Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join a library?

Answer:

Joining a library is easy and free! Join online| or visit any Staffordshire Library| where you simply need to give us your name and postcode.

You do not need proof of your identity to join, you just need to know your postcode. If you don't know your postcode, you can still borrow some items and we'll post your library card to you.

Why do I need a library PIN and how do I get one?

Answer:

You need a library PIN (Personal Identification Number) to:

use your library account online (renew, reserve, etc)
renew your books using the free 24 hour telephone renewal line on 0845 330 0740.
use library computers

How to get a PIN

If you have already signed and returned an Internet Access Registration Form:

We can tell you your PIN by telephone or email. You'll need to give us:

Your library membership number
Your date of birth
A third piece of information so that we can verify your details. (Your postcode for example.)

If you haven't already signed and returned an Internet Access Registration Form:

You will need to read the Internet Access Conditions of Use and sign an Internet Access Registration Form. Take a look at the Conditions of Use and sign the registration form (PDF, 576kb).
Return the signed form to whichever Staffordshire Library is most convenient for you:
- in person
- by post
- by email: you need to sign it, scan it in and send the scanned copy.
If you are under 16 a parent or carer will need to sign the Internet Access Registration Form.
You can find the postal and email address of your nearest library by looking at our list of libraries.

Is it really free to use my library?

Answer:: It doesn't cost anything to join or to borrow books. If your books are late back or you want to use some other services there may be charges - check our fees and charges| page for more detail. Go to the Join pages to find out more|.

Can children join the library?

Answer:: Yes, no one is too young or too old to join a library. There are lots of books and activities for all children and babies too.

Where is my nearest library and when is it open?

Answer:: Look at our list of libraries| for addresses, opening hours and contact details.

Does my library open on Bank Holidays?

Answer:

Libraries in Staffordshire are closed on Bank Holidays and will be closed on the following dates:

Public Holidays	2013
New Year's Day	Tuesday 1 January
Good Friday	Friday 29 March
Easter Day	Sunday 31 March
Easter Monday	Monday 1 April
Early May Bank Holiday	Monday 6 May
Spring Bank Holiday	Monday 27 May
Summer Bank Holiday	Monday 26 August
Christmas Opening Times	Libraries will close at 1pm on Tuesday 24 December Libraries will be closed on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December Libraries will open at their usual time, and close at 5.00 pm, or at normal closing time if earlier than 5.00 pm, on Friday 27, Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 December Libraries will open and close at their usual time on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 December
New Year’s Day	Wednesday 1 January 2014

What can I borrow from my library?

Answer:

From Your Library you can borrow:

Children's books
Adults books
Talking books
Large print books
CDs
DVDs
Language courses
Drama sets
Music scores

How long can I keep the items I borrow from my library?

Answer:

You can keep most books for three weeks. In some libraries, there are Quick Read collections which can be borrowed for one week so that as many people as possible have a chance to borrow them.

You can borrow CDs and DVDs for one week.

Can I renew the items I borrow from my library?

Answer:

Unless someone else has asked for them, you can renew books by:

Logging into your online library account
Calling our free 24 hour telephone renewal line (0845 330 0740)
Asking at Your Library

How many books can I borrow at the same time?

Answer:: You can borrow the number of books that suits you - you might want to take a few more if you are going on holiday for example.

Can I search for library items online?

Answer:: Yes - you can search for library items using our online catalogue|.

Can I use computers and the internet in my library?

Answer:

Yes, Your Library| has computers with internet access that you can use for free. We recommend that you book some time on a computer to make sure there's one available for you when you visit.

Visit our Computer Access| page for more information.

What do I do if I lose my library card?

Answer:

Please tell Your Library| immediately because you are responsible for all items borrowed on your card and for any access to the internet made using your card.

We can then cancel lost or stolen cards and issue you with a new one. There may be a small charge for your replacement card.