Services
Our library is a place that is open, accessible, inclusive, and free to all residents of Victoria. We provide the space and resources to help entertain, inform and delight you.
When you visit one of our library branches — either in person or online — we're here to help you find what you’re looking for, whether an essential piece of information, assistance with our technology, or simply, a recommendation for a great book or movie.
See our full list of services below for further information.
Becoming a Member
Getting a Library Card
- Visit a YPRL branch or our Mobile Library to apply, and you will receive a card to use straight away!
- Apply for a Digital Membership and then take a form of your ID into a library branch to obtain your library card.
A lost library card costs $2.50 to replace
Digital Membership
Can't visit a branch or want to use our eLibrary from home?
Become a Library Member for instant access.
Membership Benefits
Benefits for ALL Library Members:
- Borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks
- Download eMagazines
- Unlimited streaming of documentaries and indie films
- Unlimited access to online video tutorials
- Learn languages and technological skills with online tools
- Play educational games
- Use of our website for quick and efficient item searches and recommended reading lists
- Use of internet-connected PCs at any library branch
- Use of printing or photocopying services within the branch (for a fee)
- Access free Wi-Fi at all of our branches
- Attend events such as author talks, technology or craft workshops, and lots more
- Borrow up to 30 items for 3 weeks at a time (including books, audiobooks, magazines, DVDs, CDs, and items in 18 different languages)
- Renew items online, at a library branch, or over the phone. If you forget, our system will automatically renew them on the due date (a maximum of two times)
- There are no late fines accrued on any borrowed items
- You can reserve 10 items at a time for collection at your preferred YPRL branch (we call these holds).
YPRL currently has different types of membership available: Full (adult or under 18), Temporary and Organisational. Find out more here.
Lost Library Card
If you lose your library card, ensure you contact your local branch as soon as possible. Items taken out under your name, even on a stolen card, are your responsibility to replace. Replacement cards are available at all branches for $2.50. Proof of identity is required.
To ensure we cancel your card, call us as soon as you realise it is missing:
- Diamond Valley: (03) 9434 3809
- Eltham: (03) 9439 9266
- Ivanhoe: (03) 9497 5780
- Lalor: (03) 9465 2353
- Mill Park: (03) 9437 8189
- Rosanna: (03) 9459 6171
- Thomastown: (03) 9464 1864
- Watsonia: (03) 9435 2397
- Whittlesea (03) 9716 3028
Changing your Personal Information
If you need to change your name, address, or telephone number or correct your birth information, these are key items in your account profile, and can only be altered in person at your library. You will be asked to show ID when you make this request.
Collection
Borrowing from Our Collection
Our collection includes a wide range of physical books, magazines, newspapers and DVDs that you can borrow and take home. We also have a large collection of digital materials that can be accessed online with your membership.
The loan period for most items is 3 weeks, and you can take out up to 30 items per library card. Items from our Book Express service can only be loaned for 1 week.
We no longer charge overdue fees for items returned after the due date.
Suggest for Purchase
Suggestions for Purchase (SFPs) will be considered according to YPRL's Collection Development guidelines, and our current specifications. If approved, the item/s will then be sourced from our tendered suppliers. For further information and instructions, please visit the Suggest for Purchase page.
Inter-Library Loans
- YPRL's policy is to purchase requests where possible rather than seek an Inter-Library Loan (ILL).
- Where a purchase of the item is not possible, and the item(s) are rare, LOTE, or required for specific research purposes, YPRL will attempt to source the item via ILL with a service fee of $10 (exemptions to the service fee may apply) plus any additional costs imposed by the lending library. These fees must be agreed to before the item will be requested.
- YPRL will continue to supply our LOTE collection to requesting libraries.
- Please suggest an item for purchase, and we will do our best to source it for you.
Computers
Computer Usage
Our computers are free to use — all you need is a library membership. You can sign up for a membership online or when you visit one of our branches. You will need to accept the Internet Access Policy in order to use library computers.
Computers for general internet browsing are usually available up to 8 hours per day. If you require more time, please ask the friendly Library Staff if you can extend your time.
All library computers run Microsoft Office software applications, and you can edit and save documents to your USB from these computers.
When you log out of a computer, all personal information from your session will be removed from the computer.
Wi-Fi in the Library
Wi-Fi is freely available in all public areas our library branches. Simply select 'Library Public WiFi' from the list of available networks. Once you've agreed to the Library's Internet Access Policy, you will then be able to connect to the network and start browsing.
Help with Technology
Smartphone, Tablet and Computer Help
We will help you to the best of our abilities, but we are not technical experts and our assistance has limits.
Your device is your responsibility
We suggest that you back up your data and take note of your settings before making any changes or seeking technical assistance. We will not touch your device or make changes without your permission.
Your security and privacy are also your responsibility
Keep your passwords secure to protect your private information. Be aware of the different risks in using technology (we can help you with this, too).
Online Forms
We can help you navigate the interface, but we can’t advise you about how to answer a question.
If what you are seeking to do will take some time, we recommend booking a one-on-one session or coming to a class. Talk to our staff about how to do this.
Printing, Copying & Scanning
Self-Service Printing, Copying & Scanning
You can use the self-service printers located at all of our branches with your library card.
You can also use your library card to:
- Print in colour or black and white
- Copy printed material in colour or black and white
- Scan material in colour or black and white
Printing and Copying Fees
- Black and White: $0.20 per A4 page | $0.40 per A3 page
- Colour: $0.60 per A4 page | $1.20 per A3 page
Community
Library Outreach Services
YPRL provides an Outreach Services vehicle that visits nursing homes, retirement villages, and assisted living accommodation facilities on a regular 3-week cycle.
This service is designed for ambulatory people who are not able to visit their local library branch, but who would still like to enjoy the sociability of choosing their own library materials, and meeting staff and other borrowers. A range of large print books, DVDs, CDs and audiobooks are available to access. The vehicle is equipped with steps and a wheelchair lift that can also assist people with walking frames.
The service operates Tuesdays to Fridays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For information about the Outreach service, including times and locations, please call us on 0418 107 724.
Home Library Service
The YPRL Home Library Service is a free and convenient way for housebound residents and their carers to borrow library materials.
Eligibility: This service is available to members (and their carers) who are unable to access the library due to ill health, disability, or age-related health issues.
How it works: Once your borrowing preferences are ascertained, you will be matched up with a suitable volunteer who will deliver library materials to you on a monthly basis.
Items available: Large and small print books, CDs, DVDs, and magazines are all available for loan. If you have difficulties with print, then audiobooks can be arranged, with a player if required. Within our collection we have 18 different community languages, as well as subtitled videos and audiobooks. Downloadable material is also available.
Retirement villages, nursing homes, and institutions: We also offer a speciality vehicle that visits and provides library services to retirement villages, nursing homes, and institutions. Call us to find out if the outreach vehicle visits your place of residence already, or let us know where you are and we can look into what is possible.
If you or anyone you know may benefit from this service, please contact us on (03) 9408 7888, email hls@yprl.vic.gov.au for more information, or complete our online form.
Book a Meeting Room at the Library
Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL) provides a range of venues, including meeting rooms, community rooms, computer training rooms, theatrette and outdoor spaces to individuals, community organisations and businesses, to facilitate the use of the library by the community.
For queries and further information, please visit our Venue Hire page.
Mobile Library
Everyone is welcome to visit our state-of-the-art mobile library to borrow any of the 12,500 items in stock, including an extraordinary range of books, DVDs, magazines, audiobooks, and large print publications. For more information, visit our Mobile Library page.
|
Features:
|
Learning and Toy Library
The Lalor Library is home to our Learning and Toy Libraries.
The learning library features a collection of STEM and robotics equipment suitable for children aged 3–14. It is made available to members after school or during the library’s specific STEM programs and events.
The toy library collection is suitable for children up to four years old and offers a wonderful selection of educational and stimulating toys.
For more information, please visit our Learning & Toy Library page.
Local Authors
If you are an author who lives, works or has connections to our community we're here to support you. See our Local Authors page.