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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find information relating to:
Your Library Card
Borrowing
Requests
Services and Facilities
Your Library Card
Why do I need to show my card to borrow?
Having to show your card in order to borrow library items prevents other people from giving your name and address then taking items out. As each person is responsible for the items borrowed on their card, this provides a measure of security.
Why do I have to show ID to join the Library?
There is no charge to join the library, but we do ask to view a current address and signature and photo ID as proof that you are the signatory for your library card. These security measures help stop fraudulent use of someone else’s membership or identity.
What age do you have to be to join the Library?
There is no age restriction, however if you are under 18 yrs of age we do require a parent/guardian signature and details.
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Borrowing
What can I borrow?
You can borrow up to 12 items on your card; a mix of books, magazines, and audio-visual materials (DVDs, books on CD and MP3, music CDs). There are no limits as to the type of items you can borrow - it could be 12 magazines or 12 DVDs if you wish.
Why can I only take out 3 project books per family?
Often children in a class are all given the same assignment. In the interests of helping as many children as possible to find information, project books are limited to 3 per family.
Do you have DVDs and videos?
All libraries have DVDs for loan, but no longer stock videos.
What is the loan period for borrowing DVDs?
All items are loaned for a 3 week period.
Is there a charge for borrowing DVDs and CDs?
No, borrowing any item is free.
Can I borrow a book that is on display?
Yes, books and other items are displayed to encourage readers to take them out.
What happens if I lose a book?
Please check very carefully at home. If you are still sure that you have lost the book, please tell the staff at the library and you will be sent a Tax Invoice for the cost of the item.
Why don’t you buy more copies of popular books?
The Libraries do purchase multiple copies of popular books, however books are more expensive since the introduction of the GST and each library works to a budget.
Why are the multi-language books so old?
The multi-language collection is supplied by the State Library of Western Australia and is circulated amongst all public libraries in Western Australia. This collection is heavily used, and though the State Library of Western Australia continually purchases new titles to refresh the collection, it is also working to a budget.
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Requests
Can I request books from other Libraries?
Yes. You can request books from any City of Stirling Library. Items belonging to the State Library of Western Australia can also be borrowed from other metropolitan and country libraries on your behalf. To request an item, simply fill in a request card from the main counter, or request online if you have a PIN. Please ask the library staff for assistance.
Can I request an item that is not found on the City of Stirling or State Library of Western Australia databases?
Yes. This may take a little longer to obtain. We may be able to borrow an item for you from a tertiary library or another state in Australia.
Why do I have to pay for requests?
There are 3 ways you can be notified when your request is ready for collection:
- By Post – this is where the standard postage fee is charged as set by Australia Post
- By Email – if you notify the library staff of your email address you will be notified free by email
- By Display – we will hold your requested item for 10 days, it is up to you to check regularly and we do not charge anything for this.
If I request a book how long will it take?
It depends on a number of factors:
- If the book is out on loan you will be notified when it is returned and available for you to collect from the library. Items requested by another borrower cannot be renewed.
- If the item is on shelf at another library it will take between 2 and 5 working days to be transported to the library for you.
- If the book is in heavy demand we will try to obtain more copies of the item so that you do not have to wait too long. New books take time to acquire and process before they are available for loan.
Why do we have to wait so long for new requests?
Popular titles may be requested by many people. To address such heavy demand, we often purchase several additional copies directly from booksellers. As a result the waiting list moves considerably more quickly.
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Services and Facilities
Does the Library have storytime?
Yes, click here for more information.
Is there a Mobile Library?
No, the City of Stirling does not have a mobile library. A “Books on Wheels” service is available for house-bound residents only.
Does the Library have classes on using the Internet?
The Libraries has classes on how to use the online library catalogue, and the databases available through the library website. Click here for information. Internet classes are currently being organised.
Do the Libraries have public toilets?
Not all libraries have public toilets. Please ask the staff for directions.
Why doesn’t the library have a book return chute?
Unfortunately books are not the only things that are put into book return chutes!
We have made sure there is a library open in the City of Stirling every day of the week. You are able to return your books to any of the six libraries in the City of Stirling or telephone to renew your books.
Why do I have to pay for email?
Email operates through an Internet Service Provider, which charges the library a connection fee. As email is a personal mailing tool, the user is paying a reduced fee for this service.
Why do I have to pay to use the word processor?
A small fee is charged to cover maintenance and consumable expenses.
How much does it cost to use the photocopier?
Black and white copies – 20c per copy
Colour copies - $2.00 per copy. Colour copiers are located at Dianella, Karrinyup, Mirrabooka and Osborne Libraries.
Where are the local toy libraries?
A list of current toy libraries can be printed from our Commnity Information database. Just ask the library staff for help, or look on the City of Stirling website under Community, and browse through the database.
What do the Library Staff do behind the scenes?
Staff are involved in many tasks, including processing books, magazines, DVDs and CDs, planning programmes for the whole community, reserving items from other libraries, overseeing the Books on Wheels service, organising displays and ordering books.
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