Joining

Any resident of Victoria is able to join the Library. Membership is free.

There is no age limit to membership. Members under the age of five can join the Library's Dive Into Reading program.

To join Frankston Library Service:

• Show one form of identification with both your  name and current permanent Victorian residential address.
• Under eighteens require a parent or guardian to show identification and sign their membership card.
• Temporary residents and visitors must show proof of local (Victorian) and permanent address.
• Once you are issued with a membership card, it must be produced to borrow any materials and when making computer bookings.
• All materials borrowed on your membership card are your responsibility. Loss of card must be reported promptly to the Library.
• There is a charge of $3.30 for the replacement of lost, stolen or damaged cards.

You can register to join online, but you will still need to go to a Library service point to complete your membership, as above.

Online registrations enable you to place two free reservations (if you gave yourself a PIN) and use your membership number to access online resources..

Borrowing

Your membership now allows you to borrow a total of 20 items within the following limits: 

Limits of borrowing for Library Items

Loan periods and renewals

The loan period for books, talking books and non-English language magazines is four (4) weeks.

The loan period for other magazines and Audio Visual materials is two (2) weeks.

You may renew items once for the same loan period. Renewals are for two or four weeks from the date of renewal.

Renewals can be done in person by providing your library membership card at the time of renewal. Alternatively, items can be renewed via the catalogue if you have a PIN (see the DIY renewals page for help with this) or by telephone, in which case you will need to provide your library membership number.

Items that are overdue can only be renewed in person or over the phone.

Reserved items cannot be renewed.

Notifications

Overdue notices via paper mail or e-mail are sent out when items are seven (7) and 21 days overdue.

Reservation notices are sent when reserved items are ready for pick up.

To receive e-mail notifications instead of paper mailouts, please advise us of your
e-mail address, either in person or over the phone. 

Library Elf

Library Elf is a privately owned (but free to use) Web site that provides library loans, overdues and reservations notification via e-mail.

By using Library Elf, you are not affecting the way that the Frankston Library Service itself communicates with you. Unless you activate an e-mail address with us, you will still receive the paper notifications for overdues and reserves.

Important privacy notice:

With Library Elf, you are giving access to personal records and information, including your loans, e-mail address, Library membership number and PIN to a third party database not affiliated with the Frankston Library Service. The Frankston Library Service is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of Library Elf's service. You use Library Elf at your own risk. Please read Library Elf's Privacy Policy and FAQ before deciding to sign up with this service.

Returning

Library items can be returned to the following service points.

• Frankston Library
  All library materials are to be returned through the chutes adjacent to the front door of the library. Returns chutes are open at all times except public holidays or when advertised by the library.
• Carrum Downs Library
  Library materials are to be returned at the desk at the Returns sign.
  An after hours chute is available when the library is closed.
• Langwarrin Shop and Seaford Shop
  Library materials can be returned at the desk during the opening hours of either shop.

Charges

Charges will be incurred for late return of library materials, the replacement of lost or damaged library materials, on reservations and the replacement of membership cards. See the Fees and Charges page for more details.

Reservations

Items held by the library service may be placed on reserve for pick up at a Library service point of your choice. You may place reservations yourself using the library catalogue or you can ask staff for assistance. You can have up to 10 reserves. See the DIY Reservations page for help.

Reserved items found on shelf by in-library customers will be loaned to the member in possession of the item. The reservation will be given second priority,so that when it is returned it will be made available to the person who reserved it.

Items from the paperback collections, Library express and the Langwarrin and Seaford Council shops cannot be reserved.

Inter-Library Loans

Items which are not held by Frankston Library Service may be obtained from other library services via inter-library loan. A fee of $1.10 applies and inter-library loan requests can only be placed in person.

Suggestions For Purchase

We welcome suggestions for purchase of materials that we do not have and reserve the right to decide whether the item is suitable for inclusion in the Library's collection.

Collection of Items

All items being held for our members can be collected at the Issues Desk of the Library or service point selected by you and mentioned on the holds notice.