Libraries social stories – Chris loves the space to just be

Joondalup Libraries mean different things to different people. The new Social Stories initiative will share the many ways members access, use and benefit from the services.

Chris is a long-term library member, first visiting Woodvale Library in 2005. She visits the libraries at least once a month, and frequents all four branches, although she does spend more time at Joondalup.

When she visits the library, Chris enjoys listening to eBooks while she knits. She loves the space available in each of the libraries to sit and just be. A comfy chair and a good story sound like the perfect combination!

A crime buff, Chris’ favourite genre is crime fiction, especially anything set in the United Kingdom. Some of her top authors include J D Kirk, Joy Ellis, Dervla McTiernan, Helen H Durrant, Chris Hammer, Candice Fox, Wilbur Smith, Jeffrey Archer and Michael Rowbotham. Chris hopes to come along and meet Michael Rowbotham and Chris Hammer when they visit the libraries in the coming weeks and months.

Chris has been a member of the Joondalup Library knitting club for nine years. “We meet on the fourth Saturday of the month and knit items for several charities while enjoying each other’s company. I was also a member of the Photography Club for two years, where I visited some new places and learned how to take great photos on my phone.”

Chris has also aquired a few new skills through Discovery Sessions and courses. “Some of the recent events I have attended include discovery sessions on dehydrating food and making bone broth. I have also enjoyed a few Meet the Author events and computer related sessions.”

“I enjoy many things about Joondalup Libraries, but the thing I appreciate the most is the helpful, friendly and supportive staff. I love the relaxed atmosphere at the libraries. It is a place where you can just sit and read, or knit, or whatever you enjoy, and listen to the kids having fun. It is very special,” she said.

Library borrowing

Borrowing

All members of your family can have their own library card and borrow up to 15 items each. You can borrow library items for 28 days. Borrow even more with digital items.

Returning

Your items are due back by close of business on the due day. Items returned after the close of business are considered overdue.
Items can be returned to any of the four Joondalup Libraries. Each library has a 24/7 return chute.

Renewing

You are entitled to two renewals unless another library member has requested the item.

  • Online
    Log in to your membership dashboard on the Library catalogue. Select the Current Loans tile to review and renew your loans.
  • By phone
    Call staff during open hours to renew your items.
  • In Person
    Ask staff to renew your loans on your next visit or use the public internet computers or catalogue computers at the library.

Reserving

Log in to your Library catalogue to browse and place reservations. You will receive an email notification (or post if you haven’t provided an email address) when your reservation is ready to collect. There will be a collection deadline, so don’t miss out.

Can’t find a title?

Click the Suggest a title link under the My Library menu on your catalogue. Your recommendations will be carefully considered against purchase criteria. There are no restrictions on the number of suggestions that customers can make. The only exception made is for items in formats that Joondalup Libraries no longer hold in the collection, such as Music CDs.

New library releases

Get a customised email to alert you to new titles by your favourite author, selected topics, or in a preferred format. Log in to your membership dashboard on your catalogue. Additional help is available to guide you.

Paying fines

  • Online
    Log in to your membership dashboard on the catalogue. Select the Fines & Charges tile to review and pay using SecurePay.
  • Phone
    Contact staff during open hours to make your payment.
  • In person
    Visit any Joondalup Libraries branch to make your payments.

Email notifications

Many email providers have folders for bulk mail and/or spam. The library’s emails are considered “bulk mail” and may be sent to these folders. To ensure you receive all library newsletters, reminders and notices, please authorise the library’s email address: libraries@joondalup.wa.gov.au

Penalties

Joondalup libraries offer a predominantly free service, however, loss or damage to items or membership cards and late return of loans may incur charges. The City provides loan reminders to borrowers:

  • Loan transaction receipt or email
  • Three-day loan reminder – email only
  • One day overdue loan reminder – email only
  • Three-day overdue loan reminder – post or email.

Overdue fine

Late returns are charged at 25 cents per item, per day. Overdue fines do not apply to eBooks or downloaded titles; however, members will not be allowed to access some digital content with over $10.00 in fines against their membership.

Lost or damaged item

If you know you have lost or damaged a library item, let staff know as soon as possible to avoid additional overdue fines. If you return a lost item within 12 months from when it was due, you will receive a refund minus a $6.00 administration charge.

Lost membership card

Lost membership cards can be replaced for a fee of $6.00. Please advise library staff immediately if your library card is lost or stolen.

Debt collection

Please note that Joondalup Libraries will employ debt collection services if accounts remain unpaid. The City will commence cost recovery in the following ways:

  • 28-day overdue invoice
  • 56-day overdue referral to debt collection services.

Borrowers will be charged an additional, non-refundable debt collection charge of $12.80 which is payable even if the items are returned. A library member cannot borrow until charges are paid in full.