Reserves

When the book you want is on loan

• Place a reserve so you can get it sooner.
  
  
• Access any items held at the branch libraries without having to visit them.
  
  
• Guarantee that you’ll be the next person to get the item if you’re first in the reserve queue.
  
  

How does the reserves process work?

• Reserve the item and specify whether you want to pick it up from Central Library, the Mobile Library or one of the branch libraries.
  
  
• We’ll send you a letter or email when it’s ready for you.
  
  
• The reserve will be held for you for a week (until the date given on the notice).
  
  
• Pick it up from the Issues Desk at the Central Library or from a branch (depending on which location you chose).
  
  
• Pay the reserve fee when you pick it up.
  

Ways to place a reserve

• Ask at any desk and staff can reserve the item for you.
  
  
• By phone – call (06) 351 4101 and have your library card handy.
  
  
• Use the Library catalogue from within the library or from home. Click here for more information on how to place a reserve yourself.
  
  
• Want to place a reserve on a magazine or a specific DVD of a television series using the Library catalogue? Click here for instructions.

Other things to know

• Children and youth don't have to pay for their reserves. They can have a maximum of six free reserves on their card at any time.
  
  
• If you don’t pick up your reserve on time it automatically goes to the next person on the list or back on the shelf if nobody else is waiting. You will still be charged the reserve fee.
  
  
• Cancel your reserve before it gets to the hold shelf and you don’t have to pay the reserve fee.
  
  
• If you go on holiday we can suspend all your reserves while you’re away so you don’t miss any. Just talk to a staff member or ring us on (06) 351 4101. You can also suspend them yourself using the library catalogue.
  
  
• Some items have a status that prevent reserves being placed (e.g. items on order or lost items). Talk to a staff member about other options.

Any other questions? Call the Reserves Librarian on (06) 351 4101 or email the Reserves Librarian.