General collections
Mackay libraries have many collections for general use. You can search all of our collections using the online library catalogue.
You can reserve titles from any of our branches free of charge, and pick them up at a location to suit you. Speak to one of our friendly members of staff, or reserve online.
You can also suggest items for purchase. View our guidelines for purchasing customer requests (PDF 78 KB). Any item we decide not to purchase can be obtained for you through inter-library loan. This is free if we can obtain it from a reciprocal borrowing library.
For full details of how we manage our collections, please see our Collection Development Policy (PDF 157 KB).
Newspapers
Libraries stock a number of current newspapers with an archived collection located in the heritage collection.
Issue from the past 10 years of the Daily Mercury are kept in hard copy at Mackay City Library. All other newspapers are kept for a period of two months at each library branch.
Magazines
Libraries provide access to a wide variety of magazine titles on many different subjects. The current issue of each title is not for loan, however back issues may be borrowed.
A total of ten magazine issues are allowed per person at any one time.
Each branch carries a different selection of titles. Customers can place reservations on back issues if the title is not held at your preferred branch.
Audio books
Each branch library holds a collection of audio books, including fiction and non-fiction titles, for adults, children and young adults. Audio CDs are available at all branches. Libraries also have MP3 CDs which contain entire novels on one single CD. We also have a number of Playaways. These are small portable MP3 players with headphones, each containing a different title.
Music
Libraries have a wide-ranging music CD collection including, pop, rock, country, dance and classical titles. You can borrow the latest Top 20 music CD releases as well as a comprehensive back catalogue of classic titles.
A total of five CDs are allowed per person at any one time.
DVDs
DVDs are available for loan at all branches. You will find popular current and classic TV shows, movies, comedy, health and lifestyle programmes, sport, documentaries and music DVDs. We also hold many titles for children and young adults.
A total of five DVDs are allowed per person at any one time.
Large print
A wide variety of titles, both fiction and non-fiction are available in large print format. Junior and young adult collections also hold some large print items.
Fiction and non-fiction
We have a comprehensive collection of fiction and non-fiction titles for juniors, young adults and adults, including the latest bestsellers and classic titles.
Quick reads
The quick read collection allows library customers to borrow the latest popular bestsellers without waiting in a long reservation queue.
- Loan period: 7 days
- Borrowing fee: $3.00
- No reservations of quick reads allowed
- Overdue fees: $1 per day
- Rehire at a cost of $3 per week
Parenting collection
The parenting collection contains story and picture books for children on issues relating to growing up, families, and other social issues. They are designed to assist parents in discussing difficult topics with their children. You will find the parenting collection in the junior section of your local branch library.
E-Books/Online books
The State Library of Queensland have compiled a list of e-book/online book websites. There is a combination of free and paid e-books sites in the list. Go to the list...