• 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?
• 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?

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 fourteen 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, music cassette, CD, CD-ROM or video - or for any item kept overdue, or lost or damaged. Click here for details of exemptions from charges.

How many items can I take out?

You can have up to 24 items out. These can be any mix of books, spoken word tapes, DVDs, videos, music cassettes, compact discs and CD-ROMs.

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.

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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.

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 in City libraries 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 library service to the housebound in conjunction with the WRVS. Phone (0115) 915 5700 and ask about our Housebound 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.

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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.