Library FAQs
Can I join the library if I don't live in the City of Fremantle?
Yes, the Fremantle City Library is available to Western Australian residents. Contact the library on 08 9432 9766.
What are the library hours?
The Fremantle City Library hours are:
Monday and Friday 9.30 am–5.30 pm
Tuesday to Thursday 9.30 am–8.00 pm
Saturday 9.30 am–5.00 pm.
Contact the library on 08 9432 9766.
Who funds the library?
Fremantle City Library is a joint enterprise between the City of Fremantle, Town of East Fremantle and the Library Board of Western Australia. The councils provide the buildings and staff, while the board provides book stock and other back up services. Contact the library on 08 9432 9766.
Who can become a member and how much does it cost?
Membership is free and available to Western Australian residents. To become a member you must have proof of current address, together with a second contact. Temporary memberships are available for visitors. Contact the library on 08 9432 9766.
How do I borrow, and what can be borrowed?
Each borrower is entitled to eight items, including books, magazines, DVDs, cassettes, videos and other items. You must present your member card to borrow. All items borrowed on your card are your responsibility. If you lose your card, please advise us as soon as possible. There is a $3.50 fee for replacement cards. Contact the library on 08 9432 9766.
Can I ask for an item to be held for me?
All Fremantle Items can be reserved via our online catalogue, over the phone, or in person at the library. Books from other libraries may be requested by completing a form at the library. Contact the library on 08 9432 9766.
How long can I keep borrowed items?
All items are lent for three weeks. You are able to renew your items by phone, in person, or online (up to two renewals are possible). Contact the library on 08 9432 9766.
Is the internet available in the library?
The internet is free for all members. Bookings are essential and conditions apply. Wireless access for personal laptops is also available. Contact the library on 08 9432 9766.
Can I find out if an item I want is in the public library system?
You can check our online library catalogue or the public access machines located in the library. If you are a member, you can access the state wide public catalogue. Contact the library on 08 9432 9766.
What day do the local papers come out?
There are two local Fremantle papers— The Herald, available every Friday, and The Gazette, available every Tuesday. Contact Fre-Info on 08 9432 9888.
How do I find out about services and activities in Fremantle?
Our community information database Fre-info provides information about events, festivals, local community groups, organisations, programs and facilities in the City of Fremantle and the Town of East Fremantle. Contact Fre-Info on 08 9432 9888.
How can I find out about an event happening in Fremantle?
Our community information database Fre-info provides details of all events happening in Fremantle and East Fremantle, such as exhibitions, festivals, plays, concerts and school holiday activities. Contact Fre-Info on 08 9432 9888.
How do I find out the details of a restaurant in Fremantle?
Our community information database Fre-info has listings of local restaurants and cafes, which includes location, opening hours, cuisine and any special features. Contact our fre-info team on 08 9432 9888.
Where can I find a list of venues for hire in Fremantle for a meeting, wedding, or exercise classes?
Our community information database Fre-info has listing of venues available for hire in Fremantle, which can be hired for meetings, weddings, exercise classes, workshops and seminars. Contact Fre-Info on 08 9432 9888.
Where can I find out about Fremantle's history?
The local history collection in the library can provide materials to suit a range of needs from school projects to professional historical research. Contact the library on 08 9432 9739.
When is the local history collection open?
The local history collection is open Monday to Friday 9.30 am–5.00 pm. Contact local history on 08 9432 9739.
Where can I find old photographs of Fremantle?
The local history collection has over 5 000 photographs. The majority can be viewed online. Contact local history on 08 9432 9739.
Who can use the local history collection?
The collection is freely available for anyone to use. Resources cannot be borrowed, however most materials may be accessed and copied. Contact the local history on 08 9432 9739.
Where can I find some historic information about my home?
The local history collection resources assist people interested in researching Fremantle and East Fremantle properties. The collection includes old maps, photographs, newspaper articles and Fremantle rate books. Contact local history on 08 9432 9739.
I am interested in researching my family history but don't know where to start?
A good place to start is with the Biographical Dictionaries or files in the local history collection. Our staff can advise on other online databases, family history centres, and genealogical resources. Contact local history on 08 9432 9739.
Is it possible to look at back issues of the local papers?
The local history collection has paper copies of back issues of local papers for the past ten years. Issues prior to this are available for viewing on microfilm. Contact local history on 08 9432 9739.
Are past council minutes accessible to the public?
The local history collection holds Fremantle City Council Minutes from 1856–1920 and 1963–present. The years between are held at the State Records Office. The Town of East Fremantle Council Minutes from 1897–1976 and 2000–present are also available. Contact local history on 08 9432 9739.
Do you have a toy library?
The toy library is located at Hilton Community Centre, at the corner of Farrell St and Paget St in Hilton. It provides toys, games, dress ups and activities. Membership is open to families resident in, or rate payers of ,the City of Fremantle or the Town of East Fremantle, with children aged 0–6 years. Membership fees apply and are non-refundable. Concession rates are available for concession card holders. Contact the toy library on 08 9331 8705.
When is story time?
Story time for 2–5 year olds is held every Thursday at 10.00 am, and repeated on Saturday at 11.00 am, February through to mid-December. Story time is free and no bookings are required. A toddler program is also available during each school term for 18–30 months old, bookings are required. Contact the library on 08 9432 9766.
When is Baby Rhyme Time?
Baby Rhyme Time for 0–2 year olds is held every Wednesday during school terms at 9.30 am. Baby Rhyme Time is free and no bookings are required. Contact the library on 08 9432 9766.
Does the library run holiday activities for children?
The library has a school holiday program full of events and activities. We also have occasional evening and after school events. All events are free, but some may require bookings. Contact the library on 08 9432 9766.