Libraries and leisure

Reservations

You can request books, magazine articles or other materials, which are not immediately available or in stock in a Hertfordshire library.
You can do this by visiting any Hertfordshire library, by phone, or online. Reserved items are kept at the library for three weeks. Most items in the catalogue which are available for loan can be reserved, apart from new feature films on DVD.

There may be a charge for this reservations service, if you are requesting adult stock, but some people are exempt. Click on the Library Charges and Concessions link on the right to find details of costs and information on people who do not pay reservation charges, for example people with disabilities.

If you cannot find the item you require in a Hertfordshire library, it may be possible to obtain it from the British Library or another library outside the County. We can borrow books, newspaper and journal articles, maps, theses and reports, language courses, music and drama sets. We are not able to borrow videos, DVDs, talking books or music recordings.

There is a charge for these services. Click on the Library Charges and Concessions link on the right to find details of current costs and groups who do not pay reservation charges, such as people with disabilities.

Reserving books in different languages

We can obtain books in different languages not stocked in Hertfordshire. The service is free for people who require small collections of popular general material. Dual language children's books are also available. If specific titles are required these can be reserved through the inter-library loans service.

Reserving books in alternative formats

Hertfordshire libraries offer a free inter-library loans service for visually impaired people through the Bee Aware scheme. This includes large print, talking books, Braille and Moon.

Please ask for further details about these services by clicking on Feedback at the top of the zones screen or at any Hertfordshire library.

To request an item online

Use the Online Library Catalogue link on the right hand side of this page. Search the catalogue to see if the item is in stock. If you find the item listed click on the Reservation link and follow the on-screen instructions to place your reservation. If you cannot find the item you want, click on the yellow Can't find it? link on the left hand menu. Complete the form which is displayed with as much detail about the item as possible and then submit the form. You will be notified when the item is in stock in your chosen library and charged for the service when you collect the item.