Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update - Greater Dandenong Libraries
The service has two physical branches, in Dandenong and Springvale, which are both usually open 72 hours per week and during selected public holidays. We also offer a third virtual branch (right here) with access to the library online 24/7.
The libraries attract about 1 million visits per year across the two sites and host more than 1100 programs both onsite and remotely.
Whether looking for the latest novel or children’s book, ebooks, online resources, materials in over 20 community languages, DVDs, newspapers, language or literacy assistance, internet access or some fun and educational activities, the friendly staff at the library are here to help.
It is free to join the Greater Dandenong Libraries and membership opens up access to lots of services and perks. Find out more about Library Membership.
Below is information about the full range of library services.
Ask a Librarian
To Ask a Librarian a question, please fill in our easy online form and we will reply to you within 3 business days.
Alternatively, phone 1300 630 920 during opening hours (excluding public holidays).
At the Library
For Children
- Children's area with a great selection of children's books and DVDs
- Weekly storytimes for babies and pre-schoolers
- Fun school holiday activities
For Young People
- Huge range of young adult fiction, graphic novels, comics, music and more
- Resources for school projects
- Study spaces with free WiFi access
- Youth driven programs including study support
- Science, technology and engineering programs
For Everyone
- Free computers (bookings required, and conditions of use apply)
- Use your own device and log-in to free WiFi
- A variety of creative, digital literacy, business and general programs and workshops
- Large print, talking books, newspapers and magazines
- Local and family history resources
- Items in a wide range of community languages
- English and learning resources
- Language and literacy advice and referral
- Library Tech Assist
- Literacy and learning help and support for adults
Borrow, Renew and Return
Borrow
Up to 40 items per card, including up to 10 DVD/CDs and 20 magazines.
Items may be borrowed for three weeks.
Renew
Renew in person, by phone, via the online catalogue or mobile app.
Item can be renewed twice, unless they are overdue or are on hold for other patrons.
Automatic renewals apply for eligible items that have not been renewed twice already or are on hold for other patrons
Return
Items can be returned to any Greater Dandenong Library branch 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or to any participating Libraries Victoria library.
Greater Dandenong Libraries Loans - Code of Practice - 147KB
Click and Collect
Click and Collect of available holds only at both libraries Monday-Friday 9am-6pm.
Visit the library catalogue to place holds and manage your account.
Community Languages and Literacy
Greater Dandenong Libraries offer library items in a range of community languages and free independent language and literacy advice and referrals.
Learn English, improve reading, writing and literacy, gain information about further study, work skills and more.
Computer and WiFi Access in the Libraries
Computer Access
The use of library computers is free for all Greater Dandenong library members.
All computers have Microsoft Office, as well as access to a colour printer (printing costs apply).
A number of PCs and iMacs are equipped with Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Scanning facilities are available free of charge on dedicated PCs and through the printers at both the libraries. Note: some scanning devices require a USB.
Computer Bookings
Bookings can be made in the libraries from the dedicated PC booking terminals or walk-up bookings at available computers.
Computer bookings can be made for a maximum of two hours per day.
WiFi Access
Access to WiFi is free and is available during library opening hours wireless devices (e.g. laptop or smartphone).
Children under 10 years old must have direct supervision by a parent/guardian.
Please note: because each computer is unique, library staff are not able to offer personal technical assistance with the configuration of equipment.
Cyber safety - Advice and Support
Cyber Safety - advice and support provides resources for the safe, smart and responsible use of online technology and devices for all library members and the community.
From digital novices to the digitally proficient, parents/carers and teachers there are many resources to enable everyone to have a positive and safe online experience.
Older persons can build on their digital literacy skills, women and young people can access support and advice, while children can learn to have fun using their digital devices, safely and responsibly.
Dandenong Library Access Key
Access Keys are customised guides, with images relating to accessibility. The guide for Dandenong Library has information about the layout, amenities, suitable parking, customer service facilities, entry and exit points as well as safety and accessibility features within the library.
eBooks and Audiobooks
Free downloadable eBooks, Audiobooks, online newspapers, magazines and comics.
Devices/platforms may include Windows, Apple, iOS, Android, Nook, Kindle Fire.
Please refer to the support/help information in each search for more detail.
Fees and Charges
Greater Dandenong Libraries offer a range of services, many for free, but some do have a cost.
Free Home Delivery Service
Contactless home delivery of library items is available to Greater Dandenong Library members who live in the City of Greater Dandenong.
Complete online form for this service
For more information phone 1300 630 920 during opening hours.
Gaming Consoles
The libraries have a wide range of games on Playstation4, XboxOne, WiiU and Nintendo Switch to suit all age groups, including fun, interactive and educational PC games for children.
Booking the gaming consoles
Sessions can be booked on the hour or half hour time slots on the day and in person only
Children under 10 years old must have direct supervision by parent/guardian and use their own library card
Users must have a valid library card to book a gaming console
Users must agree to the Gaming Console Conditions of Use.
Home Library Service
The Home Library Service provides a free library delivery service for eligible residents of the City of Greater Dandenong.
Volunteers or staff will visit regularly with a selection of library materials chosen to suit the individual’s interests and requirements.
Who is eligible to receive the Home Library Service?
The Home Library Service is available to residents in the City of Greater Dandenong who:
- have difficulty visiting the Library because of illness, frailty or disability (temporary or permanent)
- are caring full-time for someone who is confined to their home by illness, frailty or disability.
What can the Home Library Service patrons borrow?
- fiction/non-fiction books
- books in large print or standard print
- talking books
- music CDs, DVDs, Blurays
- magazines
- materials in a range of community languages.
More information on the Home Library Service
For more information please contact the Home Library Service on 8571 1412 or email homelibraryservice@cgd.vic.gov.au.
Interested in becoming a Home Library volunteer? The Home Library Service could not operate without the goodwill of the many volunteers who support this program.
To find out more about becoming a Home Library volunteer please contact Council’s Volunteer Co-ordinator on 8571 5335 or visit the Council page on Volunteering.
Interlibrary Loans
Borrowers of Greater Dandenong Libraries may request an interlibrary loan through the library catalogue. Users of this service must be a member of Greater Dandenong Libraries. Temporary and online memberships do not have access to interlibrary loans.
Only items not found in our catalogue may be requested via the interlibrary loans service so please remember to search our library catalogue first. There is a maximum of five interlibrary loans in process at any one time.
Requested items can only be collected from Dandenong or Springvale library and are not transferrable within the Libraries Victoria Consortia.
There is no charge for interlibrary loans obtained from public libraries in Victoria, however, academic and private libraries charge a fee for lending their materials. Users will be notified beforehand if there is a fee.
Interlibrary loans have special requirements. Please become familiar with the Resource Sharing Guidelines before proceeding.
Resource Sharing Guidelines - 467KB
Please note that Greater Dandenong Libraries has no control over what other lending libraries may or may not lend, response times from lending libraries, their loan conditions or length of loan periods.
Requests for recent publications should be placed via the Purchase Request form.
Join the Library
Library membership is free.
Membership categories
Full (must be a resident of Victoria). This includes membership of participating Libraries Victoria libraries.
Temporary visitors.
Online.
For more information view the Library Membership webpage.
Justice of the Peace (JP) Services
Justice of the Peace (JP) Services (not available on weekends or public holidays)
JPs are volunteers and there may be times when they are not available as scheduled below.
Dandenong Library
Monday: 10am-3pm
Tuesday: 10am-3pm
Wednesday: 10am-3pm and 6pm-8pm
Thursday: 10am-3pm
Springvale Library
Monday to Friday: 10am-1pm and 4pm-7pm
To find a JP visit Find a Justice of the Peace (JP)
Library Tech Assist
Library Tech Assist is available to all library members at the following times and locations.
Monday 2pm-4pm Dandenong Library
Tuesday 2pm-4pm Dandenong Library
Wednesday 2pm-4pm Springvale Library
Thursday 2pm-4pm Dandenong Library
Friday 2pm-4pm Springvale Library
The Library Tech Assist team can assist with:
- Accessing library eResources such as Kanopy, BorrowBox or Studiosity
- Setting up an email account
- Installing apps on phones or tablets
- Using social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Viber, Facetime and more.
To access this service, drop in during one of the times listed above, or phone the library during opening hours on 1300 630 920 to make a booking in advance.
For Library Tech Assist fact sheets on a variety of library apps and more see further down this page. More fact sheets will be published soon.
Library Tours
Free library tours are held for schools, community groups and organisations upon request. To arrange a library tour, please submit a library tour form.
Mobile App
Remote catalogue search
Find a title, reserve, borrow or renew it, straight from your mobile.
Library information
From events to opening hours to directions, regularly updated service information gives you all the knowledge you need.
Programs and Events
The whole community can enjoy our wide range of educational, fun and interesting activities, most of which are free.
Read and Relax Blog
Read and Relax is the home of Library staff reviews of their favourite books, movies and more.
Find out what’s new in the collection, read about the latest award-winning titles and get some inspiration for your next read.
Recording Booth at Dandenong Library
The Dandenong Library has a state of the art recording booth available for the community to record music, podcast, voice overs or creative their own works. Speak to library staff or complete the induction.
Seed Library
Located in the Springvale Community Hub foyer (opposite the lifts on the lower level), the Greater Dandenong Seed Library will contribute to food security and wellbeing in the Greater Dandenong area, encouraging community members to grow their own food and produce no matter how big or small their garden space is.
Each season, Seed Library members can take their choice of seeds from the collection, enjoy the growing season and their crops, then ‘return’ the leftovers and/or a portion of the seeds that they collect from their harvest so that those seeds can be used for the next year’s crop.
While the Springvale Community Hub is closed due to current restrictions, Seed Library members can Click and Collect their spring seeds from Springvale Library, Monday to Friday 9am-6pm.
Street Libraries
A Street Library (or sometimes known as a Little Library) is a mini library for the community to share and enjoy books between each other. This is a free service which encourages reading for all levels and brings the community closer together.
Council has two Street Libraries. One is located at Currajong Reserve in Dandenong North and another is located in Multicultural Place, Buckingham and Balmoral Avenues in Springvale.
For more information about what a Street Library is visit the website streetlibrary.org.au.
The Open Book Podcast
Listen in with the team at Greater Dandenong Libraries as they discuss and review books, promote and highlight local events, and have lively conversations about the library behind-the-scenes.
