Borrow or request items from the library

Our libraries have books, audio books and DVDs for all ages available for loan. Find out what your library has available by visiting your nearest library or check our online catalogue.

The library eBooks and downloadable audiobooks are currently held in a separate collection.

Books held by any Surrey library can be requested at your local library or by using the online catalogue. Many requested items incur a reservation charge.

How to request a title

  • You will need to be a library member. If you are not already a library member, you can join at your nearest library. Please bring with you some identification with your name and address on, such as a driving licence, bank statement or recent utility bill. You can also join the library online but will need to collect a permanent library card to request items.
  • Find a title by searching the online catalogue.
  • To request a title you will need to place a hold, use the Place Hold button or the Select an Action in the drop-down list from the search results page or from the detail display for the item. Please note: If you are not logged in to your library account, choosing the Place Hold option prompts you to log in.
  • From the window that displays, select the pickup library from the drop-down list and click Place Hold.
  • A message displays that tells you whether or not the hold was successfully placed.
  • You can place a hold on multiple items (also known as a bulk hold) by using the checkboxes next to the titles and selecting Place Hold(s) from the Select an Action menu.
  • You can manage your holds from the My Account page, but you cannot place a hold from My Account.
  • You can check the status of your requested item at any time by logging into your account or by contacting us.
  • Reservation charges of 75p online and £1.75 when done by a member of staff apply.

How many items can I borrow?

Children, young adults, adults and Open Ticket users can borrow up to 25 items at a time - which can be 25 books. There is a limit of six DVDs and 12 recorded sound items.

Children under 5 can have their own Pebble card and can borrow up to 25 board books, picture books or talking books for up to three weeks.

How long can I keep the items I have borrowed?

Books may be borrowed for up to three weeks. DVDs and CD-ROMs are issued for one week. Books/Audio books may be borrowed on an Open Ticket Adult for up to six weeks (for the initial loan period only). Find out if you qualify for an Open Ticket Adult.

Can I renew books and other items?

Yes - if another user has not requested a book, you can renew it 5 times for another three weeks each. Audio-visual items such as DVDs and Audio Books can also be kept beyond their due date for an additional charge. If you want to renew books or other items there are a number of ways to do this.

Do I have to return items to the library I borrowed them from?

No, you can return items to any Surrey library.

Stock suggestions

If an item is not on the catalogue you can use our online stock suggestion form to tell us what you would like added to our stock. We will consider your suggestion. This service is free but we regret we are unable to respond to stock suggestions.

Library Direct

If you are unable to get to a static library because of illness or disability we can arrange for books and audio material to be brought to you on a regular basis by a volunteer.

There is no charge for this service and we also offer a free request service.

For more information, please see our webpage: Library Direct Home Service.

Alternatively, if you have a friend, neighbour or relative who is able to take out books on your behalf, consider our Open Ticket. Our Open Ticket Adult is for anyone over 18 with a short or long term medical condition that has a substantial and negative effect on their day-to-day life, affecting their ability to use the printed book stock, choose for themselves when to visit the library or borrow and return library books.

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