This section answers all your frequently asked questions about membership, borrowing, requests, services and facilities at our Stirling library branches.
Library cards and membership
Why do I need to show my card to borrow?
Having to show your card is a measure of security, as each person is responsible for the items borrowed on their card. It prevents other people from giving your name and address when taking items out.
Why do I have to show a photographic ID to join the Library?
As the signatory for your library card, we will need your current address, signature and photographic ID as proof. This stops 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, we would require the details and signature of a parent or guardian.
Borrowing
What can I borrow?
You can borrow up to 12 items at a time, including:
Books
Magazines
DVDs
Audio books (CD or MP3)
Music CDs.
There are no limits on the types 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?
Because children in the same class are often given the same assignment, we try to give them all equal access to the information they need. Therefore, project books are limited to 3 per family.
Do you have DVDs and videos?
All Stirling libraries have DVDs for loan, but no longer stock videos.
What is the loan period for borrowing DVDs?
All items, including DVDs, can be loaned for 3 weeks.
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 in order to encourage readers to loan them out.
What happens if I lose a book?
Please check your home again very carefully. If you are still sure that you have lost the book, please tell the library staff and you will be sent a tax invoice to replace the item.
Why don’t you buy more copies of popular books?
Our libraries do purchase multiple copies of popular books. However, these books tend to be more expensive and each library has a limited budget.
Why are the multilingual books so old?
The multilingual collection is owned by the State Library of Western Australia and circulated among all public libraries in the state. This collection is heavily used, and although the State Library continually purchases new titles to refresh the collection, it also has a limited budget.
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 requested on your behalf.
To request an item, simply fill in a request card from the main counter, or use the online system 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 from a tertiary library or another state in Australia.
How will I be notified that my request has arrived?
There are 3 ways you can be notified when your request is ready for collection:
• By post (standard postage charges apply)
• By email—if library staff have your email address
• By display—you can check our reservations display if you are a regular user.
We hold all requested items for 7 days.
If I request a book how long will it take to arrive?
It depends on a number of factors:
• If the book is out on loan you, will be notified when it is returned. Items requested by another borrower cannot be renewed.
• If the item is available at another library, it will take between 2 to 5 working days to be delivered to the requesting library.
• If the book is in high demand, we will try to get more copies so that you do not have to wait too long. However, new books take time to acquire and process
before they are available for loan.
Services and facilities
Does the library have storytime?
Is there a mobile library?
The City of Stirling does not have a mobile library. However, a ‘Books on Wheels’ service is available for house-bound residents only.
Does the library have classes on using computers?
We have a great new online resource called ‘The Computer School’ which offers a range of online tutorials you can use to teach yourself many basic computer skills.
Ask our one of our librarians to show you how to use our online library catalogue and the many electronic resources you can get to through our online databases .
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!
You can return your books at any of the 6 libraries in the City of Stirling, and there is a library open every day of the week. You can also renew your books by telephone.
Visit the Library locations page for information on our 6 locations.
Why do I have to pay for email?
Our internet service provider charges the library a connection fee for emails. As email is a personal communication tool, the user will have to pay for this service. However, users are given a discounted rate.
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?
Photocopier charges are:
• Black and white—20c per copy.
• Colour—$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 found on the Community Information Database. You can ask the library staff for assistance in using database.
What do the library staff do behind the scenes?
Staff are involved in many tasks, including:
• Processing books, magazines, DVDs and CDs
• Planning programs for the whole community
• Reserving items from other libraries
• Overseeing the ‘Books on Wheels’ service
• Organising displays
• Ordering books.