Nelson Public Libraries Holiday Closure
Frequently Asked Questions - Libraries' Summer Closure
All three branches of Nelson Public Libraries will close from 3pm on 24 December 2025 to give the staff a well-earned break. We will reopen on Saturday 3 January 2026.
Please visit our website for opening hours for all three of our branches.
What do I do if I have items on loan?
All due dates are extended to accommodate the shutdown period. Please feel free to hold onto your items until 3 January 2026.
If you need to return books or other small items to us, the after-hours returns slots at all three library branches will remain open so that you can securely return your books.
While our after-hours return slots will be open, please do not return large or fragile items such as board games, sewing machines or book club sets through these. These must be returned after we reopen on Saturday 3 January 2026 to avoid damage to the items.
I forgot my PIN to access e-resources and log into my account. How can I reset it?
You can reset your PIN through the My Account page on our website. Just enter your library card number (on the back of your card) and select Forgotten Your PIN? This will send a link to the email attached to your library account.
I have an item on hold at the library. Can I pick this up?
The libraries will be closed so you will not be able to pick up holds between 25 December and 2 January. All holds will have extended pick-up dates to account for the closure. You can check when this is by logging into your library account through our website or app.
How can I access Justice of the Peace services?
The last time the JPs will be available at the libraries in 2025 is Friday 19 December at Nightingale Library. The first JP session in 2026 will be Friday 9 January at Nightingale Library or Saturday 10 January at Elma Turner and Stoke Library.
You can visit the Found Directory to access alternative venues and contacts for JP services.
I have submitted an inquiry regarding Book a Librarian/ Skinny Jump/ Interloan/Suggestion for Purchase / Meeting Room booking. When can I expect a response?
Please note that due to the upcoming holiday closure period, our services will experience a slowdown. Any inquiries submitted between 22 December 2025 and 5 January 2026, will not be processed until Tuesday, 6 January 2026.
The Nightingale Library Memorial meeting room is available for use during our closure period; however, you will need to confirm your booking and pick up a key before we close at 3pm on 24 December.
I use the library for Wi-Fi, internet access or printing/scanning. What other options are there for accessing these services?
Wi-Fi is available throughout the central city, as well as outside of Elma Turner and Nightingale Libraries between 8am - 9pm daily or Stoke Library from 8am- 6pm on weekdays and 9am - 4pm on weekends.
Printing/scanning services will not be available at the libraries during our closure period. Printing/scanning can be done at commercial businesses for a fee. Please approach them directly.
How can I keep up to date with what’s going on?
We will provide regular updates through the following channels:
- Nelson Libraries and Nelson City Council Facebook pages.
Help! I have nothing left to read/watch/listen to!
Our Digital Library resources offer a wide range of materials such as eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, music, online databases, and streaming services which you can access anytime, anywhere. Enjoy the convenience of our digital collection at your fingertips!
Please note: Nelson City Council Customer Services can still be contacted for any urgent queries. Please call 03 546 0200.
