Membership guidelines

All members must agree to:

• be responsible for all items borrowed to their account
• return borrowed items by their specified due date
• report the loss of their library card or unauthorized use of their account
• provide their library card or suitable ID to borrow or use the library’s services
• notify the library of any change of address or contact details
• pay the full replacement value of any items lost or damaged beyond repair whilst borrowed to their account, including costs incurred by Council to catalogue and process their replacement
• pay for the replacement of a lost library card

Allowing unauthorized use of a library card, failure to return items by their due date or causing damage to borrowed items may result in the following actions:

• suspension or cancellation of library membership and/or
• restriction of borrowing privileges and/or the use of library facilities
• billing of replacement fees and processing costs
• referral to debt collection agencies 

Child Membership

Child Membership provides full access to the library's range of services, facilities and resources, other than the ability to borrow items rated MA15+ or R18+.

Individuals under 18 are eligible for Child Membership provided a parent, carer or legal guardian (who satisfied the eligibility criteria for an Adult Membership) agrees to be a guarantor.

The guarantor must agree to:

• pay for the loss or damage of any items borrowed to the account
• not hold us responsible for the suitability of items borrowed to the account
• actively supervise the child's use of the internet and Wi-Fi while using library computers/devices

Guarantors may choose to restrict a child member’s access to the library's computers and can change this permission at any time by speaking to a staff member. 

Partial membership

Partial Membership provides limited access to the library’s range of services, facilities and digital resources. Partial Members are limited to borrowing two physical items at a time (other than objects from the Library of Things collection). 

Any individual 15 and above who does not reside in Victoria, or cannot provide proof of their current residential address, is eligible for a Partial Membership provided they have a valid form of ID.

Acceptable forms of ID include an interstate or international driver’s license, passport or similar (as determined by a staff member).

Organisational membership

Organisational Membership provides access to the library’s full range of services and resources and may be authorised for use by multiple people, provided an individual agrees to act as guarantor and all subsequent users agree to follow the membership guidelines. 

Organisational Membership is available to any association, society, institution, business or agency located within the City of Yarra. 

To apply for an Organisational Membership, fill out an application form and bring it into your nearest Yarra Libraries branch.

Terms and Conditions:

• In general, organisations within the City of Yarra are eligible for Organisational Membership. Educational organisations such as schools, kinders, childcare centres which are located outside the City of Yarra may apply for Organisational Membership if one of the Yarra Libraries is closer to them than a library within their municipality.
• Membership forms must be signed by the manager or principal of the organisation. The manager or principal accepts responsibility on behalf of the organisation for the material borrowed on one or more cards held by the organisation or school. Paperwork is kept with the Principal’s or Manager’s Office. The library keeps a copy at the relevant branch.
• Membership cards are issued on an annual (calendar year) basis. All material must be returned by the end of December in any given year before membership can be renewed.
• Schools may hold multiple memberships (one for each class) but there must be a contact person for each membership held. Only persons listed in the notes field will be able to use the card(s). Names are updated on a calendar year basis.
• Membership cards may be left at the library, in which case acceptable ID would be required in order to borrow on the relevant card.
• The Library reserves the right to suspend borrowing rights or membership at any time during the year in the event that material is not returned on time.
• The maximum number of items on each card is 50 items.
• The loan period for organisational memberships is 6 weeks.
• Lost charges will apply. Fines do not apply.
• Only 1 renewal is permitted.

Open Library Membership

Open Library Membership provides access to selected libraries outside of ordinary opening hours, including public holidays.

Adult and Youth Members (aged 16 years and above) are eligible to upgrade their membership for Open Library access by attending induction programs. Inductions are required at each library.