amuri, and Hanmer Springs libraries. You can also access the catalogue online from your computer at home. Or download the HDL app. When accessing your account online you are able to search, reserve and renew items using your library card details to log-in.

The catalogue contains all items held at the Hurunui District Libraries.

You may borrow up to 20 items at a time on your card.

Books and audio books are issued for three weeks, CDs, magazines, videos and DVDs for one week. You may borrow and return items to any of our libraries.

Renewals are possible if there are no other customers waiting for the item you have. You can renew your items by visiting or phoning your local library. Additionally you can log in to your library record via the online catalogue or the HDL app using your library card details.

You can place a reserve on all items in the Hurunui collection. We will ring or text you when it is available. Reserve items by phone or by using our online catalogue or HDL app.

We can try and get it from another library in New Zealand for you. This service is known as 'inter-library loan' or 'interloan'. There is a fee for each book or magazine article we obtain for you. We do also take recommendations for purchase and these are evaluated by staff who have responsibility for selecting items for the collection. Talk to your local librarian or email info@hurunuilibrary.govt.nz with the item's title, author and your contact details.

Yes, Internet access is available FREE at Amberley, Hawarden, Cheviot, Amuri and Hanmer Springs libraries through the Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa. There is FREE 24/7 WiFi at Amberley, Cheviot and Hanmer Springs Libraries.

If you bring the book into one of our libraries we can issue it to you - unless it has been reserved by another customer.

Yes, we charge adults (18yrs and over) $1.00 per week per overdue items (max $3 per item). If you owe more than $9 or your charges are more than 9 weeks old you won't be able to borrow or place holds until payment is made.

Yes - we will ask you to pay the replacement cost of the item. This is based on the retail price when we purchased the item. If the purchase price was below $20, a minimum charge of $20.50 will apply. If you are able to purchase a replacement of the exact title for the library then no replacement fee applies.

Yes, all our libraries except Greta Valley, Waiau and Leithfield have a photocopying service where you may do your own photocopying, and staff will help you if you require assistance.

Yes you can! There's a website for that. https://anyquestions.govt.nz/