When are you open?
Click here to view our opening times.
Where is the library?
The library is in the South Wing of Puke Ariki. Click here to view the map.
Where can I access the catalogue?
Puke Ariki and District Libraries catalogue is availabe at all our libraries and if you click here. You can also access the catalogue on-line from your computer at home. You can search, reserve and renew books using your card details to log-in.
What is the extent of the catalogue?
The catalogue contains all items held at Puke Ariki and District Libraries.
How many books may I borrow?
You may borrow up to 40 items at a time on your card. We ask you to work within this limit as there can be a three- to-four-hour delay in clearing books through the returns system.
How long are items issued for?
Books and audio books are issued for four weeks, CDs and CD-ROMs for two weeks and magazines, bestsellers, videos and DVDs for one week. You may borrow and return items to any of our libraries and our mobile library.
What do I need to become a member of the library?
You need two forms of identification, one with your signature e.g. bankcard, drivers licence and one with your address on it e.g. bank statement, telecom bill etc.
Does it cost anything to use the library?
Anyone is able to use the resources in our libraries at no charge. Members can borrow books and magazines at no charge. Overdue charges apply if items are returned after the due date. Some of our collections, such as bestsellers, videos, DVDs, CDs and CD-ROMs have a small rental charge. There are also charges for reserving items and other services such as inter-library loan and database searches we do on your behalf. Please check with us if you have any questions about what charges may apply to services you are interested in or see the Library Charges page.
Can I renew items I have out?
Renewals are possible if there are no other customers waiting for the item you have. You can visit one of our libraries to renew an item or you can renew items by telephone or via your customer record on our online catalogue.
What happens if the item I want is checked out?
You can reserve it for a small charge. We will send you a notice when it is available. At the moment you can reserve items by phone, by completing a card at one of our libraries or by using our online catalogue.
What happens if you don't have a book or magazine that I want?
We can try and get it from another library for you. This service is known as "inter-library loan" or "interloan". There is a fee for each book or magazine article we obtain for you. We do also take recommendations for purchase and these are evaluated by staff who have responsibility for selecting items for the collection.
I'm visiting the New Plymouth District - do you have the Internet available at your libraries?
Yes, Internet access is available at all our libraries except Urenui. Internet is free for Puke Ariki and District Library members.Those who do not belong to the library pay $2.00 for 20 minutes or $5.00 for 50 minutes. (Sorry, we don't allow floppy discs to be used and attachments cannot be accessed).
Can I join the library while I am visiting Taranaki on holiday?
We are happy to arrange a Visitor Membership ($20 for 3 months) so you can borrow books and magazines. We require identification with full name, signature and details of your contact address in your hometown and your contact address during your stay. Visitors wishing to access our research collections are also welcome - access is free although charges apply for photocopying. Borrowing limit for visitors is five items.
My friend has passed their library book on to me - Can I get it issued out in my name?
If you bring the book into one of our libraries we can issue it to you - unless of course it has been reserved by another customer.
Do I get charged if the items I borrow are overdue?
Yes, we charge 30 cents per day per overdue item for books, magazines, CD-ROMS or CDs. We charge 60 cents per day per item for overdue young people's videos and DVDs and $1.00 per day for overdue adult's DVDs and videos, and $1.00 per day per item for bestsellers. See the Library Charges page for fees.
Do I have to pay if I lose library materials?
Yes - we will ask you to pay the replacement cost of the item. This is based on the retail price when we purchased the item. If the purchase price was below $10, a minimum charge of $10 will apply.
Do you have a photocopying service?
Yes, all our libraries except Urenui have a photocopying service where you may do your own photocopying, and staff will help you if you require assistance. Puke Ariki, Waitara and Inglewood all have a colour photocopying service. See the Library Charges page for fees.