Frequently Asked Questions

Borrowing books has never been easier! Follow these easy steps:

1. Scan your library card to start.
2. The door will open for you.
3. Browse and select your items.
4. Push the green button to close the door.
5. Items selected will be checked out to your account.
6. When finished with your books, return to your most convenient kiosk or library location.

Your item is automatically scanned onto your library card when you take the book out of the kiosk.

All items can be returned at any Hume Library or kiosk. Items returned at the Kalkallo kiosk may take a couple of days to come off your account.

Please contact a staff member as soon as possible at Hume Libraries on 9356 6900.

Membership at Hume Libraries is free and open to anyone in Victoria. You can join online or in person at a branch. Don’t forget to bring some ID. For more information, view Membership Conditions.

Full, Digital or Organisational. For more information view how to join the library.

This can be done either through the Hume Libraries app or through the online catalogue. You will need your Library ID and PIN handy. If you have forgotten your Library ID or PIN contact your nearest Hume Libraries Branch.

The easiest way to keep track of your loans is to login to your library account either online or using the Hume Libraries app. You can then see what you have borrowed and when they are due.

Report the loss as soon as possible so we can stop the card from being used. We will issue you a new one. Fees apply. 

To report the loss:

• Call your nearest Hume Libraries branch
• OR email libraries@hume.vic.gov.au
• OR visit your nearest Hume Libraries branch as soon as possible

Contact us as soon as possible so we can update your account. You will need to provide proof of your new address.

There is no limit on the number of books and DVDs you can borrow. However, some restrictions apply to special collections:

Launchpads:  2 at a time

STEAM equipment:  2 at a time

Library items may be borrowed for 3 weeks at a time. You can renew items up to 2 times each, provided they are not reserved by another member.

Inter-Library Loans may be renewed upon request. Please contact us for more information.

You can find items by searching the online catalogue or Hume Libraries App. They will display whether we have the item you want, which library has a copy and whether it is on the shelf or on loan. The catalogue is also a great tool for browsing titles by authors and various other categories.

You can reserve items through the online catalogue, Hume Libraries App or at the library information desk.

You may have up to 20 holds on your card at any given time.

You have 7 days to pick up your holds from the date of receiving a notification.

We welcome requests for items we don’t hold in our collection. You can make a recommendation online or at one of our library branches. We will consider purchasing items that are available in Australia at a reasonable cost, are suitable for a public library collection, and would be expected to generate multiple loans. For more information view ‘Can’t find what you want to borrow?’.

You will receive a notice via your preferred notification method, email or SMS, once an item is overdue. However, please note that these notifications are a courtesy and it is still your responsibility to return items by their due dates (no late fines).

We no longer charge late fines and only ask that you return items promptly so other members can access them. If an item(s) is overdue by 21 days a lost fee will be charged. If the item(s) is returned these fees will be waived.

Items can be renewed up to 2 times each, provided they are not reserved by others. Inter-Library Loans may only be renewed subject to approval. Please contact us for more information.

You can renew your item(s):

• By logging in to your account using the Hume Libraries App or the online catalogue
• By telephone
• In person at any of our libraries

Keep your Library ID and PIN handy.

Hume Libraries typically does not accept donations, except for materials relevant to Local History. However, exceptions may be made for new donations from local authors and publishers of their own material. All donations must align with the library's selection criteria. It's important to note that donated items may not necessarily be added to the collection, and the library service reserves the right to dispose of donations as deemed appropriate.

Unfortunately, bookings are not available. Our study and work spaces operate on a walk-in basis. For more information see study and work spaces.

Bookings are not required but encouraged. You can book a public computer via the Hume Libraries App, online or by calling your nearest branch. Please have your Library ID and PIN handy as you need this to make a booking and to log into a computer.

You can eat and drink in the library space with a few restrictions:

1. Drinks need to be sealed, i.e., a bottle with a top or a coffee cup with a lid.
2. There are no drinks allowed around the PCs.
3. There is no hot food allowed anywhere in the library.
4. No food is allowed to be consumed in the children’s areas of the library.
5. Empty containers/wrappers are to be disposed of thoughtfully. Bins are available throughout the libraries for this purpose.

Yes, printing is available at all our branches. For more information see Print, Scan and Copy. 

Scan to Email is available at Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Sunbury and Tullamarine Libraries. All Hume libraries also have scan-to-USB features built into their photocopiers. For more information see Print, Scan and Copy.

Photocopying is available at Broadmeadows, Craigieburn and Sunbury Libraries. For more information see Print, Scan and Copy.