As required by Western Cape Library Services (WCLS), public libraries in the Western Cape must regularly update and clean their membership databases. Libraries may only report active members in their statistics, and these numbers influence the funding allocated to library services.
If you are a member of an Overstrand Library, you may therefore be asked to renew or confirm your membership details when visiting the library.
We encourage all members to use their library cards regularly and remain active users of the library service.
Have you not visited the library for years, or do you only use the Libby app? Don’t worry, in most cases your membership can still be renewed when you visit the library, or by contacting the library if you only use Libby.
How library membership works:
1. Validity of Membership
> Library membership is valid for 3 years.
2. Grace Period
> After 3 years, membership is suspended for 1 year, giving members a grace period to renew.
3. Removal of Membership
> If membership is not renewed during the grace period, it will be removed from the system, and the person will need to apply again.
4. Automatic Renewal When Visiting
> Membership is automatically renewed by staff in the month before it expires when a member visits the library.
> If you visit after the expiry date but within the grace year, staff can still renew your membership.
5. Confirmation of Personal Details
> If your details have not changed, staff will simply ask for verbal confirmation and renew your membership.
6. Updating Your Details
> If any personal information has changed (for example your address or contact details), please provide the updated information so staff can update your membership form.
7. Renewal Timing
> Staff cannot renew membership before it is due to expire.
8. Library Cards & Libby Users
> Library cards do not display an expiry date and remain valid while you are an active member.
> Members who only use the Libby app may contact the library by phone to renew their membership.
9. Active Membership Matters
> Only active members can be counted in the statistics reported to Western Cape Library Services, which affects the funding libraries receive.
We encourage all residents to visit the library regularly, keep their membership up to date and make full use of library services.
