Frequently Asked Questions
Joining Your Library
How do I join a library?
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.
Do I need proof of my identity to join my library?
No, 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.
Can children join the library?
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.
Go to the Join pages to find out more|.
Where is my nearest library and when is it open?
Look at our list of libraries|| for addresses, opening hours and contact details.
Does my library open on Bank Holidays?
Libraries in Staffordshire are closed on Bank Holidays and on additional statutory holidays. Libraries will be closed on the following dates.
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Good Friday
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Friday 22 April 2011
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Easter Day
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Sunday 24 April 2011
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Easter Monday
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Monday 25 April 2011
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Royal Wedding
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Friday 29 April 2011
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May Day
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Monday 2 May 2011
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Spring Bank Holiday
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Monday 30 May and Tuesday 31 May 2011
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August Bank Holiday
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Monday 29 August and Tuesday 30 August 2011
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Christmas and Boxing Day Holiday
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Libraries will close at 1pm on Saturday 24 December 2011
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Libraries will be closed on Sunday 25, Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 December 2011
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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 Wednesday 28, Thursday 29, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 December 2011
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New Years Day
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Sunday 1 and Monday 2 January 2012
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What if I can't get out to visit a library?
If you cannot visit Your Library||, then we could visit you at home as part of our Home Reader Service|.
Is it really free to use my library?
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.
Why do I need a library PIN (Personal Identification Number)?
You need a library PIN to use library computers, look at your library account online or renew your books using the free 24 hour telephone renewal line (0845 330 0740).
How do I get a library PIN (Personal Identification Number)?
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:
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Your library membership number
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Your date of birth
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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:
1. Complete the
Internet Access Registration Form|| (PDF, 18kb) after reading our
Conditions of Use for Internet Access|| (PDF, 69.7kb).
2. Return the signed form to whichever Staffordshire Library is most convenient for you:
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in person
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by post
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by email: you need to sign it, scan it in and send the scanned copy.
3. You can find the postal and email address of your nearest library by looking at our list of libraries|.
What do I do if I lose my library card?
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.
Where can I find a copy of the library bye-laws?
You can download a copy of the library bye-laws|| (PDF, 57.8kb) here.
What can I borrow from my library?
From Your Library you can borrow:
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Children's books
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Adults books
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Talking books
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Large print books
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CDs
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DVDs
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Language courses
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Drama sets
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Music scores
How are library items selected?
Library items are selected in line with our 
Stock Policy| (129kb)
How many books can I borrow?
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.
How long can I keep the items I borrow from my library?
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?
Unless someone else has asked for them, you can renew books by:
Can I search for library items online?
Yes - you can search for library items using our online catalogue|.
Can I use computers and the internet in my library?
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|.
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