Borrowing and renewing

State Library membership allows you to borrow items such as books, music scores and play scripts.  

  • Maximum of eight items may be borrowed at a time.  

  • Four week loan period for books.  

  • Three month loan period for orchestral sets and play sets. 

  • Items can be renewed once, for four weeks (renewals will be declined if another member has requested the item). 

Renew loans online by logging in to My Library Card via the catalogue, or contact the State Library at library@slwa.wa.gov.au

Loans should be renewed to avoid overdue notices and charges for long overdue or lost items.  

Rare or valuable items and materials from the J. S. Battye Library of Western Australian history are available for use within the Library building only.  

Renew loans online by logging in to your membership with the details from your State Library membership card, or contact the State Library at library@slwa.wa.gov.au

Check out and return

Returns are made to the Welcome Desk on the Ground Floor.  Library staff will assist with the checkout and return process. 

Frequently asked questions

I’m a member of my local library.  Should I join the State Library too?
Yes. You need a separate membership card for each library.

Can I return books borrowed from the State Library to my local library?
No. Books must be returned to the library borrowed from.

Why are some local library books labelled with the State Library barcode?
The State Library provides stock to public libraries in WA. These are labelled with the State Library barcode. 

How do I borrow an eBook or eAudioBook?
Search the catatogue for the title you want. Click the link on the catalogue record and be ready to enter the barcode from your Library membership card. You can also use BorrowBox or Overdrive to access eBooks and eAudioBooks. The BorrowBox app will ask you for a pin or password – yours will be your last name with the first letter capitalised.

How do I return an eBook when I’ve finished reading it?
When your borrowing period ends, eBooks are automatically returned and made available to other readers.

Special Notice:
Please take care of the items you borrow. A replacement cost will be charged for items that are damaged or not returned. An administration fee will also be charged for each invoice issued.
Lost and Damaged Books Recovery 2021/22
Administration Fee $47.63
SLWA Stock Various

 

Join the Library! Free membership is available at the State Library for all WA residents. Access online resources from home and borrow collection items.
Welcome Desk at the State Library of WA
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