You can borrow up to 35 library items at a time on your Auckland Council Libraries account!
Borrowing and requesting items
It’s free to borrow most items except for music CDs and rental DVDs. Learn more on our Fees and charges page.
Borrowing at a library
Search for items in the library catalogue or browse the shelves at any of our libraries.
To check out an item, take it to a self-checkout machine. All you need is your library card! Our staff can check out items for you or show you how to use the self-checkout machines.
Borrowing eCollections
You can browse and borrow digital items directly from our eCollection platforms.
You can also find eCollection titles in the library catalogue online or on the Auckland Libraries app. Just follow the link next to the resource to check it out.
Please note:
- the number of items you can borrow at a time may vary between eCollection platforms
- eCollection items don’t count towards your limit of 35 items checked out at a time.
Borrowing board games
Play board games in select libraries or borrow to play at home for up to 14 days. You must be 18+ to borrow. Place a hold online and choose to collect the game from the front desk of any library.
See full Guide to borrowing board games.
Interloans
Find out how you can access materials from other libraries on our Interloan service page.
Please be aware there is a charge for this service and overdue fees apply. Learn more on our Fees and charges page.
Loan periods
You can borrow most books for 28 days and magazines for 14 days. The Bestie collection operates on 14 day loans. Check the table below to see loan periods for other items.
| Description | Loan period |
|---|---|
| Books | 28 days |
| Bestie collection | 14 days |
| Board games | 14 days (cannot be renewed) |
| Magazines | 14 days (cannot be renewed) |
| eBooks and eAudiobooks* | 7, 14, 21 or 28 days |
| eMagazines | 7, 14, 21 or 30 days |
| eNewspapers | 30 days |
| Audiobooks on CD | 28 days |
| Language courses | 28 days |
| Choral/orchestral sets | 90 days |
| Sheet music with parts | 90 days (one renewal) |
| Sheet music | 28 days |
| Kids' CDs and audiobooks | 28 days |
| Kids' and youth DVDs | 14 days (cannot be renewed) |
| Music CDs | 14 days (cannot be renewed) |
| Rental DVDs | 14 days (cannot be renewed) |
| Rental DVDs (over 6 hours) | 28 days (cannot be renewed) |
*Loan periods for these items may vary between eCollection platforms.
Requesting items
Search results in our library catalogue will show if an item is available or checked out. You can request an item whether or not it’s available. Search the library catalogue
Use the ‘Request It’ button next to an item in the catalogue to request to borrow it.
- When you request a physical item (such as a print book or DVD), you can choose which library to pick it up from. You’ll receive an email when the item is ready to collect.
- You can access digital items (such as eBooks or eAudiobooks) as soon as they’re available. If the item is checked out, you’ll receive an email when it’s ready for you to borrow
View your requests/holds
If an item isn't available right away, it’ll be added to your ‘Holds’ list under the ‘My Bookshelf’ tab on your library account. Log in to your library account or download the app.
You can view or cancel your holds, or freeze your place in queue when logged in to your account.
Collecting holds
All details about your hold are available on the Auckland Libraries app.
You’ll also receive an email notification when requested items are ready to collect. Your items will be waiting for you in the holds pick-up area at your chosen library location, on a numbered shelf indicated in the email.
Collect your requested item by the date shown in the email you receive when your item is ready for pick up. The usual period is one week.
Bring your library card and remember to check out your requested items as usual!