Library About the Library Our cash-free Libraries

Our cash-free Libraries

Most of our Libraries on the Kāpiti Coast only accept cash-free payments.

Paekākāriki Library went cash-free on Monday 15 June 2026, and Paraparaumu Library and Waikanae Library went cash-free on Saturday 8 August 2026.

Te Ara Whetū, the new Waikanae library hub, will be cash-free when it opens in early 2027.

Ōtaki Library is not included at this stage. A decision on when Ōtaki Library goes cash-free is yet to be made.

What has changed

At our cash-free libraries, you are no longer able to pay with cash at the counter.

This applies to library charges such as:

  • printing
  • photocopying
  • replacement library cards
  • other library service fees.

You can pay by:

  • EFTPOS
  • debit card
  • credit card
  • contactless payment.

There is no extra fee for paying by card.

You can still ask for a receipt.

Which libraries are cash-free

Paekākāriki Library

Paekākāriki Library went cash-free on Monday 15 June.

Paraparaumu Library

Paraparaumu Library went cash-free on Saturday 8 August.

Waikanae Library

Waikanae Library went cash-free on Saturday 8 August.

Te Ara Whetū, Waikanae library hub

Te Ara Whetū will open as a cash-free library hub in early 2027.

Ōtaki Library

Ōtaki Library is not going cash-free at this stage. 

A decision on when Ōtaki Library goes cash-free is yet to be made.

Why most libraries are cash-free

Adopting a cash-free approach is one of the ways we are developing modern library services for Kāpiti.

This change helps us:

  • serve you more quickly
  • reduce operating costs
  • reduce the time staff spend handling and storing cash
  • reduce the risks linked to keeping cash on site.

The evolution of libraries and how going cash-free fits

Printing and photocopying

Self-service printing and photocopying is being introduced at Paraparaumu Library and will be rolled out at Waikanae Library over the coming months.

Staff are happy to help you use these services.

These services are also cash-free. You will need to pay by card or contactless payment.

Council payments at Waikanae Service Centre

Cash payments are still available at the Waikanae Service Centre, which is inside Waikanae Library.

You can still pay cash there for Council services, such as:

  • dog registration
  • rates.

Need help?

Our library team can help you if you:

  • have questions about cash-free payments
  • need help using the payment terminal
  • need a receipt
  • are unsure how to pay for a library service.

Please ask our staff when you visit.

Media release