Library FAQs
How do I get a PIN for my account?
If you would like help with this, ask a member of our staff when you are next at the library.
Why isn't my login working?
Make sure you are entering your full library barcode as the User ID.
In the old system, the last six digits could be used, but this is no longer the case.
If you are entering your full library barcode and PIN and still having problems, contact us on 07 376 0899 for assistance.
How do I renew an item?
You can renew your books by contacting us on 07 3760899 or renew online by logging into your account.
Once logged in click Checkouts to see due dates of items. Select the item(s) you wish to renew by clicking in the box beside the item(s) and then click Renew.
Items can be renewed once as long as they have not been requested by another person. Please note, there is no charge for renewing free items for the first time, but for DVDs and Hot Picks you will be charged for them again.
If you need an item to be renewed a second time, please contact us directly. A second renewal will incur a fee of $2 per item.
How do I reserve an item?
To request items contact us or, if you have a library account PIN, you can request books online.
Just search the catalogue for the book you want, click request item and enter your library card barcode and PIN to login.
You will be directed to a new page. Click Place Hold, check the details are correct and then click Place Hold at the bottom to confirm.
If you don't have a PIN, you can contact us to request one.
How do I search the library catalogue?
You can search for Library items from Taupo, Turangi and Mangakino Libraries, e-books and for online resources from subscription databases.
- For Library items, enter your search terms in the search box and then click Search. In the results list, click on the Title to get more information.
- For e-Books, use the e-book search in the left menu.
- For subscription database resources and articles, use the digital content search in the left menu.
What should I do if I can't find a book?
Have a chat to one of our friendly staff, we can help you find the book you are looking for, or if we are unable to find it, offer alternatives that may suit.
How do I join the library?
Anyone can become a member of our district libraries. Joining entitles you to membership to all three libraries in the district - Mangakino, Taupo and Turangi.
Can I get access to other libraries?
You can access items held by Mangakino, Taupo and Turangi libraries and return your items to any of these three libraries.
Can I obtain items that are not held by the library?
Items from other New Zealand libraries can be obtained through the Interloan system. The standard interloan charge is $8 but this varies depending on the lending library.
Just contact us on 07 3760899 or fill in an interloan form when you are in the library.
How do I find information on a subject or research a topic?
Either ask a friendly librarian who is happy to help or if you prefer to do it yourself you can use the online catalogue to find information on a specific subject.
How many items can I borrow and for how long?
The current limit for borrowed items is 40.
Borrowing periods are as follows:
- Books: Four weeks
- Magazines: Two weeks
- Hot Picks: Two weeks.
- DVD TV series (multi-disc): Two weeks.
- DVD movies (single disc): One week.
We will always offer you a slip with the return dates on it when you take items out.
What is the Short Loan Collection?
This collection is made up of books that are very popular and have many holds on them so the lending period has been shortened so the wait is not too long.
Where can I return my library items?
You can return library items to Mangakino, Taupo or Turangi libraries.
Each library also has an afterhours slot so you can return items at any time.
Can I borrow books without my library card?
To borrow Library items you will need either your library card or photo ID such as your driver's licence.
What should I do if I've lost my library card?
Contact us on 07 3760899 so your card cannot be used.
A replacement card costs $1.50. You will need to bring photo ID with you to replace your card.
Can I get books delivered?
Taupo Library have a Housebound Book Delivery Service. This service is exclusively for patrons who cannot get to the library.
Please contact us on 07 3760899 to discuss this service.
Are there computers and internet access in the libraries?
Our libraries provide free computing and Internet access via the Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa (APNK). APNK Chromebox computers are available for customer use and can be used to access the internet. To create, edit and save documents and files, a Google account or Microsoft account is required to access cloud-based productivity apps. Staff can help you create a free account.
Each APNK Chromebox has a USB port, memory card slot and a webcam. Earbuds are available for $3.00.
Free WiFi access is also available at Taupo, Turangi and Mangakino libraries 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Taupo Library - 10 Chromeboxes, WiFi and scanner
- Turangi Library - Five Chromeboxes, WiFi and scanner
- Mangakino Library - Two Chromeboxes and WiFi
Use of the computers is on a first come, first served basis. Session times are limited.
When you are using library computers you should not:
- attempt to violate our computer system security
- do anything illegal, infringe copyright or view offensive material
- disturb other people's use of the library
Aotearoa Peoples Network Kaharoa reserves the right to prevent access to objectionable material. Customers breaching these policies may be banned from using library computers.
Where can I print out my work?
Black and white and colour, A4 printing is available from Chromebox computers and WiFi in each of our libraries. Printing from your own device is also available with a Google account.
Black and white printing costs are 20 cents per page for single sided copies and 40 cents per page for double sided copies.
Colour printing costs are $1.50 per page for single sided copies and $3 per page for double sided copies.
What photocopying facilities are available?
We have a colour photocopier in each of our libraries.
Current costs are:
- 20 cents for a black and white A4 copy
- 40 cents for a black and white A3 copy
- $1.50 for an A4 colour copy
- $3 for an A3 colour copy.
What electronic resources are available to me and how do I access them?
If you are a library member you can access the internet for free from our libraries.
Online resources are also available though databases that we subscribe to.
Ancestry is available free for library members, but only in the library.
Fundview, Breakout, Encyclopedia Britannica and full-text articles on subjects including health, business, arts, music and history are accessible through our online resources by entering your full library barcode and PIN.
Either request a PIN online or ask a member of our staff to set up your PIN.
Can I access electronic resources from outside the library?
Ancestry and Corporate Citizens can only be accessed in the library due to licence restrictions.
All of our other databases can be accessed from home, school or the office by entering your full library barcode and PIN.
Either request a PIN online or ask a member of our staff to set up your PIN.
How do I access Ancestry?
Ancestry can only be accessed in the library via the Genealogy page due to licence restrictions. Please ask our staff for help.
Are meeting rooms available?
There are three meeting rooms which you can book for events or meetings at the Taupo library. Please contact us to discuss your needs and make a booking.
