Libraries' FAQ

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What are the Library opening hours?

Elma Turner Library

10 am - 6 pm Monday to Friday
10 am - 1 pm Saturday
1 pm - 4 pm Sunday

Stoke Library

10 am - 5 pm Monday to Wednesday
10 am - 6 pm Thursday and Friday
10 am - 1 pm Saturday (closed Sunday)

Nightingale Library Memorial

1pm - 4.30 pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday
10 am - 2 pm Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday (closed Saturday)

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Where are the Nelson Public Libraries situated?

Elma Turner Library - Nelson city, 27 Halifax Street
Stoke Library - in Stoke shopping centre, corner Putaitai Street and Neale Avenue
Nightingale Library Memorial - at Tahunanui beach, close to the traffic lights, 1 Beach Road
Phone, emails and location details

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How do I become a member of the Library?

Register online - complete an electronic membership form or simly come to the library with photo ID and proof of residential address (a proof that you reside in the Nelson city , Tasman or Marlborough areas (eg. a recent utility account received by you in the post, such as a telephone or a power bill). See more

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What is the standard loan period?

2 weeks for CDs & DVDs. 4 weeks for all other items (books, magazines, talking books, children's items).

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How many items can I borrow at once?

You can have up to 35 items out on your card.

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How do I reserve a book?

Phone the library on 546-8100 and ask staff.
Call into one of the three libraries and ask staff.
You can place your own request by accessing your account on the library website.

Email to library.info@ncc.govt.nz Telephone 546-8100 Fax 546-0402 On a library computer at any of the three libraries Access the online catalogue right now.

Check the library catalogue at any of the three libraries.

Check the library catalogue online from home or work.

Ask staff by telephone 546-8100 or in person at a librar.

You can do this on a library computer, or from home or work. You'll need to enter numbers from your library card barcode and your pin number (usually the last four digits of your phone number).
Reserves cost $2 each.

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What are the reserve fees?

$2 per item, payable when the item is issued.

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Can I renew a book?

No. After the end of the standard loan period you may keep items longer at 30 cents per day per item (children's items are exempt from this charge).
The standard loan period is 2 weeks for CDs and DVDs and 4 weeks for all other items.

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How can I return a book?

During library opening hours return items to the returns slots inside any of the three libraries. When the libraries are closed, return items through the after-hours returns facilities at any of the three libraries.
Return fragiles items, eg. DVD's, CD's during opening hours.
Or post items back to Nelson Public Libraries, Private Bag 41, Nelson 7042.

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How much is it to rent a DVD?

$2 for 2 weeks. This includes DVD sets with multiple disks inside one container/case.

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When is the next book sale?

First Saturday of each month, 10am to 12.45pm, at Elma Turner Library.

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Is the Internet available on Library computers?

Yes, on all computers at Stoke Library and at Nightingale Library Memorial, and on all at Elma Turner Library except the catalogue only computer stations.
Internet is filtered for sensitive content on all library computers. Email is available.

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How do I report a lost Library card?

Contact the libraries immediately by:

Calling in to any of the three libraries and reporting the lost card. You will need to call at one of the three libraries to collect a new card (replacement card cost is $2.50).

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What newspapers does the Library stock?

Hard copies available at:

Elma Turner Library
Stoke Library
Nightingale Library Memorial
A list of current newspapers we take

Online newspapers:
A wide range of newspapers, from NZ and overseas, are available online through the library's subscription databases - go to the Library's Online resource page or contact the Library Information Services Team (546 0414 or library.ref@ncc.govt.nz)

Newspapers on microfilm - see details of holdings
The following are available at Elma Turner Library:
Nelson Examiner:1842-1874
The Nelson Mail :1866 to the present (microfilming in progress)
The Colonist:1857-1920
The Motueka Star:1931 - 1939 (incomplete)

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How do I find out about programmes / events at the Library?

Phone the library on 546-8100 and ask staff
Check the website (Events calendar is located on the right hand side of the library website)
Pick up a flyer at one of the three Nelson Public Libraries.

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How do I access the Library catalogue?

Right here

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How do I find out if the Library has a specific book?

Search the catalogue

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How do I book a room at the Library?

The Activity Room at Elma Turner Library can be booked.
Available during library opening hours
Cost for non-profit organisations $20.00, others $40.00
Chairs, whiteboard, tea, coffee making facilities available
For more information see guidelines and making booking, contact Pam or Clare at Library, phone 546-8100 or email : library.info@ncc.govt.nz

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Does the Library do photocopying?

Yes - all three libraries have self-service black & white photocopying at 20 cents per page A4 or A3. Staff are available to assist.

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How do I know when my items are due back?

Retain the printed list from when the items were issued
Surf to a catalogue and check your library account on a library computer, or at home or work.
Telephone the libraries on 546-8100 and access your library record via the automatic telephone service (more about the phone service)
Ask staff by telephone 546-8100 or in person at a library
Handy tip: Subscribe to Library Elf alert service

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Can I get submission forms from the Library?

The Library holds most Nelson City Council reports and publications, including Consultation documents and publicly notified consents. When a submission on these is invited, the Library generally holds, or can copy, submission forms for members of the public.
Completed submission forms can also be returned to the Library ( although consent submissions must be returned to Council).

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Does the Library offer computer training?

The Library offers individual help with accessing online resources in the Library, and offers classes at Elma Turner Library for more extended help.
Currently classes are offered on:

Mouse skills training
Library catalogue
Basic Internet training
Databases and research on the Internet

for more information click here

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Can I borrow books from other libraries?

If the item you want is not held by Nelson Public Libraries, we can try to interloan it (i.e. borrow from another library) for you.
There is a charge for this service, of either $5 or $20 from New Zealand Libraries (depending on the charge applied by the lending library) ; or $40 from Australian libraries.
More information about interloan services

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Can I recommend the Library buys a book?

Hand completed cards back to a staff member at any library or send online.
Or you can fill a Suggestion for purchase online form
Most, but not all recommendations are purchased.

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What is reciprocal borrowing?

For a 12 month trial commencing 1 August 2008, Nelson and Tasman residents will be able to join each other's Public Libraries for free. To join each library you will need to show personal ID with your name and photo or name and signature (eg driver licence). Take also proof of your residential address (eg a recent utility account received by you in the post, such as a telephone account).

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What are the debt collection fees?

The Library adds a $10 non-refundable debt administration fee at the time of referring the debt to a collection agency. After that, all charges incurred in the recovery of a debt are added to the total and are paid by the debtor.

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What are the charges for extended loans?

30 cents per day per item after the end of the standard loan period (2 weeks for CDs & DVDs, 4 weeks for all other items).
Children's items are exempt extended loan charges.

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What is available on the Library computers?

The Library computers provide access to:

The Library Catalogue
A wide range of Library subscription databases / online resources, for research - see: the Online Resources page (most of these resources are also available from home or work using your library card number)
Internet (note that a few sites are blocked)

Printing Note - there is no Microsoft Office on some of the library computers - Googledocs can be used as an alternative however Nelson Public Libraries is part of the Aotearoa People's Network (APN) and our computers which are part of this network offer a wide range of applications (eg. MS Office, Skype and graphics packages). These 'APN' computers also have CD and DVD drives and USB ports to allow you to download and upload your information.

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Does the Library have a fax machine?

Yes, for receiving faxes - 546-0402. A fax-sending service is not available at the Libraries.

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Is Wi-Fi available in the library?

Yes. You can use your laptop and access the Librarie's Wi-Fi network during library opening hours.

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