• How do I join the library?
• Do I have to pay?
• How many items can I take out?
• How long can I keep them for?
• Can I borrow items if I don't have my library membership card?
• What if I can't get to a library to renew my items?
• Can I renew my library loans by telephone?
• What is my library membership number and PIN?
• Can I go to any library?
• Can I pay my library fines and charges electronically?
• How can I find the book I want?
• What if I can't find the book I want?
• What if I can't find the information I'm looking for?
• What if I'm housebound and can't get to the library?
• What happens if I lose my library ticket?
• How do I let you know about a change of address/name?
• I've got some unwanted books - do you accept donations?

How do I join the library?

Membership is free to everyone who lives, works or studies in Nottingham.

You can join on-line now by filling in a membership form - we will post your library card to the address you give us.

Alternatively, you can visit any of our libraries and fill in a simple application form.

If you would like to complete the form in advance, you can download a copy here.

Please follow this link if you would like a membership form in another language.

People under eleven years of age must have the application form signed by a parent or guardian.

You will be given a membership ticket which you can use straight away.

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Do I have to pay?

Not for borrowing books, using the computers or looking for information. The basic service is free. There may be a charge if you hire a DVD, CD, or CD-ROM - or for any item kept overdue, or lost or damaged. Click here for details of charges.

How many items can I take out?

You can have up to a total of 24 items out. These can be any mix of books, spoken word tapes, DVDs, compact discs and CD-ROMs. You are allowed to borrow up to 3 DVDs at any one time.

How long can I keep them for?

Most items are issued for 3 weeks. Music and audio-visual items are issued for 1 week only. The date that an item is due for return will be stamped on each item or printed on the receipt you are given. Charged for audio-visual items, eg. DVDs, CDs are automatically renewed every week and the renewal charge added to your library account.

We can e-mail you a reminder a few days before your books are due for return; please contact library staff if you would like us to set up this free service for you.

Can I borrow items if I don't have my library membership card?

You should have your library membership card with you whenever you want to use library services; this includes booking and using a computer, and borrowing or renewing library items. If you are unable to produce your library membership card, in exceptional circumstances we may be able to accept other proofs of identification; please ask library staff for further information.

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What if I can't get to a library to renew my items?

If you can't get to the library you can renew books by phone, post or fax, or on-line via our online catalogue. Our list of libraries includes phone/fax numbers and e-mail addresses.

If you can't contact a library during normal opening hours, try our 24-hour renewal line: 0845 330 4435.

If you want to renew books online you will need to have your library membership card number and PIN; if you don't know your PIN, please contact your local library.

You can renew most items up to 3 times. After that they will need to be returned to a library; if no-one else is wanting them, you will then be able to have them issued again.

Charged for audio-visual items, eg. DVDs, CDs are automatically renewed every week and the renewal charge added to your library account.

We can e-mail you a reminder a few days before your books are due for return; please contact library staff if you would like us to set up this free service for you.

What is my membership number and PIN?

Your membership number is printed on your library membership card. It starts with a letter "D" and then has 8 numbers ; any additional numbers/letters are not part of your membership number and should not be used. Your library PIN is a "password" of between 6 and 9 letters/numbers; if you don't know your PIN, please visit your local library with your membership card and some additional form of ID (name and address).

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Can I go to any library?

You can use any local library or mobile library in Nottingham or Nottinghamshire. Items can be borrowed from and returned to any library in Nottingham or Nottinghamshire

Can I pay my library fines and charges electronically?

You can pay any charges or fines which you have incurred without going into a library:

• electronic payments using a debit/credit card can be made through this website
• or ring either 0115 915 2824 or 0115 915 2841 and have your Chip & PIN card ready (Mon-Thurs, 9.00-7.00, Sat 9.00-4.00)

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How can I find the book I want?

Most fiction books (novels and short stories) are arranged alphabetically by author. There are separate shelves for some books, including crime, science fiction and fantasy, romance, westerns, large print and spoken word cassettes.

Some libraries also have collections of music cassettes, compact discs, videos, DVDs or CD-ROMs.

Non-fiction (factual) books are arranged by subject numbers (the Dewey system). We will be pleased to help you find the subjects you want - or you can use the printed subject index.

There are some reference books which can only be used in the library. All of our books are listed in our library catalogue which is available in all libraries. An Internet version of the catalogue can be found by clicking here to visit our on-line catalogue.

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What if I can't find the book I want?

You can request books or other items that are not on the shelves - there may be a small charge for this service. We can even get books from outside the county for you.

What if I can't find the information I'm looking for?

We can also help with enquiries for information of any kind. If the answer is not in your library we'll be able to find out from somewhere else for you.

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What if I'm housebound and can't get to the library?

We operate a service to those who cannot get to their local library in conjunction with the WRVS. Phone (0115) 915 5700 and ask about our Home Library Service.

What happens if I lose my library ticket?

Please report lost tickets without delay as you are responsible for any items borrowed until we are notified. A small charge may be payable for a replacement.

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How do I let you know about a change of address/name?

If you have changed your details, please inform your local library or click here to use our on-line feedback form available on this web site.

I've got some unwanted books - do you accept donations?

Donations are only accepted on the condition they meet the same criteria for selection and retention as other stock. They are only accepted on the basis that they then become the property of the library service and will be located or disposed of by library staff according to the needs of the service.

Generally speaking the service does not encourage donations due to the amount of staff time spent on processing them. The main exception to this is where material may be of specific local interest.