Collections FAQs

  • General Questions

    Thanks for thinking of us. Please contact the library first to discuss what you'd like to donate. 

    Here's a general guide to donating items to the library.

    Art

    If you have art you want to donate to the library, read our Art Donations Policy.

    Archives

    Fill out this form if you have archival material you wish to donate to the library archives (papers, letters, maps, etc). 

    Books and magazines

    If you have books or magazines you think would be good for our general library lending collection, you can drop them off at the library. Donations are only accepted if they are in excellent condition and required for our collection, as per the conditions listed in our Donations policy. 

    Photos

    Digital images

    We invite you, your family and iwi, society or club to contribute your photographs and memories to be permanently preserved in the library’s heritage collection. If you have digital photos or videos you can upload them directly to the Discovery Wall website, or contact us at librarydigitalcontent@ccc.govt.nz

    Physical photos

    If you would like to contribute a collection of printed photos - either as a donation or loan - please contact us at librarydigitalcontent@ccc.govt.nz.

    Zines

    If you want to add your Ōtautahi Christchurch zine to the library's zine collection, print out this form and:

    • Drop off your zine/s at a library;
    • OR post to us at:
      Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi
      PO Box 73045
      Christchurch 8154
      New Zealand

    Tell us about your zine, and we can catalogue it correctly – making it easier for you and others to discover your zine online. Your author name doesn’t have to be your legal name; it could be a nickname, your social media handle, or you can choose to remain anonymous. We know that zines can be incredibly personal and you can choose how you want to be connected to it.

    Content Development Policy

    Our Content Development Policy helps clarify how we select and manage content in our libraries, and how we will consider your donation. 

    The Library does not have sufficient resources to support a system of alerting customers when a particular item is being cancelled from the collection.

    • Items are cancelled or withdrawn from the collection according to criteria identified in the Content Development Policy. 
    • Most cancelled or withdrawn items are available for purchase at our annual book sale.

    We respect your concern. 

    Christchurch City Libraries is committed to freedom of access to information. As a large public library, we provide access to a wide variety of titles and this means sometimes there are books in the collection people find offensive or misleading. We do not limit what people may choose to read, but aim to provide broad and deep collections and encourage informed debate. For further information, refer to our Content Development Policy.

    You are welcome to share your opinion of items in our collection by commenting on our online catalogue. Below each record, you will see the words “Opinion - From the community” and you can comment “What did you think about this title”. The comments added are visible to the public and provide an opportunity to critique the item if you want to share your thoughts with other library users.

    We respect your concern.

    Some books use shock value to attract attention, and some readers enjoy this type of provocative book.

    Christchurch City Libraries is committed to freedom of access to information. As a large public library, we provide access to a wide variety of titles and this means sometimes there are books in the collection people find offensive or misleading. We do not limit what people may choose to read, but aim to provide broad and deep collections and encourage informed debate. For further information, refer to our Content Development Policy.

    You are welcome to share your opinion of items in our collection by commenting on our online catalogue. Below each record, you will see the words “Opinion - From the community” and you can comment “What did you think about this title”. The comments added are visible to the public and provide an opportunity to critique the item if you want to share your thoughts with other library users.

    We use book reviews and publisher information to assign items to the correct age-appropriate collection. Our Young Adult collection covers ages 13 to 19 years old. Some books are more likely to be read by teens at the older end of that spectrum. As a public library we support the right of teens to choose their own material, and parents or legal guardians have responsibility for what a young adult chooses to read. For further information, refer to our Content Development policy.

    You are welcome to share your opinion of items in our collection by commenting on our online catalogue. Below each record, you will see the words “Opinion - From the community” and you can comment “What did you think about this title”. The comments added are visible to the public and provide an opportunity to critique the item if you want to share your thoughts with other library users.

    We use book reviews and publisher information to assign items to the correct age-appropriate collection. Our children’s collection covers ages 6 to 12 years old. Some books are more likely to be read by children at the older end of that spectrum. As a public library we support the right of children to choose their own material, and parents or legal guardians have responsibility for what a child or young adult chooses to read. For further information, refer to our Content Development Policy.

    You are welcome to share your opinion of items in our collection by commenting on our online catalogue. Below each record, you will see the words “Opinion - From the community” and you can comment “What did you think about this title”. The comments added are visible to the public and provide an opportunity to critique the item if you want to share your thoughts with other library users.

    The Christchurch City Libraries uses the Dewey Decimal System to classify non-fiction material. Subjects are divided into ten main groups which are represented by series of numbers.

    000
    General works (including encyclopedias and general reference)
    100
    Philosophy and psychology
    200
    Religion
    300
    Social sciences
    400
    Languages
    500
    Sciences
    600
    Applied sciences / Technology
    700
    The Arts
    800
    Literature
    900
    Geography, history and travel

    Each of these ten groups is divided into more specialised subject fields, again represented numerically, for example:

    500
    Sciences
    540
    Chemistry
    546
    Inorganic chemistry
    700
    The Arts
    750
    Paintings and painting
    751.422
    Watercolour technique

    Certain features are common to each of the groups, e.g. the first numbers in any area are always general works on that subject and longer numbers represent more detailed aspects.

    All non-fiction material is usually shelved in numerical order, according to its assigned Dewey number.

    Fiction is shelved alphabetically by author, except fiction in foreign languages.
    Fiction in classical languages is classified at 870 – 889. Eg, Virgil, 873.1; Homer, 883.
    Fiction from Oceania is classified in 899. Eg, Maori, 899.4423; Tongan, 899.482
    Other world language fiction is located by its language code. Eg, Japanese, JPN; Tagalog, TGL

    Other points to note are

    • There is always a decimal point after the first three numbers
    • The three letters which follow the number are usually the first three letters of the author's surname and help to distinguish that particular book from others at the same number
    • Not for loan"NOT FOR LOAN" on the spine indicates a reference book, which may only be used in the library
    • NZ" indicates a New Zealand book
    • Piko piko The Green Piko Piko symbol indicates Ngā Pounamu Māori collection & Māori collections at Community Libraries
    • Koru White Koru on black label is used on items with Māori content not held in a special Māori collection
    Architecture 720 - 729 Literature 800 - 899
    Arts & Crafts 700 - 769 Management 650 - 659
    Building 690 - 699 Manufacturing 670 - 689
    Biography 920 - 929 Medicine 610 - 619
    Business 650 - 659 Music 780 - 789
    Chemical Engineering 660 - 669 Needlecrafts 746.4
    Computers 004 - 006 Painting 750 - 759
    Cooking 640 - 641 Performing Arts 790 - 792
    Customs 390 - 399 Pets 636 - 639
    Economics 330 - 339 Philosophy 100 - 199
    Education 370 - 379 Political Science 320 - 329
    Encyclopedias, collected facts 030 - 039 Psychology 130 - 159
    Engineering 620 - 629 Public Services 350 - 359
    Folklore 398 Pure Sciences 500 - 599
    Gardening 635 - 635.9 Religions 200 - 299
    Geography 910 - 999 Sciences 500 - 599
    Graphic Arts 760 - 769 Sculpture 730 - 739
    Health 610 - 619 Social Services 360 - 369
    History 900 - 999 Sociology 300 - 309
    Home Economics 640 - 649 Sports 796
    Journalism 070 - 079 Technology 600 - 699
    Landscape Art 710 - 719 Transport 380 - 389; 623 - 629
    Languages 400 - 499 Travel 910 - 999
    Law 340 - 349    

    The Dewey Decimal Classification is (c) 1996-2001 OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Incorporated. DDC, Dewey, and Dewey Decimal Classification are registered trademarks of OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Incorporated.

  • Newspapers

    NewsBank - Access New Zealand has full digital image versions of popular New Zealand Newspapers.
     
    Sign in to NewsBank - Access New Zealand with your library card and PIN or Password.
     

    1. Scroll down to the blue buttons on the right handside of the screen. Select any of these newspapers. 

    2. You will see two results. Select the second one (which says "image" under the format column).

    3. Choose the date you want to read, either from the links at the top or by clicking on the calendar.

    Your selected issue will load in the full digital image version. Enjoy!

  • Audiobooks

    AWA is our new shared digital collection with Selwyn Libraries. Christchurch City Customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site are all set.  They will see the collection has changed its name to AWA and will enjoy greater choice and access in this shared collection.

    If you are signing into the Libby App for the first time follow the prompts to find your library.

    A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide you to our AWA collection. 

     

     

    Select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with your Library card and PIN or password

    If you are new to our classic OverDrive site click sign in and select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with your Library card and PIN or password

    Read the news item about AWA

    How can people log into the new service?
    The transition will be as seamless as possible for library customers. Our Christchurch City Libraries customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site won’t need to do anything. On the 1 July, our Go Live date, they will see the collection has changed its name to AWA.

    New Libby customers will follow the prompts to find their library. A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide them to the AWA collection. Then they select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with their Library card. New customers to, or existing customers who've signed out of, our classic OverDrive site will also select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with their Library card.

    Why won’t Christchurch residents get the same increase in access to content as Selwyn?
    Due to the difference in population size the Selwyn Libraries initial base collection will be less than Christchurch’s initial base collection.

    Won’t this result in more competition/longer wait time for popular titles?
    Current selection and purchasing criteria is based on availability and customer demand; this will not change with the shared collection.

    Why are we doing this?
    Library users will have more choice due to a richer variety of content, particularly newer and more popular items. The collaboration will help to build relationships between the two organisations, encouraging sharing of ideas and learning for the enhancement of services for all library members. 

    How much is this going to cost?
    The costs are within existing budgets.

    How are you able to provide this service without it costing more?
    The new service delivers better value for money through a growth in the user base and in expected collection turnover. 

    Is this a permanent arrangement?
    This is a trial partnership lasting for a two-year period, from 1 July 2025. Over that timeframe both Selwyn Libraries and Christchurch City Libraries will conduct regular monitoring of data and usage. Parties will meet twice per annum to review the past period and forward plan. Prior to June 2027, we will review the success of the collaboration. 

    Why aren’t other Canterbury councils included?
    If the digital access partnership is successful, other opportunities to collaborate may be considered, such as programming and events, developing shared staff professional development, or expanding the arrangement to include the other Canterbury councils.

    On November 13, 2024, OverDrive retired the MP3 audiobook format from OverDrive library websites and ended support for OverDrive's desktop apps for Windows and Mac (which only worked with MP3 audiobooks).

    You can listen to audiobooks using the following options:

    If you're missing parts (chapters, pages, minutes, etc.) of a downloaded book, audiobook, or magazine, delete and re-download it.

    Steps for audiobooks and books

    1. Tap Shelf Shelf, in the navigation footer.
    2. Tap Loans at the top of the screen.
    3. Tap Title status: Borrowed, 100% downloaded button, then Remove Download.
    4. Wait for two minutes, then completely close the app:
      • On Android devices: Open your recently used apps list, find the Libby app, and swipe to close it.
      • On iOS devices: Close the Libby app by swiping up from the app switcher on your iPhone or iPad.
    5. Reopen the app.
    6. Go to your Shelf Shelf, in the navigation footer, then tap Title status: Borrowed, tap to download button next to the title. This will download a fresh copy.

    Steps for magazines

    To get started all you will need is an internet connection, your email address and library card number and password/PIN

    The  BorrowBox apps allow mobile device users to download eBooks and eAudiobooks directly onto their smart device. For users without a compatible  BorrowBox device - you can download eAudiobooks directly to your computer.

    No, to download an eAudiobook to your desktop you only require a media manager or media device that is MP3 compatible. Most computers already have these installed. For example most Windows computers have Windows Media Player or VLC player and Mac computers will have iTunes.

    For downloading and listening on smartphones and tablets you will need the BorrowBox mobile app. These apps are available in iOS (Apple) from the App Store and Android from Google Play.

    The speed of your download depends on your own internet connection and the size of the eAudiobook. If you are using a dial-up connection or have selected a large eAudiobook to download, you may want to use the option of downloading in parts.

    After you log in go to your My Account page, from there you can update your details by clicking the Edit Account Details button.

    Yes, early returns and cancellations of current reserves are possible through your My Account page or in the mobile apps.

    Simply visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, search for the BorrowBox Library app and press the Update button.

    IPHONE/IPOD/IPAD

    Navigate to the Settings tab, go to the Account Details section and press the Reset button.

    Please note that all current downloads will be lost. You will then be asked to sign in again.

    ANDROID

    Press the Menu button at the top right of the screen or on some devices below the screen and select Account Details. On the following screen select the Reset App option.

    Unfortunately due to restrictions that Apple has put in iPads/iPhones, it is not possible to directly download eAudiobooks to the iPad/iPhone through the Safari Browser. You can however download via your computer and transfer the eAudiobooks via iTunes. Or you can use the BorrowBox Library mobile apps available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

    PC -

    Computer: Locate your eAdudiobook folder, then right click and select Delete from the dropdown menu

    Portable Media Device: Connect your portable media device to your computer, locate your eAudiobook folder, then right click on folder and select Delete from the dropdown menu

    Mac -

    Computer: Locate your eAudibook folder and click on it, then hold down the Apple key and press Delete.

    Portable Media Device: Connect your portable media device to your computer, locate your eAudiobook folder and click on it, then hold down the Apple key and press Delete.

    Mobile Apps-

    In the BorrowBox mobile apps for Apple and Android devices, all files are deleted automatically at the end of the loan period.

    In order to listen to your eAudiobook in a Media Manager, you need to ensure that you have extracted the files.

    For Windows Media Player: open Windows Media Player then drag and drop extracted folder into the main window of Windows Media Player. To find your eAudiobook, make sure you are in the Music Library of Windows Media Player, then click on Album and scroll down to the corresponding first letter of the title.

    Please note if the title has a prefix like "The", it will be sorted by the second word of the title.

    For iTunes: open iTunes then drag and drop the extracted folder into your Music library

    This depends on your operating system and browser:

    • For Windows XP and Internet Explorer 6: by default, the download will be located on your Desktop.
    • For Windows XP and all other browsers: you can find the download in the Downloads folder in My Documents.
    • For Windows 7 and Vista with Internet Explorer and FireFox; the download will be located in the Downloads folder.
    • For Windows 8 with Internet Explorer and FireFox: the download will be located in the Downloads folder.
    • For all browsers on Mac: by default the download will be located in the Downloads folder.

    A .zip file is a file that has been compressed to reduce its size making it quicker to download. To unzip your downloaded audiobook depends on what system you are using:

    PC - Locate your downloaded eAudiobook folder, right click and select "Extract All" then follow the prompts to finish unzipping.

    MAC- Locate your eAudiobook folder, then double click to unzip. For MAC users we reccomend using Safari as your internet browser as unzipping occurs automatically. For those running the latest MAC OS, depending on your settings the eAudiobook may automatically populate into iTunes.

    Remember your eAudiobook folder will be located where you have set up your internet browser to download to (Downloads, Desktop etc).

    Yes, you can. You can renew a title twice if no one else has placed a hold on it. That gives you a further two weeks each time you renew. To renew just click on the button that says Renew under items in My Loans.

    You can borrow 10 items at any one time. Please note a hold counts towards your item limit of 10. For example you may have two holds which means you can only borrow eight further items. Items that are checked out have a two weeks loan period.

    You can see how many titles you have checked out and your reserves in the right hand side of the page when you are logged in. Further details such as dates for return are available beneath Active Loans/Reserves in your My Account page.

    Try inserting a fresh battery. If the player still does not turn on, please return it to the library and tell a librarian about the problem.

    Turn it on and off; if that doesn’t solve the problem, remove and reinsert the battery.

    To protect the copyrighted works of authors and publishers.

    Playaway is the only format of audiobook that does not require a separate player — it comes ready to listen to. It allows you to control the speed of the narrator’s voice and automatically remembers where you got to if you turn it off.

    Playaway comes pre-loaded with great stories or information. Just plug in your headphones and listen wherever you go.

    When we issue a Playaway to you there will be two batteries: one in the unit, and the other in the case, both batteries will have at least one bar of life available.

    Every Playaway comes pre-loaded with a standard AAA battery that provides an average of 20 hours of playtime. The majority of our titles only require one battery to listen to the entire title. A spare battery is included in the pack.

    The Playaway LCD has a small battery icon that is displayed on screen. There are three levels of battery life reflected in the icon. When one bar is left in the battery icon, you have 20% power left.

    To replace the battery

    At the base of the unit, press the a tab with your thumb nail. The case opens so you can remove the battery and replace it with the spare. Please dispose of the used battery in an environmentally friendly way.

    You can use earbuds, or you can plug Playaways into stand alone speakers or an FM transmitter for use in the car, provided that you have a standard earphone jack to plug into the Playaway unit.

    Because of hygiene they don’t come with earbuds, but you can purchase earbuds from the library for $3.

    Yes, Playaway comes with a universal headphone jack that allows you to use it with a number of accessories including portable speakers, FM transmitters and audio cables.

    To move through chapters, quickly tap the FFWD or Reverse button up or down.

    To rewind or forward the story a short distance, hold down the FFWD or Reverse button.

    All units have simple instructions either on the inside of the front cover of the case or on the left hand side of the back cover.

    Adult titles are $3 for 28 days (concession card free);
    Children’s and Young Adult titles are free.

    Playaway is about half the size of a deck of cards and holds up to 80 hours of play time.

    Search by keyword Playaway, subject Audiobooks or title or author.

    The size of the collection at each library is very small, but we add new titles each month. We move Playaways from library to library depending on where each Playaway is returned.

    Playaways are on the shelves with the audiovisual material.

    You have the choice of selecting either 7, 14, 21 or 28 days when borrowing an eBook or eAudiobook, 14 is the default. At the end of this time the file will automatically return itself — there are no overdue fines.

     

    The disc contains the MP3 files and a single M4b file. Each MP3 file represents a chapter or track of the audiobook. In most cases the single disc will include both the MP3 files and the M4b file. For longer books, however, it may be necessary to include a second disc and at times this may just contain the M4b file. In this case, the disc will be clearly labelled.

    What is an MP3 file?
    The MP3 file is the audio file which has been compressed to a smaller size. As such it can only be played on MP3 compatible CD, DVD and MP3 players, iPods, mobile phones, and computers. All compatible MP3 players are clearly marked with MP3 CD.
    What is an M4b file?
    The M4b file contains all MP3 files as a single file. At this time only iPod users can use the M4b file, and it is provided at no extra cost.

    To play the MP3 CD on a compatible player just insert the disc into the player and press play.

    To copy the MP3 CD to a portable MP3 player (smartphone, iPod etc)

    • Insert the MP3 disc into the CD/DVD drive on the computer.
    • Open the My Music folder and create a new sub-folder using the title of the book.
    • On the computer desktop open the MP3 CD folder.
    • Select all of the files on the MP3 CD.
    • Copy the files into the new folder created in the My Music folder.
    • This new folder then needs to be copied (synced) to your media player e.g. iTunes or Windows Media Player:
      • Open iTunes/Windows Media Player on the desktop, followed by the My Music folder.
      • Click and drag the new folder created in My Music to either iTunes/Windows Media Player.
      • Synchronise the MP3 device to iTunes/Windows Media Player.

    Audiobook compact discs may come as normal CDs or as MP3/M4b audiobooks.

    • You can restrict your searches of our catalogue to only show results for a talking books by using the all formats drop-down box on the catalogue search page.
    • To find MP3 CD audiobooks in our catalogue, keyword search using MP3 CD. A subject search by Talking books will display everything we have in CD, cassette and MP3 CD format.
    • Some MP3 CD talking books offer a M4b disc which can be used to download on to iPods and iPhones. These talking books can be found by using M4b CD as a keyword search.
    • There are charges for borrowing audiobooks.

  • eBooks

    AWA is our new shared digital collection with Selwyn Libraries. Christchurch City Customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site are all set.  They will see the collection has changed its name to AWA and will enjoy greater choice and access in this shared collection.

    If you are signing into the Libby App for the first time follow the prompts to find your library.

    A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide you to our AWA collection. 

     

     

    Select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with your Library card and PIN or password

    If you are new to our classic OverDrive site click sign in and select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with your Library card and PIN or password

    No.

    The Kindle eReader does not support our Library eBook collections.

    However the Kindle Fire tablet is compatible with our eBook platforms using an eReader app.

    Read the news item about AWA

    How can people log into the new service?
    The transition will be as seamless as possible for library customers. Our Christchurch City Libraries customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site won’t need to do anything. On the 1 July, our Go Live date, they will see the collection has changed its name to AWA.

    New Libby customers will follow the prompts to find their library. A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide them to the AWA collection. Then they select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with their Library card. New customers to, or existing customers who've signed out of, our classic OverDrive site will also select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with their Library card.

    Why won’t Christchurch residents get the same increase in access to content as Selwyn?
    Due to the difference in population size the Selwyn Libraries initial base collection will be less than Christchurch’s initial base collection.

    Won’t this result in more competition/longer wait time for popular titles?
    Current selection and purchasing criteria is based on availability and customer demand; this will not change with the shared collection.

    Why are we doing this?
    Library users will have more choice due to a richer variety of content, particularly newer and more popular items. The collaboration will help to build relationships between the two organisations, encouraging sharing of ideas and learning for the enhancement of services for all library members. 

    How much is this going to cost?
    The costs are within existing budgets.

    How are you able to provide this service without it costing more?
    The new service delivers better value for money through a growth in the user base and in expected collection turnover. 

    Is this a permanent arrangement?
    This is a trial partnership lasting for a two-year period, from 1 July 2025. Over that timeframe both Selwyn Libraries and Christchurch City Libraries will conduct regular monitoring of data and usage. Parties will meet twice per annum to review the past period and forward plan. Prior to June 2027, we will review the success of the collaboration. 

    Why aren’t other Canterbury councils included?
    If the digital access partnership is successful, other opportunities to collaborate may be considered, such as programming and events, developing shared staff professional development, or expanding the arrangement to include the other Canterbury councils.

    If you're missing parts (chapters, pages, minutes, etc.) of a downloaded book, audiobook, or magazine, delete and re-download it.

    Steps for audiobooks and books

    1. Tap Shelf Shelf, in the navigation footer.
    2. Tap Loans at the top of the screen.
    3. Tap Title status: Borrowed, 100% downloaded button, then Remove Download.
    4. Wait for two minutes, then completely close the app:
      • On Android devices: Open your recently used apps list, find the Libby app, and swipe to close it.
      • On iOS devices: Close the Libby app by swiping up from the app switcher on your iPhone or iPad.
    5. Reopen the app.
    6. Go to your Shelf Shelf, in the navigation footer, then tap Title status: Borrowed, tap to download button next to the title. This will download a fresh copy.

    Steps for magazines

    You can borrow, read and listen to OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks directly from the catalogue.

    There is no longer an option to download OverDrive titles from catalogue.

    The easiest way to download OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks for offline use is in OverDrive's Libby app on your mobile device.

    Download the Libby app

     You can still download OverDrive ebooks to your Windows or Mac computer for offline use, or transfer to an eReader in

    You can access Library eResources while traveling overseas as long as your library card is active.

     

    Selection criteria for eBooks

    Selection is is based on the following criteria.

    • General guidelines contained in the libraries’ Content Development Policy.
    • Focus is on content, rather than format. We include a mixture of ePub and PDF formats. Currently there is more choice available in ePub format.
    • Emphasis is on popular fiction for adults, young adults and children, with the highest percentage being adult;
    • We are unable to access as much British or New Zealand content as we would like. We are limited to what is available in Australasia. Each title produced as an eBook is restricted by licensing agreements so many titles available in the US are not available in New Zealand.
    • Numbers of copies available to the Australasian market are also limited.
    • Some New Zealand authors are available.
    • We may purchase some titles electronically which are not held in hard copy.
    • In order to offer the widest range of titles in our collection, we purchase only one copy per title. This is reviewed from time to time.
    • New titles are added regularly.
    • We review what is on offer regularly and buy based on trends, reading patterns and budget available.

    Yes, you are welcome to suggest a title you would like to see through our request an item form.

    In Libby you can find titles that are not available in the collection and use a "Notify Me" smart tag to express your interest.

    If a title you've tagged with your "Notify Me" smart tag is purchased, you'll get a notification and have the option to borrow it or place it on hold right away.

    Not all titles are available through our eBook collections, and not all titles that are recommended or tagged with Notify Me will be added.

    You have the choice of selecting either 7, 14, 21 or 28 days when borrowing an eBook or eAudiobook, 14 is the default. At the end of this time the file will automatically return itself — there are no overdue fines.

     

  • Borrowing

    AWA is our new shared digital collection with Selwyn Libraries. Christchurch City Customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site are all set.  They will see the collection has changed its name to AWA and will enjoy greater choice and access in this shared collection.

    If you are signing into the Libby App for the first time follow the prompts to find your library.

    A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide you to our AWA collection. 

     

     

    Select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with your Library card and PIN or password

    If you are new to our classic OverDrive site click sign in and select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with your Library card and PIN or password

  • Digital

    AWA is our new shared digital collection with Selwyn Libraries. Christchurch City Customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site are all set.  They will see the collection has changed its name to AWA and will enjoy greater choice and access in this shared collection.

    If you are signing into the Libby App for the first time follow the prompts to find your library.

    A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide you to our AWA collection. 

     

     

    Select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with your Library card and PIN or password

    If you are new to our classic OverDrive site click sign in and select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with your Library card and PIN or password

    NewsBank - Access New Zealand has full digital image versions of popular New Zealand Newspapers.
     
    Sign in to NewsBank - Access New Zealand with your library card and PIN or Password.
     

    1. Scroll down to the blue buttons on the right handside of the screen. Select any of these newspapers. 

    2. You will see two results. Select the second one (which says "image" under the format column).

    3. Choose the date you want to read, either from the links at the top or by clicking on the calendar.

    Your selected issue will load in the full digital image version. Enjoy!

    Read the news item about AWA

    How can people log into the new service?
    The transition will be as seamless as possible for library customers. Our Christchurch City Libraries customers who are already signed into the Libby App or our classic OverDrive site won’t need to do anything. On the 1 July, our Go Live date, they will see the collection has changed its name to AWA.

    New Libby customers will follow the prompts to find their library. A search for Christchurch City Libraries will guide them to the AWA collection. Then they select Christchurch City Libraries from the AWA dropdown and sign in with their Library card. New customers to, or existing customers who've signed out of, our classic OverDrive site will also select the Christchurch City Libraries option from the AWA dropdown to sign in with their Library card.

    Why won’t Christchurch residents get the same increase in access to content as Selwyn?
    Due to the difference in population size the Selwyn Libraries initial base collection will be less than Christchurch’s initial base collection.

    Won’t this result in more competition/longer wait time for popular titles?
    Current selection and purchasing criteria is based on availability and customer demand; this will not change with the shared collection.

    Why are we doing this?
    Library users will have more choice due to a richer variety of content, particularly newer and more popular items. The collaboration will help to build relationships between the two organisations, encouraging sharing of ideas and learning for the enhancement of services for all library members. 

    How much is this going to cost?
    The costs are within existing budgets.

    How are you able to provide this service without it costing more?
    The new service delivers better value for money through a growth in the user base and in expected collection turnover. 

    Is this a permanent arrangement?
    This is a trial partnership lasting for a two-year period, from 1 July 2025. Over that timeframe both Selwyn Libraries and Christchurch City Libraries will conduct regular monitoring of data and usage. Parties will meet twice per annum to review the past period and forward plan. Prior to June 2027, we will review the success of the collaboration. 

    Why aren’t other Canterbury councils included?
    If the digital access partnership is successful, other opportunities to collaborate may be considered, such as programming and events, developing shared staff professional development, or expanding the arrangement to include the other Canterbury councils.

    On November 13, 2024, OverDrive retired the MP3 audiobook format from OverDrive library websites and ended support for OverDrive's desktop apps for Windows and Mac (which only worked with MP3 audiobooks).

    You can listen to audiobooks using the following options:

    If you've received the message "You have been suspended for downloading too much data, please try again later" you have exceeded the total download limit we've set for remote users of our eResources.

    We've set this limit to comply with content provider requests, minimise the potential for the illicit download of large amounts of content, and limit reductions in access speed.

    Please contact us and we can take a look at your specific usage requirements.

     

    You can borrow, read and listen to OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks directly from the catalogue.

    There is no longer an option to download OverDrive titles from catalogue.

    The easiest way to download OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks for offline use is in OverDrive's Libby app on your mobile device.

    Download the Libby app

     You can still download OverDrive ebooks to your Windows or Mac computer for offline use, or transfer to an eReader in

    Articles and written content

    Content on our web site is provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research, etc). Students and others may quote or use information from our web site without seeking further permission provided that proper attribution is given.

    Attribution should include our name "Christchurch City Libraries", the URL (address) of the page and the date that the page was viewed. We frequently update various pages on our web site and cannot indicate when any particular page was updated.

    This permission does not cover web sites that we link to or the databases that Christchurch City Libraries offers access to.

    Images

    Photographs from our images collection have been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research, etc) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. You may order copies of images in our collection. It is the responsibility of the user of any image to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

    Other images on our web site have been licensed for our use only and may not be reproduced in any context. Images of book covers are supplied by Nielsen Book Services and may not be copied under any circumstances.

    Please read our Copyright statement and our Terms of Use.

    RSS is a way of providing content or summaries of web content in a simple format. Learn more about RSS and how to subscribe to feeds using an RSS reader.

    You can explore the latest additions to our collections, discover items we've just ordered so you can place holds on them, and read website news, with these Christchurch City Libraries RSS feeds.

    New titles (updated Thursdays)

    • New fiction:
      http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/newtitles/rss/fiction.xml
    • New non-fiction:
      http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/newtitles/rss/nonfiction.xml
    • Just ordered:
      http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/newtitles/rss/JustOrdered.xml

    Websites and blogs

  • Motor Manuals

    Yes. As well as manuals for cars and motorcycles the library does have manuals for chainsaws, lawn mowers and other small engines.

    Yes. Manuals in the lending collection can be borrowed for the usual period of four weeks. 

    Haynes Manuals All Access

    eResource Haynes Manuals AllAccess gives you access to over 600 online motor manuals. Read more about Haynes Manuals AllAccess.

    Yes. It is quite likely. Used imports quite often have a different model name to their New Zealand new counterpart. We suggest you try Wikipedia. It has details on car makes and models, and includes models with different names in different countries. The list of external links at the end of the article can also be useful.

    A handbook is similar to the book found in the glove box in a new car; it will have some information but is not a full workshop manual.

    The Library does purchase as many manuals as possible for vehicles which are on New Zealand roads. However there are fewer manuals being published for many of the newer vehicle models.

  • Reference

    The words "electoral rolls" can refer to:
    •    Parliamentary (or general) electoral rolls and
    •    local body electoral rolls.

    Parliamentary (or general) electoral rolls
    All our libraries (except the Mobile Library) hold one copy of each of the Canterbury-Christchurch general electoral rolls, plus Te Tai Tonga (Māori) electoral roll.

    Tuakiri | Identity, Level 2, Tūranga holds a complete set of all the current New Zealand electoral rolls.

    Visit the Electoral Commission website for more information about electoral rolls and to find your electoral district.

    Local body electoral rolls
    Service centres and libraries (except the Mobile Library) hold one copy of each of the local body rolls for the Christchurch City Council wards for customer viewing.  

    Enrolment
    Queries regarding enrolment on the Electoral Roll or general elections should be referred to the Electoral Commission: www.vote.nz or 0800 36 76 56. 

    Historical electoral rolls
    For Information about historical electoral rolls, check our Family History - Electoral Rolls page.

  • Special

    To avoid being accused of plagiarism you need to acknowledge where you got your information from. To help you use our guide on references, citations and bibliographies.

    Newspapers viewed on microfilm or microfiche can be printed. For other items a photographic service is available.

    • Photographs of articles or illustrations from bound volumes of newspapers (which cannot be photocopied) may be ordered.
    • Payment is required in advance.
    • Reproducing some images may be restricted by copyright law.
    • Negatives are not available for sale.
    • Images can be supplied in a digital format.

    Contact us to request this service.

    Yes. Printing from microfilm and microfiche readers is available on Tuakiri | Identity, Level 2, Tūranga.