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FREE City of Sydney Library Membership Was $15

1680

Free for all NSW residents, membership to the City of Sydney library. Was previously $15 for one year.
Now as a member, when you sign up you get free membership for 3 years!

Why would I become a member?

Latest DVD's - can borrow for 3 weeks, and if you return them late a day, only 30c fine, unlike the DVD rental places where you can pay up to $7

Latest music CD's

Ancestry.com free to use ALL THE TIME
Building Codes Australia free to use ALL THE TIME
Choice magazine again free!
Only caveat is you use them at the library

Also some at home databases once you are a member http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/explore/libraries/elibrar…
these are especially good if you are a student - good journal articles for essays

Join here
http://library.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/opac/JoinWiz.aspx

and pickup your card at one of the staffed branches (Pyrmont & Town Hall are not staffed)

http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/explore/libraries/branche…

Also free Wifi in all the branches with 500mb limit per device per day

Related Stores

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closed Comments

  • +3

    I took it for granted when I joined 4 free about 4-5 months ago. When exactly did it become free?

    • +2

      Actually became free this financial year 1st July

        • +4

          Not all announcements are bargains might be closer to the mark.

        • I used to join up every year ranging from $11-$15, so this is a good Public Service Announcement for those of us living outside the boundaries of the City of Sydney who were not aware of the policy change.

  • +2

    im amazed libraries are able to stay relevant with quite a decent list of useful resources

    • +29

      We need to be.. We actually got a 3D printer in that the public will be able to use, we are ironing out the procedures and developing staff training, but it should be be in place at the Surry Hills branch for public use late Sept / early Oct

      • Need staff?

      • +3

        Follow us on facebook for updates on the 3D printer and other free events at the library

        https://www.facebook.com/coslibraries

      • +1

        That's awesome! Obviously you'd be charging per print?

        • +4

          $5 per print, and 10c a gram
          specifics are not in writing yet, but thats my understanding

        • @Robydc: Out of curiosity, which printer do you use?

        • +1

          @mafmouf:
          Makerbot replicator 2
          http://store.makerbot.com/replicator2.html

          Easy to use and works right out of the box!

    • +2

      They do ebooks now, don't even have to go in, just log on.

  • +1

    Rep, does the city of sydney library membership include access to Zinio and/or Pressdisplay/Pressreader?

    • +6

      This is something we will be getting in the very near future - Zinio contract is being written up, so we need management to approve and sign off before this goes ahead

      • +1

        you need try to get Zinio to include API (Australian Property Investor) again… :)

        • +6

          It is something we can ask for when we sign the contract - thanks for the suggestion!

        • @Robydc:

          getting in the very near future

          Any ETA of availability within next 3-4mths before '15?

          Are you going to have the largest collection in NSW, even bigger than the South Sydney one (which currently has 21pgs)?

        • @grab_ur_freebies:

          I dont have much in the details at this stage as it is being headed up by our contracts specialist.
          ETA I envisage would be before Christmas and as for collection it would supplement what we have already. Best thing would be to suggest titles at the branches, via email or Facebook page, that way we get a feel for what the public want

  • Hi, I'm in Victoria and can I register a membership (so that I can use Online access features?)

    • Library membership fees apply if you live interstate or overseas.

      • -2

        Do they come around and check where you live ?

        • When you pickup your card they will check your ID.. best we can do :)

        • I think they might make a broad judgment on you by your accent!

  • Well done Sydney City library. Understand that the Haymarket library has the largest selection of Chinese materials for any Australian public library. My suggestion would just be to increase the kids' Chinese section.

    • +7

      My suggestion would just be to increase the kids' Chinese section.

      That's not going to help people of other Nationalities…

      • I would be interested as my daughter goes to Mandarin classes on Saturdays. Just make it bilingual as I don't speak the language.

        • We have a small collection of bilingual Chinese / English books, if there is a call for more, then we could always get them in

      • +1

        People of any nationality could benefit if they were interested in reading Chinese.

        • True, mandarin seems to be a pretty hot language right now to learn as a second or third language, even among people who aren't Chinese.

        • -7

          People of any nationality could benefit if they were interested in reading Chinese.

          Same could be said for just about any other language.

          I don't see why they should just pick one and discriminate against the others…

        • +5

          @jv:
          Haymarket Sydney is right next to China town and therefore has a high Chinese population.

          If you can't see why they would do that, perhaps you could ask them yourself for your own enlightenment.

        • +1

          @gummibear:
          jv is from Victoria so there's no way he should know that, however there's also no reason for him to be even commenting here.

        • +1

          however there's also no reason for him to be even commenting here.

          Well some may say (or wish) there's is no reason for JV to comment anywhere on OzBargain,but the fact is JV comments everywhere.

        • @heatseeker424: Lol im from victoria and I know Haymarket is china town.

      • +17

        They already know English. Chinese would be their second language (for children) since they grow up learning English. Knowing multiple languages is an advantage. Do you think Kevin Rudd doesn't call Australia home?

      • +3

        Hey "pal", perhaps having a multilingual next generation is a wise investment? Down-voting your comment for pure redneck jingoism.

        • +7

          Aside from the fact that English has only been in Australia a couple of hundred years.

          "pal" is probably not the type of person you'd want to learn English from either.

        • @ChickenTalon: Haha maybe pal secretly wants these books for himself so he can go back and learn English properly :p

      • +2

        Nice try Clive palmer

  • +11

    I thought Libraries were free any way? The Gold Coast ones are great, have all the services you mention above (maybe not a 3d printer), never been a charge to use them.

    • +3

      You pay for your library memberships through your council rates, get the best value for your $ and join your local library because essentially you have (already) paid for it. Just a service people need to take advantage of…

      • +1

        I realise that I pay as part of my rates but so do the property owners for your area too don't they?
        It's good that you are now free, just didn't realise any libraries in Australia had membership fees.

        Libraries are great, I just dontthink a lot of people realise that they are more than dusty old books nowadays.

        • i have to agree, all my life, and thats over 40+ years ive always assumed my library use was free…. that of my kids too, to hear that it was not-free is a shock to me.

    • +2

      I'm with you - Until now, I've never seen a government library ever charge members directly for membership.
      I'm in Melbourne and have memberships at multiple different libraries that give me a load of stuff, especially "eResources" (Ancestry and the like from within the library, Zinio, pressdisplay, and a squillion other resources that I can access from home), and have never paid a cent.

      Mind you, the 3d printer would be nice.

      • i think the victorian government years ago made it a condition that they be free as they were supplying part of the funding.

  • +3

    Well done sir! I found 3D printing workshop available for free at Custom House library. It is started tomorrow from 2 to 4 pm. Event details are found in https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/3d-printing-workshops-ticket…

    • yep, the lovely Tanija will be helping out, say hi

    • +1

      3D printer creates 3D printer… profit?!?!?!

      • +2

        more like 3D printer creates 3D printer ink… then you can profit.

        Like regular printers, often the money is in the ink (filament)

      • Printception.

  • what happen after 3 years?

    • Just renew again!
      We use it as a way of cleaning up the database for those that dont end up using their memberships

      • oh so this is free for life! cool!
        Rob, i actually have membership already (lived in city before) now the membership still active but i have moved outside cbd, should i report my change of address and then reapply with this offer?
        i tried apply online but system found me already on database.

        • +1

          Sure! change of address should be updated.
          Any other details like mobile ph or email come in handy

          You can call us to update your details
          02 9242 8555

          Reservation of books are free too, so if a book you have placed a hold on comes in, we can sms you!

          Also if your items are due to be returned, we email you 4 days before they are due, so you can return them or renew and wont be fined.

  • +1

    Great deal! More extensive collection than local lib.
    Paid $15 few years ago.

  • +1

    Tried to apply online, but it could not find my address.

    • Might need to come into the branch - our address database needs an upgrade, so some street names don't appear

      • I'll let the Systems Admin know
      • I'll let the Systems Admin know

        Please do, I'm in the same boat…

  • Fantastic. I'll be joining up. Thanks OP

  • Hi store rep - what's "Building Codes Australia" as mentioned in your post?

    • Building codes
      all the construction laws when building

      From the site http://www.abcb.gov.au/
      - The Australian Building Codes Board addresses issues relating to safety, health, amenity and sustainability in the design and performance of buildings through the National Construction Code (NCC) Series, and the development of effective regulatory systems and appropriate non-regulatory solutions

      Oh and we have free access to Standards Australia too

      • Is that any different to most NSW libraries?
        Lane Cove has Standards Australia access - but last time I tried to use it I found it was pretty useless. It was like they were giving free access because they had to - not because they wanted to. You could only look at standards one PDF page at a time (then it had to download the next page) so it was really slow & painful. Is your Standards Australia access the same?

        • I will have to try it and find out. I know that I was able to download the full documents, but it could have been through my uni databases. I have a feeling that the public libraries get identical access so it could be as you said, a page at a time.

        • @peter_mcc I have just checked, and yes it is the same. Painful indeed.
          Must be a public library agreement to show the standards in this format. Stops people downloading and sharing the entire standard i suppose, but what a pain.

          I can confirm that university libraries have different agreements, you can get the full standard as a pdf.

          Sorry doesnt help you much

  • Hi, Robydc, can my library card be sent to my NSW address?

    • Unfortunately not - One of the policies is you need to attend a library in person with valid ID (Proof of NSW address) to join / pickup your card, which needs to be sighted by a staff member

      • Hi, Robydc, when I attend any library branch, will my library card be printed on the spot? I don't recall I have nominated a library branch to collect my library card.

        • Yep, they will give you one on the spot, just dont forget your ID / proof of address

  • -4

    ha have to pay to join a library ,is this private bussiness or a public library

    • come on, at least they have good facilities and clean place, plus it is free for local residents.

  • +1

    I also wrongly assumed public libraries were free, in Melbourne can easily join multiple council libraries for free. Bayside council has amazing service for reservations. Travelling overseas, I was amazed that UK libraries and US libraries allowed membership and book borrowing without local ID. Pleased to see City of Sydney now offering it free. Libraries should always be relevant as long as they keep up to date with the public needs.

  • Are video games available to play or borrow? Local library at maroubra does.

    • +1

      No games unfortunately - I would love a collection started here but what would you provide?

      Too open for arguments
      You provide Xbox One games, and where are the PS4 ones? Vice versa.. and why not PS3 or 360 games etc?

      All or nothing I say, but gotta convince management that it is a worthy of cost to start a collection

      • +3

        I'd be wary of that. The first time I reserved a DVD (Pitch Perfect ;-p must have missed it at the cinemas or heard reviews after it was released on DVD) so I reserved it as soon as it came through on my E-Mail alerts for new orders (WA, large town North Of River, say 50,000 members?) and it already had over 30 reserves! The highest I'd seen, especially after a day or so. But they had 4 or 5 copies. So somehow I got it by 4th or 5th use.

        Went to watch it and halfway through it froze. Damn thing was scratched or something. Tried cleaning it to no affect. So never bothered with popular DVDs again.

        I can just imagine this happening much sooner with games. Kids not taking care of it because they don't own it. The damage policy needs to be enforced properly. Each DVD (and game) needs to be tested after it is returned. Tedious I know, but there must be a machine. I'm sure there is software for CDs and DVDs.

        I've borrowed audiobooks that were filthy, had to clean them before using them. It's nuts. Really opens your eyes to humanity and how selfish people are ;-p

      • I'd recommend PS3, wii and xbox360 games, as lots of people have those consoles. The new gen versions in a year or so. Most of those games could be donated or found online for next to nothing now too.

        • +2

          Yeah, I don't play games but I find it odd that kids get an expensive console and then don't want to pay for games. The game shops have second hand and trade ins, so not much excuse.

          For a library to carry video games would be a huge waste of ratepayers money. Doubt the game shops would like the loss of business. Then again you need the darn CD to play the games, so you can't really borrow them. Unless they copy them of course ;-p

        • @adamren: Books cost money too, so do DVDs, I can see your point of view, but if you had kids that wanted to play games and the library had them, your point of view may change. Also, donating old games that lots of kids have and no longer use, is of no cost. Please bear in mind, a library is not about saving money, its about providing services to its members.

    • +1

      Gold coast library has video games , pc only though.

  • +1

    Melbourne city library has PS3 and Xbox 360 games

  • Is the free membership open to anyone in NSW or just residents on Sydney City Council?

    I live in Newcastle but would like to sign up for a free membership to access the electronic resources.

    • I think there is a free online membership option for a long time now.

    • Seems to be any one in NSW. I am from an outer suburb but work in the CBD and was able to register with my home address.

  • Is the online membership compatible with overdrive media console? Any special app needed to use the ebooks or audio books?

    • +1

      We don't have the overdrive eBook platform. At this point we have EBL, but are looking at our own platform, hopefully towards the end of the year.

      • Thanks for the reply, I tried to browse the ebooks that you have, to be honest it was way to hard and I couldn't find basic categories, like fiction, non-fiction, audiobooks and so on. I hope you do find some easy to use platform soon. Any idea why no library in Sydney uses the kindle format for ebooks? My kindle is gathering dust!

        I always think libraries would have way more loans and members if they had a Netflix style app, recommended books, DVDs, based on previous and trending loans. I hope the new platform is a good one, best of luck.

  • I was a member a few years ago before moved out of the city area, might still have the library card. Should I still re-apply and get a new card? Love to jump on the online resources..

    • You may still be in the database, if you apply online and it says you are a member, all you have to do is come into a branch with some ID and we will supply you with a new card.

      • Great, thank you! Will drop in a branch to check.

  • I had a libray card 10 years ago. So Town Hall library is no longer staffed?

    • @nfr
      Town Hall is no longer staffed. They relocated the collections to Customs House and opened up a Town Hall express where you could pickup reserved items and return your loans via a self check machine back in 2005.

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