Membership

Becoming a member is easy, and free for Porirua residents, business owners and ratepayers.

You can begin the process with our online form:

Online membership form – you'll be asked to accept our terms and conditions and fill in your details. If the application is for a child, we'll need guarantor details. 

Note :

• you'll still need to complete the process
• come in to any of the Porirua libraries
• show ID and proof of address to a staff member
• receive your physical card.
  

Bring these if you're a Porirua resident:

• ID – like a driver licence, photo ID, passport; we just need to sight your photo, name and signature.
• Proof of where you live – like a power bill, letter from a government department, or bank statement. It's fine to show us a statement on your phone.
  

Bring these if you're not a Porirua resident but pay rates on a Porirua property or own a Porirua business:

• ID – like a driver licence, photo ID, passport; we just need to sight your photo, name and signature.
• Proof that you're a Porirua ratepayer or business owner eg. a rates notice.

SMART Library network member

If you're a member of another library in our SMART network (Kāpiti, Masterton, South Wairarapa, Hutt Valley, Whitireia or Weltec), you can use your SMART card at Porirua Library. Use your SMART card to get books out from our collection – either in person, or by reserving them online and having them sent to your local SMART branch.

If you live in one of our SMART network partner cities and don't have a library card, you will need to join at your local library.

Junior membership

Parents/guarantors, when you come to the library, please bring a driver licence, passport or other ID, and something that shows where you live (like a bank statement, power bill or letter from a government department (or you can show it on a phone).

Teacher member

If you're a teacher at a Porirua school we are happy to offer you free library membership.

Paid membership

If you don't qualify for free membership by being a resident or ratepayer of Porirua or one of our neighbouring SMART Library cities, you still have options.

Household subscriber

• Costs $120 per year or $60 for six months.
  
• Usual borrower charges on special items apply, but most items are free.

Rental borrower

• Membership is free.
  
• Costs $2 per item + the usual issue charges.

Your paid membership has the same rights and responsibilities as our other memberships, and gives you access to the SMART library network.

Apply for membership online, and bring in your ID and proof of address to a branch.

Joining Porirua City Libraries is free for all Porirua residents, ratepayers, and Porirua businesses.

Please remember to bring personal identification (driver licence or similar) and proof of your current address when you visit one of our libraries to pick up your library card. If you're under 16, you'll need a parent/guardian to sign for your card, along with their ID and proof of address.

Porirua City Libraries is part of the SMART Libraries collaboration alongside Hutt City, Kāpiti Coast, Masterton, Wairarapa Library Service and WelTec and Whitireia Polytechnic libraries. If you are already a member of any of the SMART libraries, your SMART card is valid at Porirua City Libraries.

Membership Terms and Conditions

• I agree that the information that I have provided at registration is correct.
• I will present my library card when I wish to borrow items.
• As the signatory of the library card, I am responsible for all items borrowed on my card and any charges incurred.
• I am responsible for returning and/or renewing items on or before the due date.
• I will notify Porirua City Libraries if I change address.
• I acknowledge that my personal information will be held by Porirua City Libraries and SMART Network Libraries and will be used to provide library services. I can request changes at any time in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.
• For more information on Porirua City Libraries' policies please visit our website.

Why has my membership expired?

Every two years your membership will expire. This gives us the opportunity to update your contact details. If your membership has expired you will be unable to access the digital resources. You can renew your membership up to one month before the expiration date. To find out when your membership expires login to your library account and have a look at the personal details page. To renew your membership please contact the library and a staff member will help you.

I forgot to bring my library card. Can I still borrow items?

We get it! Cards aren’t always where they are supposed to be. If you have temporarily misplaced your card, please let the desk staff know and show a valid ID when you are ready to borrow.

If you have lost your card, let the desk staff know and they will get you going with a new card.

Any membership questions? Ask us