How do I join the Library?

Membership is free to all ratepayers and residents of the Shires and Councils covered by the Clarence Regional Library. This includes residents from the Clarence Valley Council and Bellingen Shire Council areas.  Once you complete a Borrower Registration Form and provide proof of address, you will then be issued with a Borrower’s membership card. 

This card allows you to reserve and borrow items at any of our libraries within the Clarence Regional Library service and access online content through our eLibrary resources.


 What if I’m a visitor?

Under reciprocal agreements if you are a member of another public library in NSW you may borrow from this library service on the presentation of you home library borrowers card. Our members can use this service when visiting other areas. If you are not a member of another public library, or you do not have a library card with you, a deposit of $30.00 will entitle you to membership of this library service for one year.

On terminating your membership $20.00 will be refunded.


 What can I borrow?

You can borrow books, both Fiction and Non-fiction for children and adults, including Large Print, Talking books, Magazines, DVDs, and Paperbacks.


 How do I find items in the library?

You can find items in the Library by using our Online Catalogue. If you can’t find what you are looking for please ask our Library staff for assistance or contact our Information Services staff.


 How long can I keep library items?

Most items are available for a period of 4 weeks. Heavily reserved items have a reduced loan period of 2 weeks.


May I renew library items?

In most cases a renewal is available, provided the item is not on reserve for any other borrowers. You can renew items online using your library card number and PIN.  If you do not have a PIN, just ask library staff the next time you are in the library to setup this option for you.


 Can I reserve an item that is out on loan?

If any item you want is already on loan, it may be reserved for you. You will need your borrower’s card to place a reservation.


 Can I place a reservation from home?

Yes, you must see library staff to obtain a PIN (Personal Identification Number) and you can place reservations on items from home, or on our Catalogue within the Library. The limit is 20 reservations per card, if you require in excess of this please see the library staff. You will also need your Library card.


 Should I notify the library if I change my address?

Yes. Please let us know whenever you change any information on your library registration card so we can contact you.


Can I use the Internet at the library?

All Branch libraries have Internet terminals available free for library members, however due to demand it is advisable to make a booking.


 Can I borrow material from another library?

Items not held in the Clarence Regional Library collection can often be obtained from other libraries. For information on this please contact library staff or you may make a request via our website. There is an administrative charge of $5.50 for all Inter-Library Loan requests and this will be added to your borrower details.