Karalee Library Pod
Open 24/7
The Ipswich Libraries self-service Pod is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Located outside Coles in the Karalee Shopping Village, Junction Rd Karalee.
Using your library card, you can browse, borrow and return books, as well as reserve books online and collect them at your convenience. The Library Pod offers a curated collection of multiple copies of our most popular and trending books, in beautiful, easy to use, self-serve cabinets.
Ipswich Libraries Pod was a first for Public Libraries in Australia. We are proud to continue to provide innovative solutions in delivering high quality Library services for the Ipswich City community.
FAQ
General Information
What services does the Pod offer?
- Borrow up to 20 items from a curated collection
- Return Ipswich Libraries items
- Collect reservations from the Pod
How do I use the Pod?
- Scan your Library membership card or Ipswich Libraries App
- The cabinet door will open
- Select books
- Push the green button to close the door
- Removed books are automatically checked out to your account
Do I need to be a Library member to use the Pod?
- Yes, however you can sign up on the spot using the Ipswich Libraries App.
Will I receive a membership card when joining on the Ipswich Libraries App?
- You receive a virtual card to use with the app, however if you would like a physical Library card, just drop into your closest branch.
What is the loan period?
- Standard loan period of 4 weeks applies to Pod items
- Standard renewal period of 2 weeks applies to Pod items
Will I receive a printed receipt?
- No, you can check loans and due dates using your account online and via the Ipswich Libraries App.
How many cabinets does the Pod have?
- 3 cabinets – 2 cabinets for browsing/borrowing and 1 cabinet for reservations.
- This may change depending on the number of reservations at any given time.
How often will new titles be available?
- New titles will be available every month
What collections will be available on the Pod?
- Predominantly Adult Fiction, with some highly popular Young Adult, Non-Fiction or Children’s titles.
Will audio and audio-visual items be available on the Pod?
- AV items are only available by reservation, they are not being stocked in the Pod.
Reservations
How do I reserve an item?
- Visit Ipswich Libraries website, search the title, view availability and place reservation.
How will I find my reservation?
- A reservation slip will be wrapped on the book with your name on it. Where possible, these will be displayed in alphabetical order.
What is the turnaround time for reservation delivery?
- Turnaround time is 2 – 4 days.
How long will the reservations be available at the Pod to collect?
- 5 days.
What if my reservation is not in the cabinet?
- Please contact Ipswich Libraries on 3810 6815 to report the issue.
Can Pod items be reserved?
- No, Pod items cannot be reserved.
- Items from other branches can be reserved and the Pod selected as the collection location.
I reserved an item for collection at the Pod, but it was sent to another location. Why?
- Where an item is too big to fit on the shelves, there is insufficient space, or the Pod is undergoing maintenance, your reserved item will be sent to the registered branch on your Library account.
Returns
How do I return items to the Pod?
- Return items through the library returns chute located on the Coles side of the Pod.
- Items will remain on your account until the return is processed by Library staff. Turnaround time is 1 – 2 business days.
Can items borrowed from other branches be returned to the Pod?
- Yes, all items can be returned there.
Troubleshooting
What if I leave my card, wallet, or phone in the Pod?
- Select ‘Start’ on the cabinet
- Type in your card barcode number or user name
- The door will open so you can retrieve the item
- Otherwise, please contact Ipswich Libraries on 3810 6815 to report the issue.
How can a I report an issue with the Pods e.g. vandalism, malfunction?
- Please contact Ipswich Libraries on 3810 6815