Where?

• Where are the libraries located?
• Where can I return my books after hours?
• Where do I find out about local history?
• Where do I find Archives and how do I access them?

When?

• When is the library open?

How?

• How do I get a library card?
• How do I access my account?
• How do I reserve an item?
• How can I find out about new titles?
• How do I see when my items are due?
• How do I renew my items?
• How do I find an item in the catalogue?
• How do I use the databases?
• How much does it cost to take out a book/dvd/magazine. etc?

What?

• What's on in The Library?
• What activities do you run for preschoolers?
• What does Living Room and Zone mean?

Where are the libraries located?

The Central Library is at 4 The Square right in the centre of town.
There are 4 branch libraries:

Ashhurst Library - Bamfield Strett

Awapuni Library - College Street

Roslyn Library - Kipling Street

Te Pātikitiki - Monrad Park, Highbury

There is also a Mobile Library that can be used by all library members.

Where can I return my books after hours?

You can return your books to the Central Library 24 hours a day.  There are return slots on The Square and on George Street.

There are also 6 book return bins located throughout Palmerston North.

Where do I find out about local history?

Check out the Local History section of our website and find out more about:

• books
• archives
• researching family history
• Pataka Ipurangi - our digital library

Also available in this section are:

• Research guides
• eBooks

Where do I find Archives?

Ian Matheson City Archives is located on the Ground Floor of the Central Library.

When is the library open?

The Central Library is open every day except for public holidays.
The 4 branch libraries and the Mobile Library operate Monday to Saturday.

Opening hours
Public holiday hours

How do I get a library card?

Bring some proof of identity (such as a drivers license or passport) plus some proof of where you live (like a phone bill or power bill) into the library and we will sign you up as a new member.

If you live in the Palmerston North city or pay rates to Palmerston North City Council library membership will be free.

There are two subscription options for members who live in other districts, i.e., Manawatu District Council.

Please ask for more information at the Membership Desk of the Central Library or at any of our branch libraries.

How do I access my account?

From this website click on the My Card link in the top-left corner.  This will take you to our library catalogue.

Enter the digits after the 0000s on the barcode of your library card and your PIN number.  Most people use the last 4-digits of their phone number as their PIN number.  If this doesn't work please phone the library on (06) 351 4101 or ask a librarian for help next time you visit the library.

How do I reserve an item?

There are three ways you can reserve an item:

1. Ask a library staff member for help at any of the branch libraries or the Central Library
2. Phone the library on (06) 351 4101
3. Search the library catalogue, log into your account (MyCard) and place your own reserve.

How can I find out about new titles?

Every Friday we update the New Titles pages on our website with the latest titles to go out on our shelves in the last week.

You can also view the displays in the Fiction, Non Fiction and Sound & Vision Zones and place reserves on these new titles.

How do I see when my items are due? 

1. Ask a library staff member for help at any of the branch libraries or the Central Library
2. Phone the library on (06) 351 4101
3. Search the library catalogue, log into your account (MyCard) and click on the Items Out link.

How do I renew my items?

1. Ask a library staff member for help at any of the branch libraries or the Central Library
2. Phone the library on (06) 351 4101
3. Search the library catalogue, log into your account (MyCard) click on Items Out and select the items you want to renew, then click the Renew button.  Any items that cost money to borrow (such as Bestsellers, CDs, DVDs, etc.) or that have reserves will not renew online.  Please phone the library if you need a hand with renewals.

How do I find an item in the catalogue?

Visit our Library Catalogue help page.

How do I use the databases?

The library pays for a number of excellent databases.  You can access these online resources by clicking on the link to info2go at the top of this website.

If you would like some training in how to decide which database to use, or how to get the best search results you might like to consider enrolling for one of our free database tutorials. 

How much does it cost to take out a book/dvd/magazine. etc?

A full list of our charges can be found on our Library Charges page.

Also on this page is information on overdue fines and charges for services such as photocopying and internet access.

What's on in The Library?

We love to provide lots of fun and exciting events in the library - from storyreading and crafts for children, to guest speakers, musical performances and art displays.

Most of these events are free and don't require booking - if there is a small fee or if you need to book this information will be in our events calendar.

Click on When and Library Events to see our Events calendar.

You can also subscribe to our Library Events newsletter and receive our monthly online events email.

What activities do you run for preschoolers?

Jumping Jellybeans is the name of our preschool story, song and activity time.  This is run during term time - twice a week in the Central Library and once per fortnight at the Awapuni, Ashhurst and Roslyn branch libraries.

What does Living Room and Zone mean?

• Sound and Vision Zone, Ground floor
• Youth Zone, "the Basement,"  Ground floor
• Children's Zone, 1st floor
• Fiction and Literature Zone, 1st floor
• Non Fiction Zone, 1st floor
• New Zealand and Pacific Islands Zone, 2nd floor

Each Zone is arranged into Living Rooms which group together related material.