Libraries and leisure

Reservations

To request an item online

Use the Online Library Catalogue link on the right hand side of this page. Then search the catalogue to see if the item you want to borrow is in stock. Most items in the catalogue which are available for loan can be reserved, apart from new feature films on DVD.

When you find the entry for the item you wish to borrow, click on the Reservation link and follow the on-screen instructions to place your reservation. You will be asked to enter your borrower number and PIN, then select the library where you would like your requested item delivered. You will receive a letter telling you when your requested item is ready for you to collect. Reserved items are kept at the library for three weeks.

If you don't know your PIN or if you've forgotten it, please contact us using the Contact Us button in the menu at the top left of this page or take your library card in to any Hertfordshire library.

Please note that 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.

What if I cannot find the item I wish to request?

If you cannot find the item you require in a Hertfordshire library, you can make a request by clicking on the link Can’t find it? on the left side of the screen. If you use the Can’t find it? option, follow the on-screen hints and fill in as much information as possible about the item you wish to borrow.

If the item is in print then we may decide to buy it. Alternatively, it may be possible to borrow it from other library sources using the Interlibrary loans service. We can obtain a range of items including books, newspaper and journal articles, maps, theses and reports, language courses, music and drama sets, books in different languages and titles in alternative formats, if they are available. 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 Interlibrary loans service.

Reserving books in alternative formats

Hertfordshire libraries offer a free Interlibrary 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 Contact us at the top right hand side of this screen or ask at any Hertfordshire library.