As a member of Sutherland Shire Libraries, you agree to comply with the following conditions:

  • I understand I must maintain a valid email address to receive email alerts, such as hold notifications, overdue reminders and important library service announcements.
  • I will provide proof of address in person within 6 weeks of registering to finalise my membership.
  • I understand my library card can be physical or digital and that either is needed to borrow items.
  • I accept full responsibility for all items borrowed on my library account. I will report any damaged items to staff before borrowing.
  • I am responsible for any charges incurred on my library card including the replacement value and administrative fee for any items lost, damaged or not returned and those associated with value-added services in accordance with Council’s Schedule of Fees and Charges.
  • I will read information regarding ‘Using your library’ to understand my membership privileges.
  • I am responsible for any unauthorised use of my card if it is lost or stolen up until I notify the library.
  • I will notify and provide identification of any changes to the details on this form in a timely manner. I understand my membership requires renewal every five years and will provide current contact details at that time.
  • I acknowledge the library does not censor resources used in, borrowed or accessed from the library.
  • I understand that parents/guardians are responsible for their child’s/children’s use of library resources, services and facilities, including Internet use in the libraries.

Parents/guardians of children under 16 agree to these conditions on behalf of their child and accept full responsibility for their child's membership.

Using your library

Here is what you need to know to use your library membership.

  • Bring your library card with you whenever you visit any of our libraries. You can hold either a plastic card or save your library card number in the Library app on your phone. You can use either option to borrow from the collection.
  • Contact us immediately if your card is lost or stolen, phone 02 9710 0351.
  • A fee is charged to replace lost or damaged cards (adult members only).

As a library member, you can borrow material from all Sutherland Shire Libraries. When you borrow an item from our collection you take responsibility for returning it by the due date in its original condition.

  • Most items have a 21-day loan period.
  • Each member can borrow up to 30 physical items (books, DVDs etc.) at a time (restrictions apply to interstate and overseas visitors, and other memberships at the libraries’ discretion). Other limits may apply to our digital collections.
  • Reference and physical local history material is available for use in the library only and cannot be borrowed.
  • You can return borrowed items to any library in the Sutherland Shire regardless of where you originally borrowed them. For example, you can borrow an item from Sutherland Library and return it to Cronulla Library.
  • You cannot return an item from our collection to a library that isn't part of the Sutherland Shire Libraries network.
  • You cannot return items that belong to other library networks (outside the Sutherland Shire) to any of our libraries.
  • If an item is not held by Sutherland Shire Libraries, you can suggest an item for purchase or request an inter-library loan. Conditions and fees apply.

  • Loans are extended for 21 days from the date you renew the item, not from the original due date.
  • Most items can be renewed up to 3 times (some restrictions apply).
  • If an item has been requested by another member, you cannot extend your loan and must return it by the due date.
  • Other limits may apply to our Digital Collections.

Items can be renewed by:

  • As a member, you can request that the next available copy of an item is held for you to collect from the library of your choice.
  • Reserved items are held for 10 days from the time they become available for collection.
  • The library will notify you that items are available for collection via your preferred method. You can choose or update your notification preference in person at a library, by phone, or online via your library account.

Reserves can be made by:

To ensure equitable access to the collection for all members, fees are charged when items are lost or damaged.

  • Email reminders are sent 3 days before, 2 days after and 10 days after your items are due to be returned. Items are deemed lost 28 days after the due date.
  • Overdue items do not incur late fees, and no fees are charged for items returned in good condition.
  • If you lose or damage beyond repair an item you have borrowed, you will be charged for the cost of the item plus a processing fee (additional fees apply to items borrowed through our interlibrary loans service). Refunds are not provided for lost items that are subsequently found and returned. You are entitled to keep any items you have paid for.
  • Different fees apply for lost or damaged magazines/serials, DVD/CD cases, inserts, and RFID tags.

  • If the balance of fees and charges on your account exceeds $20, you cannot borrow or renew items.
  • If you have items on loan more than 10 days overdue, you will be unable to borrow until the items are returned.

  • Libraries are open to all and we expect everyone – community members and staff – to be safe and treated with respect at all times.
  • Your conduct within the library is governed by the Library Regulation 2018 and the Library Act 1939.
  • Inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour will be addressed in accordance with Sutherland Shire Council’s Unreasonable Customer Conduct Policy and Procedure.

Unsupervised children:

  • Children under the age of 10 years should be in the care of a parent, guardian or carer.
  • The carer can be an older sibling over the age of 14 years but must have a contact number for the parent in case of an emergency.
  • A child is unattended when out of sight of a parent, guardian or carer.
  • Library staff do not supervise children in the library.
  • The Library is part of Sutherland Shire Council's Child Safe Organisation Policy.

Library membership requires you to provide personal information to process your application. Your personal information is only used by Sutherland Shire Council for the purpose of providing you with library services, unless Council is required by law to disclose this information.

Further information is available in the full Sutherland Shire Council's Privacy Management Plan.

All fees stated above are approved under the Sutherland Shire Council Schedule of Fees and Charges.