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Applying for a library card
Library membership is free and open to all. To join visit our join online page and confirm your details when you visit one of our locations with proof of name, current address and date of birth.

Membership for adults
Adults must show proof of current Victorian residential address and date of birth to join Melbourne Library Service.

Acceptable forms of ID that includes a date of birth:

• drivers licence / keypass
• concession card / health care card

Other forms of ID that will require extra proof of date of birth such as a passport:

• official rent / lease agreement
• electricity / water / gas / phone bills
• official communications from any bank or financial institution
• CAE student enrolment / class ticket

If you cannot provide proof of your Victorian residential address you can join as an Unverified member. This membership entitles you to borrow 2 items at a time, access a wide range of electronic resources via our website and use Internet and computing facilities in the libraries. 

The terms and conditions that you agree to when joining are:

I agree to abide by all Melbourne Library Service’s policies and conditions of use and

• accept responsibility for all items borrowed on my card and pay replacement costs plus processing charges for any items lost, stolen or damaged
• report lost/stolen cards to Melbourne Library Service immediately
• return items on or before the due date or check whether the item can be renewed
• agree to pay overdue fees if items are returned after the due date
• respect the rights and security of staff and other library users
• notify the Melbourne Library Service of any changes to contact details provided

Membership for under 18s
Young people under the age of 18 need a parent/guardian to accept responsibility for any items borrowed and to give their permission for accessing Internet and computing facilities. The parent or guardian will be required to show proof of current address, as above, and will need to complete a membership form in the name of the young person. There are two signature points on the reverse of the form, one to accept responsibility for all items borrowed, and the second to allow Internet and computer access at the library. If a young person is joining without their parent/guardian present they will need to provide a signed permission letter (pdf 70kb) to verify the signature on the membership form.

 

Borrowing Information

Borrowing
You can have up to 30 items out on loan. The number of CDs, DVDs, cassettes, kits and English learning items per card is limited. Most items can be borrowed for 3 weeks. Videos and DVDs can be borrowed for 1 week. Short term loan items can be borrowed for 1 week and cannot be renewed. Each time you borrow you will receive a date due receipt indicating the day you should return items to the library. Please check this date carefully.

PIN for accessing your Library card, renewals and reservations
A PIN is a 4 character code which can be numerical or alpha-numerical that provides an extra level of security when using your library card. The default PIN is the last 4 digits of your telephone number. If you do not have a phone number the default is your year of birth. If you would prefer to specify a different PIN or do not have a telephone number click here to contact your nearest library or email us at library@melbourne.vic.gov.au  with your preferred 4 character PIN and we will enter it for you.

Alias
If you joined Melbourne Library Service using the automated online joining option, you may designate an Alias. This can be used instead of your barcode for renewals and other online operations through the library catalogue

Renewals
You can renew items online, in person or by phone. Most items can be renewed (except short term loan items) provided someone else has not reserved them. Audio visual items can be renewed 2 times and all other materials 3 times. The due date is the last day on which you can renew your loans without incurring fines. 

For phone or website renewals please have your library card barcode number or Alias handy. For website renewals you will also need your PIN. To renew login to your account and click the My Details tab. Next click the Items on loan link.

Returning items
All materials may be returned to any branch of the Melbourne Library Service. After hours chutes are provided at each library.

Overdue fees
Fines are 25 cents per day per item. You can avoid fines by returning or renewing your items by the due date. Overdue items (except short-term loan items) can be renewed provided that they are not reserved by another borrower or have not exceeded the maximum renewal rate (audio visual materials 2 times, all other materials 3 times). Please note that you are not able to borrow if you owe fines of more than $10.

Reservations
Our catalogue lists items held at Melbourne Library Service. Should you wish to borrow a title that is out on loan or at another library you can request the item by placing a reservation via the catalogue in the library, on our website or by asking staff at the library desk.
You may have up to 20 items on reserve at any one time. Please note items with a status of lost, trace or claims returned cannot be reserved.

Suggestions
If we don't own it - we'll try to get it for you. We welcome suggestions for purchase. Suggestion forms are available online or ask a staff member at one of our libraries.

Inter-library loans
We can often arrange to borrow books from other library services and lend them to you. For more information go to our Inter-library loans page Limits and charges apply.

Frequently asked questions...

What should I do if my contact details change?
Let us know as soon as possible so that we can update your records.
You can contact us You will need to show proof of your new address the next time you visit the library in person.

What should I do if I lose my card?
Report the loss by phone or in person. You are responsible for materials taken out with your card until the card is reported lost or stolen. To replace a card there is a charge of $3.30 and you must bring identification with your name and current address before we can issue a new card.

How does the library contact me about reservations and overdues?
Email - if an email address is supplied overdue and reservation notices will be emailed to you.
Phone - we will deliver an automated message advising that there is something overdue or waiting for pickup. It will not specify the item.
SMS - If you have a mobile phone you are abel to select this as an option
Mail - in cases where neither an email address or phone number is given, a notice will be sent in the mail. We will also try to contact you via mail if we have been unsuccessful in delivery via email or phone.