Alert Level 2 Frequently Asked Questions

Are Hastings District Libraries open to the public?

The Hastings District Libraries (Hastings, Flaxmere, Havelock North) facilities will open with limited services from Monday, May 25. All facilities will operate under reduced hours. Please note the following restrictions:

• Contact tracing and sanitising on entry is required 
• A limited number of (safely spaced) public computers are now available for use
• Staff are unable to provide hands-on help with public computers, printers and mobile devices due to physical distancing requirements
• The following services will be unavailable: meeting rooms, physical programmes and daily newspapers
• For hours click here

Due to physical distancing requirements, there will be a limited number of people in the library at any one time. With that in mind, please keep your visit as quick as possible to allow others in our community to also make the most of the library facilities at this time.

How do I get books out?

Normal browsing and borrowing is now available, within physical distancing requirements. However, our Pick and Mix service will remain to help your visit be as efficient as possible. 

• Pick n Mix: You fill out an online form with your book preferences and our expert librarians will make a selection for you based on those preferences, package it up, put it against your library card account and you can collect. Find our Pick & Mix service here.
• Click & Collect: You search the libraries’ catalogue online for specific titles you want, place a hold and the library contacts you when they’re available. (There may be a long delay with this as many books are out on loan till Oct 1.) They’ll also be packaged up, put against your card and ready for collection from your library.

Do I need a library card to get Click & Collect books? If I don’t have one, how do I get one?

You will need a library card to issue any items from the library. If you do not have one fill out a membership form here.

Why are the libraries' hours different?

We are taking a slow and steady approach to reopening in this changed environment. This means we are playing it safe, and taking our time to put all the necessary procedures in place to ensure you and your whānau are completely safe when you come into the library. Rest assured, we’re working towards fully reopening as soon as we can.

We will assess our service offering and open hours regularly over the coming weeks and months, so make sure you follow us on Facebook for all the latest updates.

Why can't I spend time reading in the library?

Our aim is to allow you to access library services in a safe way. This means there will be a limited number of people in the library at any one time. With that in mind, we would love you to keep your visit as quick as possible to allow others in our community to also make the most of the library facilities, too.

I need to use the public computers. Can I do that?

A limited number of safely spaced public computers are now available for use. However physical distancing requirements means our staff are unable to provide hands-on help with public computers and printers at the moment.

Our aim in Level 2 is to allow you to access library services in a safe way. This means we’ve had to restrict the use of some of our services, and minimise contact, in order to minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19 and ensure the safety of you, and those around you.

I’m medically vulnerable/housebound. Do you have a delivery service?

Our Books at Home service is available for residents who are housebound due to mobility issues or ill health. To discuss eligibility for this service call us on 871 5000 or email your contact details to libraries@hdc.govt.nz and one of our staff will contact you.

Can I request holds?

Yes, holds can be requested as normal. However, there may be delays to extended due dates on loans taken out just prior to lockdown. Holds which are available can be picked up as normal. Holds charges will be reinstated from June 1.

Can I return books?

Yes you can now return your loans, however there is no rush. Due dates for items taken out before lockdown remain at October 1. No library fines will be incurred for these items until after October 1. Items will be issued for 28 days from now on and any overdue books will incur fees.

Can I still get ebooks?

Our ebooks can always be accessed via the Libraries' website eLibrary or the Hastings District Libraries App. Hastings District Libraries members can borrow from a large collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks in our eLibraries. This is a totally free service, with no hold or overdue charges. To access online content you need to login with your Library card number and PIN. If you are unsure of your PIN, call us on (06) 871 5000 or email us on libraries@hdc.govt.nz with your Library card number and we will set one up for you.

Can I still access databases from home?

Yes, our free databases are accessible from home via the library website. To access online content you need to login with your Library card number and PIN. If you are unsure of your PIN, call us on (06) 871 5000 or email us on libraries@hdc.govt.nz with your Library card ready and we will set one up for you.