Library plans and policies
Wollongong City Libraries are a service of Wollongong City Council.
We're also part of the broader network of public libraries across Australia. This means we work to uphold the same standards and values as many other libraries across the country.
We have several key plans and policies that explain what we do and how we do it. These also include the rules that apply to people using our libraries.
You can read our current plans and policies below.
Plans
Policies
Using the Library
We're committed to providing a welcoming, comfortable and safe environment for all library customers to enjoy.
You must treat staff and other library customers with respect and courtesy. This includes avoiding activities that make other people uncomfortable or makes their library experience less positive.
The following behaviours will not be accepted and may lead to you being asked to leave, or even banned from the library:
- Antisocial behaviour, including harrassing or threatening customers or staff, using offensive language, or displaying offensive signs or materials
- Physical or verbal aggression, abuse, or intimidation
- Behaviour that disturbs people and creates an unpleasant or unhealthy environment, including excessive noise or smoking
- Soliciting or selling goods or services
- Theft, vandalism, carrying a weapon and other criminal offenses.
Illegal behaviour will be referred to the police.
Additional conditions of entry:
- You must not be under the influence of, use, or sell alcohol or any illegal substances while in the library.
- Libraries are smoke-free zones. This also includes e-cigarettes or vaping. Smoking is not permitted within 4 metres of any library entrance.
- Animals are not permitted in libraries, except for accredited assistance animals accompanying visitors living with disability.
- You must leave the library when asked to do so by library staff or security personnel, including closing time and during emergency situations.
- You are responsible for your personal property at all times. Never leave personal items unattended.
- Filming and photography are not permitted in the library (unless written permission has been provided by the Library Manager)
- Cold foods, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks that are in covered cups or bottles are permitted. Please do not eat while using library computers.
- Avoid making an excessive amount of noise. If you're using a phone or device, use headphones or lower the volume. Be considerate of others if you’re having a conversation in person or on the phone.
- Acceptable levels of dress and personal hygiene are required. You may be asked to leave the library if your dress or hygiene is likely to offend other customers. Please always wear footwear.
- Bicycles are not permitted inside the library. Skateboards and small scooters may be carried, but not ridden inside the library.
- Children under 8 years of age must always be with a responsible adult while they are in the library. Parents or guardians are responsible for the behaviour of their children in the library, and for the suitability of information their children access through the library. For more information about our commitment to child safety, visit our Child Safe Organisation page.
- You are liable for any damage you cause to library property. This includes items from the collection, as well as library equipment, furniture, and facilities.
- Please take all your rubbish with you.
Wollongong City Council is a Child Safe Organisation, and our libraries create an environment where children’s safety and wellbeing is at the centre of thought, values, and actions.
Wollongong City Libraries are proud members of ACON's Welcome Here project. All our libraries are safe spaces for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
We welcome people who are homeless, sleeping rough or in temporary accommodation to visit us and become members of our libraries.
Wollongong Library offers two spaces (the Theatrette and ‘The Lab’) to support community connection, inclusion, lifelong learning and creative exploration. They are used by Wollongong City Libraries (WCL) staff to deliver library programs, activities and events but are available for community use when not otherwise in use by WCL.
Hire of these spaces is in accordance with the Conditions of Use policy. PDF, 206.66 KB
Using our computers and internet
Below are the conditions you must follow, and information you should be aware of, when using the library's computers or internet.
You can access the internet using the library's computers, or by connecting your own device to our WiFi hotspots. Computers and WiFi are available at all of our library locations.
When using our computers and/or internet, you must:
- Be a current or guest member of Wollongong City Libraries
- Not infringe copyright laws, censorship laws and licencing agreement
- Not use the internet or library computers for any illegal or irresponsible activity
- Not display indecent or offensive material on the screen
- Not attempt to corrupt software or damage equipment
- Be considerate of others and use headphones when playing sound files.
Wollongong City Libraries accepts no responsibility for:
- Technical problems, including accessing sites or saving documents
- Damage to any devices used, including virus transmission, pop-ups or spyware
- The safety or security of any transactions you carry out online
- The accuracy or appropriateness of any information you access online.
You understand and agree that:
- Parents or guardians are responsible for supervising a child's access to the internet
- Wollongong City Libraries does not guarantee connection or access to any site
- Connection speeds may vary
- Library computers are cleared of all personal data and website browsing history at the end of each session
- The library does not monitor or filter information accessed through the internet
- We respect your right to privacy, however the library may be required to provide internet logs to officers legally empowered to investigate use of the internet where there are reasonable grounds for that officer to suspect illegal use
- You will not be able to access library computers or internet if you have items that are overdue by 28 days or more
- Unacceptable conduct may lead to the suspension of library privileges
- Library staff are not able to provide technical assistance.
You must accept these conditions each time you log in to library computers.
The list below is drawn from Wollongong City Council's current fees and charges, and is updated each year.
Please note, fines no longer apply to overdue items. However, you will not be able to borrow or renew items, or use library computers or internet if you have items that are overdue by 28 days or more.
| Parent HierarchyArea | Fee NameFee Name | GSTGST | Current Fee (incl. GST)Current Fee (incl. GST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Internet | Fee Name3D Printing | GSTY | Descriptive Fee Narrative $5.00 per print for 30 minute print, and $7.00 for a 60 minute print |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Wollongong Library Theatrette And The Lab | Fee NameAll other organisations (including commercial, private, Government departments.) Hourly rate | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$37.50 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Training | Fee NameAll training sessions - Wollongong City Libraries Manager may establish an entry fee or other charge for a library training session to offset the cost of the activity. | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$15.00 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Internet | Fee NameBlack and White Prints – A4 – per page | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$0.20 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Internet | Fee NameColour prints – A3 – per page | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$0.80 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Internet | Fee NameColour prints – A4 – per page | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$0.40 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Wollongong Library Theatrette And The Lab | Fee NameCommunity Groups (for classes, groupwork, meetings etc) Hourly rate | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$22.00 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Wollongong Library Theatrette And The Lab | Fee NameFull cost recovery for specialised services (as determined by Wollongong City Libraries Manager) | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$109.00 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Service Fees | Fee NameInter-Library Loan – handling fee (or full cost of recovery if a charge is made by the lending Library) | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$10.00 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Replacement Of Borrowers Cards | Fee NameLibrary membership replacement card (Family) | GSTN | Fee incl. GST$13.00 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Replacement Of Borrowers Cards | Fee NameLibrary membership replacement card (Individual) | GSTN | Fee incl. GST$5.50 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Photocopying Charges (Per Copy) | Fee NameMicro copies | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$0.20 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Photocopying Charges (Per Copy) | Fee NamePhotocopies – Black and White A3 | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$0.40 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Photocopying Charges (Per Copy) | Fee NamePhotocopies – Black and White A4 | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$0.20 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Photocopying Charges (Per Copy) | Fee NamePhotocopies – Colour A3 | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$0.80 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Photocopying Charges (Per Copy) | Fee NamePhotocopies – Colour A4 | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$0.40 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Local Studies Photographs | Fee NamePostage and packing | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$9.80 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Service Fees | Fee NameRecovery Action (Where a collection service is used to retrieve library materials.) | GSTN | Fee incl. GST$144.00 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Lost And Damaged Items – (Non-refundable) | Fee NameReplacement fee calculated at cost of library item being replaced, plus a service fee for cataloguing and processing | GSTN | Fee incl. GST$18.50 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Computer Peripherals | Fee NameSale items (eg earbuds, USBs, etc). Cost plus $1:00 | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$4.20 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Wollongong Library Theatrette And The Lab | Fee NameUse of data projector and screen | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$13.00 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Wollongong Library Theatrette And The Lab | Fee NameUse of Video/DVD per booking | GSTY | Fee incl. GST$13.00 |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Wollongong Library Theatrette And The Lab | Events And Activities | Fee NameWollongong City Libraries Manager may establish an entry fee or other charge for a library event or activity to meet or offset the cost of the activity. | GSTY | Descriptive Fee Narrative At Cost |
| Parent HierarchyLibraries | Wollongong Library Theatrette And The Lab | Other Charges | Fee NameWollongong City Libraries Manager may undertake to secure for a borrower through the Library any service, interlibrary, reference or information upon payment of sum sufficient to cover the estimated cost incurred by the Library in rendering the | GSTY | Descriptive Fee Narrative At Cost |
This policy provides community members with access to bookable spaces for displays, notifications, and exhibitions, setting clear guidelines for managing these opportunities.
Read more in Library Facilities for Display and Exhibition Management Policy. PDF, 178.58 KB
This policy outlines strategies, technology and workflows to preserve and ensure long-term access to our digital Local Studies collection. It aims to safeguard the collection’s authenticity, integrity and accessibility.
Find out more in Wollongong City Libraries Local Studies Digital Asset Management Policy. PDF, 454.85 KB
We also work in line with Wollongong City Council's policies where applicable.