Library services FAQs
Temporary closure of Caulfield returns chute
Please note that the Caulfield returns chute is temporarily closed for maintenance.
You can return items inside the library during our opening hours, or drop them off at Council’s service centre during business hours (Mon-Fri, 8am-5:30pm).
For a full list of Caulfield Library opening hours over the coming festive period, please visit our Festive Hours page.
Our return chutes at Elsternwick, Carnegie, and Bentleigh branches are still available 24/7.
Please avoid leaving items in front of the chute.
If you're unable to return your items to another branch or during our opening hours, just reach out to us, and we'd be happy to assist with a renewal.
Don't worry – we don’t charge overdue fines!
We apologise for any inconvenience.
Library Open Hours
There are some changes in opening hours over the December 2024 and early January 2025 festive period.
Please plan your visit and head to our Festive Hours page for the most up-to-date information.
Bentleigh Library and Youth Hub
- Monday to Thursday, 10am–9pm
- Friday, 10am–6pm
- Saturday, 10am–4pm
- Sunday, 12pm–5pm
Carnegie Library and Community Centre
- Monday to Thursday, 10am-9pm
- Friday, 10am-6pm
- Saturday, 10am-4pm
- Sunday, 12pm-5pm
Caulfield Library
- Monday, 10am-6pm
- Tuesday - Thursday, 10am-8pm
- Friday, 10am-6pm
- Saturday, 1pm-4pm
- Sunday, 12pm-5pm
Elsternwick Library
- Monday, closed
- Tuesday to Friday, 10am-6pm
- Saturday, 10am-1pm
- Sunday, 12pm-5pm
Can I enter the library if I am not vaccinated?
Yes. That is right.
You do not need to show evidence of vaccination status to enter the library.
Do I need to wear a mask in the library?
Masks are no longer required, but please wear one if you are unable to social distance or if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Can I use a public PC?
Yes, you can! 1hr PC bookings are available. Self-service printing, scanning and copying is available.
How do I reserve items?
To look for a title in our catalogue to reserve, go to Search the catalogue, then place your reservation. You will need to login with your membership number (starting with 23162 or C) and password to reserve items.
If we do not have a book title you are interested in, please make a suggestion here and we will do our best to add it to our collection.
Please note reservations are held for seven (7) days.
How long can I have my library items for?
DVDs, Blu-rays, magazines and games – 3 week loan
Books and talking books – 3 week loan
Are there fines for overdue items?
From Saturday 1 July 2023, we will no longer be charging overdue fees for items returned after the due date. All existing fines on returned items will automatically be waived.
Charges still apply for lost or damaged items and you will not be able to borrow if you have overdue items.
Are the returns chutes open?
The return chutes at Bentleigh, Elsternwick, Carnegie, and Caulfield are open 24 hours a day.
Have you got any recorded content like workshops or kids activities available?
Absolutely! Head to Library@Home to see pre-recorded workshops and activities including craft for kids and adults, history research or mindfulness activities, yoga, recipe walk-throughs with cookbook authors, slime making, juggling, journaling and more!
Are the e-waste stations open?
Yes, E-waste stations are available at all branches during library opening hours.
How many books and other items can I borrow?
You can borrow up to 40 items per membership (limit of two games) for 21 days. A maximum of ten reservations per membership applies.
DVDs, Blu-Rays, magazines and games (limit of 2 games) – 3 week loan
Books and talking books – 3 week loan
In addition, you can borrow our free e-books, movies, digital magazines, e-audio books and e-newspapers — available online 24/7
