Where is my nearest library?
When is the library open?
- The library opening hours.
Please note: all Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries locations are closed on public holidays. You can see any upcoming days where the libraries will be closed.
- For up-to-date information about library opening hours, see our Facebook page.
Does the library have parking available?
Are the libraries closed on public holidays?
All Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries locations are closed on public holidays. You can see any upcoming days where the libraries will be closed.
How do I find where the Mobile library is going to be?
You can find when the Te Ao Mārama - Mobile Library bus will be near you.
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How do I join the library?
- You can join Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries in person or online. To complete your membership, you will need to visit a Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries location in person.
- You can also join if you live in the following locations: Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki, Edgecumbe, Kawerau, Rotorua, Taupō, Te Puke, Katikati, and Waihi Beach.
Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries offers full or digital memberships. Find out which membership option is best for you.
I am under 18, can I join?
Your parent or guardian needs to come with you and sign a ‘young person’s membership form’ as your guarantor. They will need to bring their own photo I.D. and proof of address.
Can I join the library if I don’t have proof of address?
Yes, you can still join the library. Your library card will be posted to you, for use from that point forward.
How do I update my new address, email or phone number?
To update your Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries membership details, you can phone or visit your nearest Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries location and talk to one of the friendly staff.
I want to change my surname on my library account. What do I need to do?
Please bring a form of identification with your current surname and your library card to a Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries location and one of our friendly staff will change the name on your account.
I’ve lost my library card. What do I need to do for a new one?
Don’t worry, it is easy to replace your library card if you have lost it. Visit one of our Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries location – bring some I.D. with you – and the staff will issue you a new one. There is a small cost to replace a lost library card—$5 for an adult library card and $2 for a child’s library card. Please let us know your card has been lost as soon as possible to ensure the security of your account.
I have forgotten my library card PIN/password. How can I reset it?
To reset your library card PIN/password you can reset it online. An email will be sent to your email address with a link and instructions.
If you are still having trouble you can also phone or visit your nearest Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries location and talk to one of the friendly staff.
What does my Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries membership give me access to?
Your membership gives you access to all of Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries’ lendable collection. You can use your membership at any Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries location, including the Te Ao Mārama - Mobile Library. You can also access Tauranga City Libraries entire digital library from anywhere!
Your digital membership gives you access to the digital resources only.
You do not need to be a library member to access any of our library programmes and events, or to use our computer and internet services.
Can I access my library account from home?
Where can I use my Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries membership?
Your Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries membership can be used at:
You can also access Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries’ Digital Library from anywhere!
How can I get reminders about my library items?
When you join, you are given the option for print or email notices. You can also receive text message reminders.
To set this up, you can
What does the library do with my personal information?
Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries use the personal details of their members only to conduct library related business. We need to be able to contact you about your membership and the items on your library card.
Any third-party vendors that the library provides access to will also only use your details for the purposes of access and use of their services.
Find the Library Membership Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement (463kb pdf).
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Computer Services & Internet Access
Can I scan, photocopy, and print at the library?
Yes! You can scan, photocopy and print at the library. Please note there are charges for printing and photocopying.
You do not need to be a library member to use this service.
Do you have wifi at the library?
The library provides access to free wifi in the library.
Looking for information about Skinny Jump low-cost, prepaid broadband?
You do not need to be a library member to use this service.
Is your internet connection secure?
The internet connection provided by the library is secure. There are terms and conditions which are displayed when you log in.
Are there computers for use?
All Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries have Chrome desktop computers and Chromebooks that can be used in the library for free. Find out more on our computer services page.
You do not need to be a library member to use the computers.
Can I print from my own device?
All Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries offer print-from-your-own device services. You will need an email address to do this. You can send a print job from anywhere (including your personal device in the library, or your computer at home).
You do not need to be a library member to use this service.
How do I save what I am working on when I am using the computer?
- Save your work to an online cloud storage service such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Email your work to yourself so when you log in to another device, you'll still have access to it.
- Bring your own USB stick/drive to save your work on to. Please be aware that not all USB sticks/drives are compatible with our library computers and Chromebooks.
Can staff help me when I am using my device or the library computer?
Library staff can offer limited assistance. We encourage you to attend one of our free, 20-minute Digital Drop-in Sessions if you require lots of help. No booking is required for this service. There may also be courses that the library is running at the time, find out more here.
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Finding, Borrowing, and Returning Library Item
Are all library items available to borrow?
Most items can be borrowed, with the exception of some items in our reference collections. These items are located at He Puna Wānanga (the heritage and research room at Te Ao Mārama – Tauranga Library) and in an offsite location. If you would like to view any of the offsite items, please contact research@tauranga.govt.nz.You may also be able to access items in the reference collection online through Pae Korokī.
How many items can I borrow?
You can borrow up to 40 physical items on your full library membership account at any one time.
What if I am late returning my books?
The due date of your items is given upon issue. Please return or renew your items on or before this date. There are no daily late fees, however we do still need you to return or renew your items on time or the replacement cost of unreturned items will be billed to your card at 28 days past the due date.
If your items are late, please contact the library as soon as possible.
- Visit your local library and our friendly team will help you.
- By phone – call us on 07-577 7177 and press 0 for a staff member to help you.
- By email – library@tauranga.govt.nz
How long can I borrow an item for?
Borrowing times differ, depending on what type of item you have borrowed. See how long you can borrow an item.
How many times can I renew my items?
You can renew your items twice, provided that another customer has not placed a hold on that title.
How do I renew my items?
There are five choices available to renew your items:
- Use the Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries app
- Visit your local library and our friendly team will help you.
- Online by visiting My Account.
- By phone – call us on 07-577 7177 and press 0 for a staff member to help you.
- Renew items yourself on our self-issue machines.
How can I get help finding the items I am looking for?
Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries have friendly staff who can help you find what you are looking for and if needed, place it on hold for you:
- Visit your local library
- By phone – call us on 07- 577 7177 and press 0 for a staff member to help you
- By email – library@tauranga.govt.nz
I want to borrow an item, but I can’t find it on your catalogue.
If we don't have an item that you are wanting to borrow then you may want to suggest a purchase. For items that are older, or hard to source, you may want to use our interlibrary loan service.
How do I place an item on hold?
Placing a hold is a useful way to help you get the items you want. It is a free service.
If the item you want to borrow is checked out, you can claim a spot in line to borrow the item by placing a hold. Holds can be placed on items that are currently available too—our staff will locate them for you and have them waiting for you on the hold shelf at your preferred library location. Please wait to receive your hold notification before coming in to collect it, that way you can be confident your item is ready for you to pick up.
There are four choices available to place a Hold on an item:
- Online, by visiting My Account.
- Through the My Account.
- Visit your local library and our friendly team will help you.
- By phone. Call us on 07-577 7177 and press 0 for a staff member to help you.
My hold is available. How long do I have to come and collect it?
The date that your hold item needs to be collected by is on your hold notification. The item will be set aside for you until that date has passed.
Does it cost anything to place an item on hold?
There is no fee for placing or issuing holds.
What if I have placed a hold on an item and I don’t want it anymore?
If you place a hold and no longer require it, please cancel it by logging into your library account, by using the Log In button or by phoning 07-577 7177. This will enable the item to go to the next borrower on the waiting list.
Where can I return my items?
Your items can be returned to any of our libraries, regardless of where you issued them. After-hours book drops are located at our Tauranga, Greerton, Pāpāmoa and Mount Maunganui locations. You can also return items to the Te Ao Mārama - Mobile Library
No items are due on public holidays. Find up to date information about library opening hours
Why is my library card blocked?
Your library card could be blocked for several reasons, please contact the library to resolve this.
Visit your local library and our friendly team will help you.
I’ve lost an item, what should I do?
This can happen to anyone. Please contact us—the sooner we know, the more options will be available to you.
Items lost to the collection do attract a lost item fee charge. We will work with you to ensure the cost is minimised.
Does it cost anything to borrow from the library?
Most items are free to borrow, but there are some items that have a borrowing fee. Find out more on the Membership page.
I have written a book, will you add it to the library collection?
Well done! Reach out to us at library@tauranga.govt.nz
I’ve damaged an item, what should I do?
This can happen to anyone. Please contact us—the sooner we know the more options will be available to you. Items that are no longer able to be circulated to other library borrowers will attract a damaged item fee charge. We will work with you to ensure the cost is minimised.
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Can I use my e-reader to read Tauranga City Library eBooks?
Our digital platforms can be used on smart devices, including phones and tablets. Find out how to set this up.
You can use your Kobo to read e-books—you can find instructions on how to do this here.
Unfortunately, the Kindle e-reader from Amazon is not compatible with our library e-book collection.
How do I access e-books and e-audiobooks?
You will need your Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries membership number (on the back of your card) or digital membership number and PIN/password. Find out more in our ecollections section.
My e-book platform is not working. What do I do?
If you are having trouble with your digital library accounts, please speak to a library staff member:
- Visit your local library.
- Call us on 07-577 7177 and press 0 for a staff member to help you.
- By email – library@tauranga.govt.nz
Do I need a library card to use the e-books and other digital resources?
You need a current Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries card as you’ll need to enter your barcode and PIN number.
If you don’t have a card, you can apply for a digital-only membership.
How can I read magazines and newspapers online?
You will need your Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries membership number (on the back of your card) and PIN/password. Find out more in our ecollections section.
I heard the library has streaming services. How can I get access to them?
You will need your Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries membership number (on the back of your card) and PIN/password. Find out more in our ecollections section.
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What do you mean by “new library”?
Te Ao Mārama – Tauranga Library, currently located at He Puna Manawa, is our temporary library while a new library is being built on our old site. You can find out more information about the new library and civic redevelopment project.
Why do we need a new library?
Tauranga is a growing city, and we need a library that is equipped to serve the community. A new library and community hub is being built as part of the civic redevelopment project. This means the people of Tauranga will have a library for the future. You can find out more information about the new library and civic redevelopment project.
Where is it going to be?
The new library will be part of Te Manawataki o Te Papa, the precinct at Willow and Wharf Streets.
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