Mystery Box is for Canberra residents whose access to the library has been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions and would benefit from access to library resources, enjoy some literary relief and foster positive wellbeing.

Places are limited to 2,000.

Registrations for Mystery Box are open now. The Mystery Box service will continue until March 2023.

Each Mystery Box will have up to 10 items from your preferred genre, with a maximum weight of 5 kg. You can ask for DVDs of the same genre to be included as well as books.

You will have 4 weeks to enjoy each Mystery Box you receive.

Please keep the box that items are delivered in and pack the items back into the same box for collection.

You can return your Mystery Box to any Libraries ACT branch at any time. You will need to let us know if you do this, so we know to leave a new box on delivery day. You can email TCCS.LibraryDelivery@act.gov.au or call our helpline on 6207 7265.

Libraries ACT is employing 10 staff through Jobs for Canberra specially to provide the trial Mystery Box delivery service.

Delivery and collection will be contactless.

When we make the delivery we won't ring the doorbell or knock on the door.

Please don't come outside while we make the delivery. Wait until we have left, then enjoy your Mystery Box.

You can return your Mystery Box to any Libraries ACT branch at any time. You will need to let us know if you do this, so we know to leave a new box on delivery day. You can email TCCS.LibraryDelivery@act.gov.au or call our helpline on 6207 7265.

The Mystery Box service is free to those in the community who need it.

Library books being borrowed through Mystery Box are all from the library’s collections.

The cost of employing the 10 staff to provide the Mystery Box delivery service is covered by the Jobs for Canberra scheme.

No. Mystery Box is only available to residents of the ACT.

Yes, more than one person per household can register.

Yes, you can however material will be subjected to availability.

No, this each Mystery Box is filled with hand-picked, surprise items. If you’d like to request specific books, please visit our website and place a reservation and collect your items in branch.

You will be able to enjoy the items in your Mystery Box for 4 weeks. We will then collect it and a new one will be delivered, which you can then enjoy for another 4 weeks before we come to pick it up.

We will let you know what day to expect the delivery. If you are not home at the time of delivery, your Mystery Box will be left in the safest place possible, providing your current box is out for collection. If we are unable to exchange boxes, we will leave a ‘Failure to Deliver’ notice and your next delivery will be in 4 weeks.

You are able to return your box to any branch before the next delivery date.

Yes. Please keep the box that the items have been delivered in and pack the items back into the same box for pick up.

No. It is a requirement of this service that an exchange is made, and the first box is collected before the second box is delivered.

As this is a delivery service, our dedicated couriers will collect your Mystery Box at the end of each 4 week period.

Please keep the box the items have been delivered in and pack the items back into the same box for pick up.

You can return your Mystery Box to any Libraries ACT branch at any time. You will need to let us know if you do this, so we know to leave a new box on delivery day. You can email TCCS.LibraryDelivery@act.gov.au or call our helpline on 6207 7265.

Library items have similar risks to any other items that come into contact with COVID-19. You should follow good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitiser for 20 to 30 seconds, especially when handling shared objects like library items.

If you have concerns, we encourage you to use our digital resources.

No, Mystery Boxes items cannot be renewed and must be returned after the 4 week loan period.

Yes, Mystery Box accounts are subject to the same terms and conditions as all other library accounts.

Read the Membership and Loans Policy 2019 (PDF)

After 28 days overdue, Mystery Box items will attract lost item and lost item processing fees. Library privileges may temporarily suspended.

We want to hear from you! What worked well, what didn’t work well, what you loved, and what could be improved.

You can contact us via email TCCS.LibraryDelivery@act.gov.au or call our helpline on 6207 7265.