Library FAQs

The following is a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question please contact library staff or email your question to libraries@bankstown.nsw.gov.au 

Library Details

• Where are the libraries located?
• When are the libraries open?
• How do I contact the library?

Joining the Library

• How do I join the library?
• Can my child join and have their own card?
• Does it cost anything to join the library?
• Should I let my local library know if I change my name or address?
• What should I do if I lose my library card?

Borrowing

• Can I borrow if I don't have my library card with me?
• How many items can I have on loan?
• How long can I borrow items for?
• Can I return items to the library after opening hours?
• Can I return items to any branch of Bankstown City Library Service?
• Can I borrow if I have items overdue?
• Does the library charge overdue fines if I do not return my items on or before the due date?
• How do I renew Items, if I can't return them by the due date?
• How do I check what I have on loan or on reserve?
• What do I do if I can't remember my online password?

Services and Facilities

• Which branches have Internet, word processing or email facilities?  Is there a cost for use?
• Does the library have meeting rooms for hire?
• What does the library provide for people with a disablity?
• Does the library offer a JP service?

Miscellaneous

• Can I leave my child at the library to do his/her homework?

Library Details
· Where are the libraries located? [link to library branch details)]
· When are the libraries open?  [link to library branch details)]
· How do I contact the library? [link to library branch details)]
You can contact the library by phone, mail or email:  libraries@bankstown.nsw.gov.au  
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Joining the Library
· How do I join the library?
To join the library simply go to your nearest Bankstown City Library branch.  You will need to bring with you a valid photo identification with your current address on it.  If you do not have photo identification bring in a Health Care Card or two recent bills that have your name and current address on them.   Fill in an application form, show your identification and sign a membership card.  You will be able to borrow immediately.
· Can my child join and have their own card?
A child of any age can join the library.   As their parent / guardian you must provide identification as indicated above and also provide one form of identification showing the child's name eg birth certificate, student card, bank statement or medicare card.  A parent/guardian will need to sign the application form for any child under 18 years of age.
· Does it cost anything to join the library?
No.  Library membership is free to everyone.
· Should I let my local library know if I change my name or address?
Yes, it is a condition of membership that you notify the library if you change your name or address.
· What should I do if I lose my library card?
You should contact your nearest branch library immediately so that staff can place a stop on your membership record.
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Borrowing
· Can I borrow if I don't have my library card with me?
No, you will need to have your library card with you to borrow items.  If you don't have your card, staff can put aside the items for you to collect within the next few days.
· How many items can I have on loan?
You can have up to 25 items on loan.  There is a limit of 10 music CD's or 4  DVD/videorecording's per member.
· How long can I borrow items for?
Most items can be borrowed for up to 21 days (3 weeks), with the exceptrion of  DVD's, videorecordings and magazines which can be borrowed for 7 days only.  Items borrowed through Inter Library Loans have a 2 week loan period.
· Can I return items to the library after opening hours?
No, none of our branches have a return facility after the library has closed.
· Can I return items to any branch of Bankstown City Library Service?
Yes, you can return items to any branch during opening hours.
· Can I borrow if I have items overdue?
No, overdue items must be returned before other items can be borrowed.
· Does the library charge overdue fines if I do not return my items on or before the due date?
Yes, overdue fines apply for the late return of items.  To avoid fines items should be returned or renewed on or before the due date.  Borrowing will be suspended until overdue items are returned and overdue fees are paid. 
· Can I renew Items, if I can't return them by the due date?
If you are not able to return borrowed items by the due date, you can renew them by phoning your branch library and asking staff to renew them for you.  If you have Internet access you can also renew items online via the library catalogue using your membership number and library password.  If you can't remember your password you will need to phone the library to obtain one.  You can renew items twice, if they are not overdue and if they are not on reserve for another library member.
· How do I check what I have on loan or on reserve?
You can phone your branch library and ask staff to check for you.  If you have Internet access you can also check your membership record online via the library catalogue using your membership number and library password.  If you can't remember your password you will need to phone the library to obtain one. 
· What do I do if I can't remember my online password?
If you can't remember your password you will need to phone the library to obtain one
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Services and Facilities
· Which branches have Internet, word processing or email facilities?  Is there a cost for use?
All five branches have Internet, word processing and email facilities available free of charge.  Bookings are advised and can be made by phoning your branch library.  Printing in black & white will cost 20c per page and printing in colour will cost $2.50 per page.
· Does the library have meeting rooms for hire?
Meeting rooms are available for community use during library opening hours at Bankstown and Chester Hill libraries.  Hire charges are set by Council as per Bankstown Council's Fees & Charges Schedule.  Hirers must adhere to the Library's Meeting Room policy [link toMeeting room faciliites]??
· What does the library provide for people with a disablity?
The library provides items such as large print books, talking books on cassette and compact disc and clear print paperbacks for persons who are vision impaired.   The Library also has the latest in assistive technology with 'Simon', a reading machine that is easy to operate.  Bankstown Central Library also has a zoomtext and touchscreen PC with Internet , word processing and email functionality situated in the Technology Centre.  Bankstown Central Library has lift access to the lending and reference floors and   Bankstown, Chester Hill, Greenacre and Panania libraries have disabled access toilets.
· Does the library offer a JP service?
Yes, Justice of the Peace services are available at Bankstown Library - Tuesday mornings - 10am - 12 noon Panania Library - Tuesday mornings - 10am - 12 noon
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Miscellaneous
· Can I leave my child at the library to do his/her homework?
While we encourage and welcome children of all ages to use the library for research or just for fun, library policy requires that children under the age of 12 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times.  This is for the child's safety as library staff are not able to supervise children.

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How do I get a library card and how much does it cost?

Membership is free if you live, work, pay rates or attend primary school, high school, TAFE or university in the Sydney Metropolitan Area.

To become a member, simply go to your nearest branch library. You will need to fill out an application form and provide identification showing your current residential address.

If you are under 18 years of age you will need a parent/guardian to sign the application form in view of library staff. Identification showing your residential address is required as well as a birth certificate, Medicare card or student identification.

On the day you join you will receive a library card and be able to borrow.

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What forms of identification do I need to get a library card?

One form of photo identification that shows your current address is required:

• a current NSW Driver's License.

If you do not have photo identification listing your current address, two forms of the following identification are required:

• a current Health Care Card
• Bankstown City Council rates notice
• telephone, electricity, or gas bill not more than 3 months old
• Medicare card if the person applying is under 18
• student card

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Should I let my local library know if I change my name or address?

Yes. Let us know when you change your name and/or address. It is a condition of membership that you notify the library of any such changes.

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What should I do if I lose my library card?

If your card is lost or stolen, report it to the library immediately. You are responsible for all items borrowed on your card until the library is notified of the loss. A replacement fee applies for lost or stolen cards.

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