Membership

Joining the library is easy and as a member, you can access services and collections from all our four libraries, History Centre and Home Library Service.

Our libraries offer spaces to read, learn, connect, create and relax in.

Join at any of the four libraries or online. To join, you’ll need proof of your name and current Victorian address. There is no minimum joining age but if you’re under 18 you’ll need a parent or guardian’s signature. If joining online, we will post your membership card and it may take up to 7 working days to arrive.

Get our latest news and updates by visiting our Latest News, subscribing to our newsletter or following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Borrow, Renew, Reserve and Return

Borrow

All items can be borrowed free of charge. Search our catalogue to discover our extensive collections. 

You may borrow up to 50 items for a period of 3 weeks. Items in high demand have 2 week loans. All items may be renewed twice if they haven’t been reserved by others; this may be done online, in person or by phone. 

Provide us with your email address to receive email reminders before your items are due.

Renew

Items can be renewed online if they are less than 7 days overdue. To renew items that are more than 7 days overdue, please telephone or visit a library.

From 1 August 2023, your loans will be automatically renewed every three weeks up to two times. 

Items will not be automatically renewed if they: 

  • ⁠have reached their two-renewal limit 

  • are reserved by someone else 

  • are an interlibrary loan 

eBook and eAudiobook collections are excluded and will not be automatically renewed.  

Reserve

You may reserve up to 30 items on your card at any one time and will be notified when they become available.

Return

You can return items to any one of our libraries at any time.

 

Conditions of use

When visiting our libraries you must treat all staff and other visitors with courtesy and respect.

When you join the library you agree to:

  • present your library card each time you borrow
  • accept responsibility for all items borrowed on your library card until returned and processed by us
  • as a guarantor, accept responsibility for the choice of items borrowed and for internet use by persons under 18
  • pay replacement and processing costs for items lost, destroyed or damaged while on loan
  • notify us immediately if your library card is lost or stolen
  • notify us of any change in your personal details, such as name and/or address
  • abide by City of Stonnington General Local Law 2018 Amendment.

View Council’s Information Privacy Policy, including how any changes may be made to your personal details.

Fees and Charges

Fees and Charges

Effective 1 July 2025

Prices quoted include GST.

Lost / Damaged / Replacement charges

  • Books: Cost of item + $14.40 processing fee
  • Audiovisual items: Cost of item + $14.40 processing fee
  • Magazine: Cost of item + $4.60 processing fee
  • Replacement Single Item - Audio Book CD: $20.80 per CD.

Miscellaneous Charges

  • A/V items requiring repackaging: $10.70 per item
  • Item barcode: $4.60
  • Membership card: $4.60
  • CD Case: $4.60
  • Book strap: $4.60
  • USB Drive: $8.60
  • Headphones: $3.80
  • Charges do not apply for reservations.

Interlibrary Loans

  • From another public library: $5.20

  • From a State, Academic or Special Library: $29.70

Card Fees

Merchant fees apply for eftpos, credit card and debit card payments.

No more overdue charges

We no longer charge for overdue items at our libraries, but if you lose an item or it is more than 60 days overdue, replacement charges will apply.

Home Library Service

Stonnington Libraries provide a free, personalised home delivery service.

If you are a member of our community and unable to visit our libraries, our expert staff can help. They will ask you about what you like to read, listen to and watch. They can then select and request items on your behalf or you may do so yourself.

We will deliver library items to your home every three weeks and collect any items for return.

Phone: 03 8290 8011
Email: homelibrary@stonnington.vic.gov.au

Who can use our service?

  • aged over 65
  • people with disability, illness or injury
  • residents of aged care facilities or assisted living accommodation
  • socially isolated

Carers may also be eligible.

Register your interest in receiving a Home Library Service delivery.

Borrow

You may borrow items for a period of 3 weeks. All items may be renewed twice if they haven’t been reserved by others. This may be done online or by phoning the Home Library Service.

Items may also be reserved. For more information about accessing our collections, please speak to our staff.

We will deliver library items to your home every three weeks and collect any items for return.

Our resources

Our extensive collections include: 

  • Fiction and non-fiction books in large print and regular print format
  • Audio books, CDs and DVDs
  • Magazines
  • Books, CDs and DVDs in other languages, including Chinese, French, Greek, and Russian 
  • Downloadable audio books and music. 

Using your Library

We're committed to making Stonnington an inclusive, welcoming and supportive environment for all.

Our friendly staff are here to help with your library needs.

Please:

  • Be considerate of others and treat our staff and other users with respect.
  • Enjoy our facilities and services cooperatively and with care.
  • Supervise those in your care.
  • Attend to your belongings and ensure they are safe.
  • Maintain a clean environment.
  • Ensure behaviour and internet/computer use meets general community standards. Do not access illegal, inappropriate or offensive materials online.
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