Borrowing from Upper Hutt Libraries is simple, flexible, and designed to support how our community reads, learns, and shares resources, with generous loan periods, free renewals, and no overdue fines.
As a fines-free library, we focus on access rather than penalties, while still asking everyone to return items on time so others can enjoy them too. This page outlines loan periods, renewals, holds, notifications, and what happens if an item is lost or damaged, so you know exactly what to expect when borrowing from us.If you have any questions about your borrowing items, just use the contact us form on this website.
Below are the standard loan periods and charges for items borrowed from Upper Hutt Libraries. These apply from 1 July 2025.
Upper Hutt Libraries is a fines-free library, which means we do not charge overdue fines on borrowed items.
Collection loan details
| Item type |
Loan period |
Renewals |
Charges |
| Adult books |
3 weeks |
2 renewals, 3 weeks each |
free |
| Fastback books |
1 week |
no renewals |
free |
| Magazines |
1 week |
2 renewals, 1 week each |
free |
| Children's books |
3 weeks |
2 renewals, 3 weeks each |
free |
| Teen books |
3 weeks |
2 renewals, 3 weeks each |
free |
| DVDs |
3 weeks |
2 renewals, 3 weeks each |
free |
| DVDs (multi-disc set) |
3 weeks |
2 renewals, 3 weeks each |
free |
| Children's DVDs |
3 weeks |
2 renewals, 3 weeks each |
free |
| Ukuleles |
3 weeks |
2 renewals, 3 weeks each |
free |
| Music stands |
3 weeks |
2 renewals, 3 weeks each |
free |
| Jigsaw puzzles |
3 weeks |
2 renewals, 3 weeks each |
free |
| Board games |
3 weeks |
2 renewals, 3 weeks each |
$6 per 3 weeks ** |
| Interloans |
4 weeks |
depending on lending library |
$13 per item |
| Lost or damaged items |
– |
– |
replacement cost |
* Fastback books are not available for holds (reserves).
** Renewal charges apply for board games.
Shortened loan periods for popular hold items
To help reduce waiting times on popular items, we shorten the loan period to two weeks for items that have five or more holds placed on them. This approach helps keep wait times under three months and ensures popular titles move through the community more quickly, while still allowing fair access for everyone.
Upper Hutt City Council Fees and Charges
View Council's full list of Fees and Charges.
You can place a hold by searching our online catalogue and selecting the item you’d like to reserve.
When placing a hold, you can choose to collect your item from:
- Central Library
- Pinehaven Library
- 24/7 Click & Collect locker (outside Central Library)
Holds are free of charge, and you'll be notified when your item is ready for pickup.
We send reminders and notices to help you keep track of your borrowed items, using the contact details and notification preferences saved in your library account.
To make sure you receive these notifications, please ensure your correct contact details and notification preferences are set by checking on My Account or contact us if you need help updating them.
Notification schedule
| Notice |
Notice period |
Available through |
| Pre-due reminder |
3 days before items are due |
email, text |
| First overdue notice |
3 days after items are due |
email, mail |
| Final overdue notice |
10 days after items are due |
email, mail |
| Billing notice (overdue) |
21 days after items are due |
email, mail |
| Billing notice (damaged/lost items) |
when charges are incurred |
email, mail |
| Hold notice |
when items are ready for pick-up |
email, text |
If charges are applied for lost or damaged items, payments can be made in person at any library branch or by online banking.
Online banking details
Upper Hutt City Council
01-0771-0018890-04
Enter the name of the library account you would like to pay as reference.
If you have any queries about charges, please call us on (04) 527 2117 or email us. Please have your Library Card number ready so we can check your record.
Do you charge overdue fines?
No. Upper Hutt Libraries is a fines-free library, which means we don't charge overdue fines, although we do ask that items are returned on time so others can borrow them.
How many times can I renew an item?
Most items can be renewed twice, provided they are not on hold for another borrower. Fastback books cannot be renewed.
What happens if an item is lost or damaged?
If an item is lost or damaged, you may be charged the replacement cost. If you're unsure what to do, please contact us immediately. We're happy to talk through your options.
Can I renew or place holds online?
Yes. You can renew items, place holds, and manage your loans through My Account using the online catalogue.
Why do some items have shorter loan periods?
Items with high demand may have shortened loan periods so more people can access them within a reasonable timeframe.
How will I know when my items are due or ready to collect?
We send reminders and notifications by email or text, depending on your preferences, so keeping your contact details up to date helps ensure you don't miss important messages.