Frequently Asked Questions

1. Overview

Overview

Find our frequently asked questions and answers here!

2. Bookings

How far ahead can I make a program booking?

 Program registrations open 4 weeks before the program begins.
Fees and charges for Room Bookings.  

You can find Council's Fees and Charges here(PDF, 5MB). Or alternatively you can call the Library on 9725 0323 from 9:30am-5pm Monday to Friday or email the Library at theworkary@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au
How do I find out what equipment is available to use when booking the Studio 2166?
  A list of equipment is available on both our Studio2166 page and in our What's On booklet. For a full list of available items, including instruments, software, and technologies, please get in touch with our Studio2166 team at studio2166@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au.
How do I book/hire a room in one of the Libraries? To book a room at one of our Libraries, contact us on 9725 0333 from 9:30am-5pm Monday through Friday, or send us an email at theworkary@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au with the date, time, number of people and what the room is being used for.

3. Memberships

Is it free to become a member? How can I become a library member, and what documentation is required?

Becoming a Member of our libraries is free for everyone. You can join in person at any branch by providing photo ID with your name and a current address or you can also join online.
Can I borrow without my card?
 Yes. To protect your privacy, we need you to provide proof of your identity via photo ID.
How do I reset my pin?
 You can reset your pin by logging into your library account on the library's website. Click on 'log in' at the top right hand corner, once you log in click on 'Personal details' on the left hand side of the screen. If you don't remember your current pin, please visit your nearest library branch.
Do I need to be a member to use the library space?
 No, anyone can use the library space. However if you wish to use library services such as photocopying, printing, PCs, or borrow items from the library you will need to become a member.
I have lost my Library card. Can I get a replacement card?
  

Please report lost cards immediately to the Library.  A replacement card can be obtained at the Library by showing proof of identification. The fee for replacing a card is $5.50.

We encourage you to access our digital library card which is completely FREE. You can download the library app and store your library card number in the app. There is also an option of adding your library card to your phone wallet by scanning the QR code which is located in the Library.
 How old must I be to join the Library?
 There is no minimum age for joining, but those under the age of 16 years require a parent/ legal guardian to be present when joining the library. The parent/ legal guardian must present proof of guardianship, ie. Medicare/ Birth certificate.
 I live outside Fairfield City Council LGA. Can I become a member?
 Any person living in Australia can become a member of Fairfield City Open Libraries, by providing photo ID with your name and a current address.
 Is there a library app I can use to access my account?
 Yes, we have a library app. You can access Fairfield City Open Libraries from your mobile or tablet device. Using the app you can manage your account, search the catalogue, renew and reserve items as well as browse our website.

4. Loans

What are the borrowing rules, including loan periods, renewals, and limits on the number of items I can borrow?
 		 A maximum of 40 items may be borrowed for three weeks. Each item can be renewed twice and if a reservation has been placed on an item you have on loan, a renewal is not permitted. Our online e-resources are available 24/7.
 
Where can I return borrowed items, and are there book returns chutes available for after-hours returns?
  

You can borrow items from and return items to any of Fairfield City Open Libraries branches at Fairfield, Cabramatta, Bonnyrigg, Wetherill Park and Smithfield. If you need to return items after hours, we have 24/7 Return Chutes are available at Bonnyrigg and Wetherill Park Libraries.
Are there any fines if I return items late?
 Fees of $0.30 per day per item apply to overdue items.
How can I reserve books or other materials that are currently checked out?
 Items that are out on loan or available at our other branches can be requested at no charge. Make reservations in person at any of our libraries, or online.
How can I access the library's online catalogue and digital resources, such as e-books and e-resources?
 To access our e-resources visit: e-resources and to access our digital resources, visit: digital resources.
What if I need a book that the library doesn't have?
 An interlibrary loan may be available where we will try and source it from another library system or you may suggest a purchase. Click here for more information on the process.
What do I do if I damage an item I borrowed? Can I replace it with a similar item?
 We do not accept replacements because all items are supplied to us in a processed format, i.e. complete with labels, barcodes, RFID tags, and with approved covering.
How many times can I renew my books?
 You can renew your items twice unless there is an existing reservation on the item.

5. General

What are the library's operating hours, including weekends and holidays?
 		 Our branches hours vary, but can be found on our website under 'Visit Our Branches'. Our branches are closed during public holidays and the Christmas break.
 
Do I need to be silent in the Library?
 No you are more than welcome to talk at a reasonable volume. However, please use headphones if watching/listening to media - headphones are available for purchase for $3.00.Whitlam Library has a quiet study space and you do need to be quiet in this space.
How can I get help with research, finding information, or accessing specialised resources?

You can have a one-on-one consultation with a staff member where we can confirm the information they are searching for and provide material that will be able to assist them. There is a cost for specialised research enquiries:
Research - Public Enquiries $50 per hour.
Research - Business Enquiries $96 per hour.

As a library member you will also have access to the Gale database, that can be found here. The database covers a variety of topics including information management, business and the world.
What facilities and services are available for customers with disabilities?
  

We provide:

- Self Loan Stations that are height adjustable to provide equitable access to people using mobility devices, children and short statured people

- Self Loan Stations offer adjustable font size for people with vision impairments

- We offer a diverse and inclusive physical library collection including audio books; large print books with larger font to assist people with low vision, including 105 titles of "ReadHowYouWant" with dyslexic font for people of all ages; eReaders pre-loaded with eBooks which allow customers to increase font sizes to their desired reading size; and English as Second Language and Literacy collection.

- We offer a diverse and inclusive library collection of eResources including a range of LOTE eBooks, eAudio titles and eMagazines, platforms that offer font and background colour to make text easier to read, adjustable player speed to listen at one's own pace, and ability to convert text into speech for vision impairment, and resources to support families.

- The meeting rooms at Fairfield Library have a hearing loop, a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids.

- Whitlam, Fairfield and Wetherill Park Libraries have accessible bathrooms. Bonnyrigg Library patrons have access to the bathrooms within Bonnyrigg Plaza. Smithfield Community Library now has a toilet. Whitlam Library has an elevator that provides access to the 1st floor. 

- The layout and desks in Lab.LX at Whitlam Library has been upgraded to meet wheelchair accessibility standards. An accessible door will be installed by 2025.
Does the library have a local history or archive section, and what resources can I access?

 A number of our resources are now available on Recollect. If you cannot find what you are looking for online please feel free to reach out to our heritage team. Please refer to our Heritage landing page, here.  
Where can I find information about the library's policies, such as code of conduct?

 Fairfield City Open Libraries has a Customer Care Charter that is available on our website and at the libraries.
Is there any library parking?

 Our libraries are located close to public transport such as bus stops and train stations, along with various carparks nearby.
What is the Workary? The Workary is a coworking space available for high school students in years 11-12, students at other educational institutions such as a university or TAFE, remote workers, job seekers, and recent arrivals, available on Level 1 of the Whitlam Library, Cabramatta. The Workary delivers programs which support students, job seekers, and new arrivals in their education and employment journeys. The Workary also manages the hireable spaces within the Whitlam Library. All programs provided in The Workary can be seen in the seasonal What's On.
What study spaces do you have?
 Every Library in the Fairfield City LGA offers great study spaces. The Whitlam Library Cabramatta has a dedicated study space on the top floor that is accessible for anyone who requires a quiet room to study.
Do you have JP services?
 Our JP services vary in times depending on the branches. No bookings are necessary. To find a JP in a branch nearest to you, click here.
Do you accept donations of books and DVDs?
 		 Fairfield City Open Libraries doesn’t accept donations. If you wish to donate books there are a number of charities and non-for-profit organisations that may accept donations.
Are food/drinks allowed in the Libraries?
 Yes they are, however, food and drinks are not permitted around library technology and equipment. You are responsible for cleaning up after yourself.
Are there age restrictions to programs?
 Most of our programs are tailored to specific age groups in consideration of appropriateness and health and safety guidelines. We offer some Intergenerational programs (IGPs) aim to facilitate cooperation and exchange among different age groups.

6. Home Library Service

Can I find books/movies in my language?
 		 If Fairfield City Open Libraries does not carry collections in a particular language, we can try to source them from other libraries for you.
 
Do I need to be at home to receive a delivery?
 No, as long as the items can be left in a safe place, that is protected from the weather and not visible from the street.
How does the service work?
 After your phone interview, the Home Library Service team will select items based on your preferences which will then be delivered to your home or retirement village once every 4 weeks.
How many items can I get delivered?
 You can have up to 40 items delivered.
What items can be delivered?

Books, magazines, DVDs and other library resources that are selected for you. If you would like to try reading books online, we can lend you a device to access electronic books, with eBook's and/or audiobooks already downloaded for you.
Who can use the service?
 People who live in the Fairfield Local Government area who may be physically unable to visit our libraries due to illness, injury or disability or who may be caring for someone else, including new parents.
How do I register for the service?
 You can contact the Library on 9725 0341 and talk to the Home Library Service team, or you can send an email to hls@fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au. 
Do I need to provide a medical certificate to join the service?
 No certificate is needed, as long as the Home Library Service team are aware that you are unable to attend any Fairfield City Open Libraries and you are eligible for the service.

7. Programs

What types of programs, events, and activities does the library offer? How much does it cost to attend a program?
 		 Programs are offered under the categories Children, Youth, Adult, lab.LX & STEAM, Studio2166, Workary and Heritage. All programs offered are to suit a need for the community. While all of our programs are free to attend, participants and attendees must register for programs that require you to do so. Our programs can be viewed in the quarterly What's On booklet, which can be viewed through our Programs and Workshop page, and through Eventbrite.
 
How do I register for an event or program?
 All program registrations are through Eventbrite, which can be accessed through the Fairfield City Open Libraries programs page. Fairfield City Open Libraries staff are able to assist anyone in person, or over the phone with registrations.
What resources and programs are available for children and families?
 Programs for children and families can be found by looking through the Children and lab.LX & STEAM specific tabs in the What's On booklet. You can also search under the tags #children and #lablx in Eventbrite. Resources are available by searching through the Fairfield City Open Libraries digital catalogue, and via the many library apps that are available.
What facilities, services and programs are offered for teenagers and young adults?
 Programs, facilities and services for teenagers and young adults can be found by looking through the lab.LX & STEAM, Studio2166, Youth and Workary tabs in the What's On booklet or under the tags in Eventbrite i.e. #youth. Whitlam Library Cabramatta has a purpose built space on the first floor called the 'Youth Area'. The Workary space provides dedicated seating areas for Year 11, 12 and university students that need additional quiet spaces for study. The lab.LX and Studio2166 spaces are also dedicated spaces for S.T.E.A.M. based learning for Children, Youth and Adults.
What is Studio2166?
 Studio 2166 is a hireable space located on level 1 inside the Whitlam Library at Cabramatta and is available to members of Fairfield City Open Libraries. Customers are able to book time in Studio 2166 and use the facilities independent of library staff support. Studio 2166 also provides public programs, which typically occur between 4:00pm –7:30pm on Thursdays during school term and at varying times during the school holidays. All programs provided in Studio 2166 can be seen in the What's On booklet.
What is Lab.LX?
 Lab.LX is a creative learning space located on the Ground floor inside the Whitlam Library at Cabramatta. The lab.LX STEAM space is located inside Bonnyrigg library. Both spaces promote digital and information literacy through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education programs, virtual reality experiences, and general access to innovative technologies. Public programs in these spaces typically occur between 4:00pm - 7:30pm Tuesdays - Thursdays, and 10:00am - 4:00pm Saturdays. All programs provided in the spaces can be seen in the What's On booklet.
What is the Workary?
 The Workary is a coworking space available for high school students in years 11-12, students at other educational institutions such as a university or TAFE, remote workers, job seekers, and recent arrivals, available on Level 1 of the Whitlam Library, Cabramatta. The Workary delivers programs which support students, job seekers, and new arrivals in their education and employment journeys. The Workary also manages the hireable spaces within the Whitlam Library. All programs provided in The Workary can be seen in the seasonal What's On.
I’m trying to book in my child for a program that is shown in your website but it’s 2 months away. How do I book for this?
 Program bookings open up to 4 weeks before the commencement of the program.
Are there age restrictions to Storytime sessions?
 You may bring your child to any Babytime/Toddlertime/Storytime program and they will still enjoy it. However, these programs are tailored to the specific age groups. Those outside the recommended age groups may find it difficult to fully participate.

 

8. Technology

Does the library offer free Wi-Fi and computer access?
 Free Wi-Fi is available at all our branches. Public computers and tablets are free to use for up to two hours per day for library members.
 
Are there printing and copying services available, and what are the costs?
 Printing and photocopying is available at all our library locations. Refer to printing cost, here. 
Can I print from my phone or laptop?
 Yes. Printing can be done via our Monitor Web Print portal or by downloading the Monitor Mobile printing app.
Do you have a fax machine? How much is it to fax? Can I fax overseas or to another state in Australia?
 Bonnyrigg Library offers this service and charges $1.10 per page. Faxing service is only available within Australia.
Can I scan documents to my email?
 Free scanning is available at all branches, however you are only able to scan to a USB.
Is there a library app I can use to access my account?
 Yes, the Fairfield City Library App provides access to your account, the digital collections, the library catalogue and Council services. The app can be downloaded to Apple and Android devices.
Can I save my document on the computer?
 You can temporarily save the file to the computer, but the file will be deleted once your session finishes. Alternatively, save your file to a personal USB or your emails.
Can I download a program onto the computer?
 No, you are not permitted to download any programs. This is to make sure the public computers and devices are protected from viruses, malware, or malicious attacks.
Can I retrieve my document once I have signed off or once my session is ended?
 No, once your session has ended the computer will delete your documents. Please remember to save your document onto your USB or into your emails.
Can I extend my computer session?
 Yes, a staff member can extend your session if there is no one waiting to use a computer, and will be decided on a case-by-case basis. You cannot extend your session once it has ended.
Will my email login be saved after my session has ended?
 No, once your session has completed, your email login will be deleted.
Can I charge my mobile phone at the Library?
 Yes, you can. USB outlets (to charge your phone) can be found inside the library. Phone cables are able to be loaned up to 3 hours for in-library use.
Can I borrow a USB?
 You may borrow a USB (with your library card) for 3 hours . Remember to delete your data before returning it. USBs are to be used only in the Library and cannot be taken away.
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