Library About the Library How do I?

How do I?

Answers to a range of questions about using our libraries.

Join the library | Borrow items | Return item | Access my account | Put a PIN/ password on my card | Search for an item | Reserve an item | Collect a reserve | Interloan an item | Suggest an item to purchase | Renew my items | Receive notices and slips by email

Kāpiti Coast District Libraries is part of the SMART Libraries which is New Zealand’s only public and tertiary library collaboration. As a member you can borrow items from Kāpiti Coast District Libraries, Hutt City, Wellington Institute of Technology (WelTec), Whitireia New Zealand, Porirua City, and Masterton District Library.

Joining the library

You can join Kāpiti Coast District Libraries if you:

  • live, work, own property or study at an institution on the the Kāpiti Coast
  • are a Horowhenua resident (this membership does not include SMART borrowing)
  • do not meet the above criteria - by becoming a subscription member ($65 for six months or $130 for 12 months per household, or $2 per item)

Join Online - you will be given a temporary borrower ID so that you can use our online services straight away (For example eBooks, databases, and reserving items on the catalogue).

Take a personal ID that is signed and imprinted or embossed with your name (e.g.: bankcard, passport, community services card) and proof of address (or work/ property ownership/ study) to your nearest branch to pick up your physical card. If you are under 16 years of age you will need a parent or guardian to accompany you.

Or sign up at any branch - just take along a personal ID that is signed and imprinted or embossed with your name (e.g. bankcard, passport, community services card), and proof of address (or work/ property ownership/ study).

Borrowing your items

All borrowers, of any age, can borrow up to 30 books on their card. For books, the loan period is 3 weeks, magazines 2 weeks, and DVDs 1 week.

For Waikanae and Paekākāriki Libraries:

  • Take the items you wish to borrow to the counter and present your library card and the items to the librarian.

For Paraparaumu and Ōtaki Libraries

  • Self-service stations are available for you to use
  • At the self service-station, you will be able to borrow items, check your account details, and complete payments by EFTPOS
  • To start, scan your library card barcode under the red light, select from the on-screen options, and follow the instructions to complete your transactions.
  • If you are unable to use the self-service stations, or if you have a query that staff may assist you with, you are welcome to go to the counter.

Returning your items

All libraries have external returns slots that may be used 24/7 for your returns. During opening hours, you may also return your items inside the library.

Ōtaki, Waikanae, and Paekākāriki Libraries have slots for you to use, and librarians will process your returns for you.

Visitors to Paraparaumu Library may place their returns on the self-service returns shelf. This smart shelf will automatically scan and return the items from your account. Large or delicate items may be returned through the wall slot for staff to process.

The popular recent returns shelves remain for you to browse and borrow from.

Accessing your account

Login with your library card number and password/PIN. If you have forgotten your password, go to this link.

Putting a PIN/password on your card

You can add a PIN/password by asking a librarian at any of the SMART libraries. Remember to bring your library card with you. If you join online you will create a password/PIN when you sign up.

Searching for an item

Read about how to search the online catalogue.

Reserving an item

If the item you want is held by any Kāpiti or SMART Library you can reserve it :

There's no charge to reserve an item, but normal rental charges (which vary across the SMART network) eg, for a DVD, still apply.

Collecting a reserve

We will use your preferred method of notification to let you know when the item is ready for you to collect. Reserved books are filed under your surname on the reserved items shelf at the library.

Interloaning an item

If the SMART collaboration does not hold the item you want we can interloan it from another library in New Zealand or overseas. Note: charges apply for interloan borrowing. If you'd like to make an interloan, talk to a library staff member or email the Interloans Librarian.

Suggesting an item to purchase

Use the Online Catalogue or the library app (use your library card number and password to login) to suggest an item for the library to purchase.

Renewing your items

You can renew items twice unless it is a rental item or another person has requested the item.

  • Books, CDs and free-to-loan DVDs can be renewed for 3 weeks

  • Pay DVDs can be renewed for 1 week (charge applies)

  • Bestsellers can be renewed for 2 weeks (charge applies)

  • Magazines cannot be renewed.

Receiving slips and notices by email

You may receive due date slips and notices by email. Notices include reminders for when items are nearly due back, overdue, and for reserved items available for collection. Ask a librarian to change your notice preferences on your account in any branch, or over the phone. This service is free.