Frequently asked questions

To join the library, you can visit any Wiltshire library and ask to join.

You will need:

• Proof of your name and address (e.g. allowance book, bank / building society statement, driving licence or official bill / invoice). If you have no fixed abode, we will need to see proof of your name. If you have no proof of ID with you we can give you limited membership straight away 
• Young people under 16 will need to come in with their parent or legal guardian. The parent or legal guardian will need to bring proof of their own address as listed above
• If you are housebound please contact your local library who will make arrangements for you to become a member, and can tell you about our home service

If you're unable to visit the library or your local library has not yet reopened, you can join the library online and start using our online resources and eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines. You will need to visit your local library with proof of ID to collect your library card and start borrowing books and using the computers.

• Children and young people under 16 are very welcome to join the library
• There is no lower age limit for children joining the library. They need to visit the library with a parent (or legal guardian) who will need to bring a form of ID (e.g. an allowance book, bank statement or driving licence) which contains their name and current address
• If this is not possible, library staff will supply a membership form and library card to take home for signature by a parent

• Yes
• Visitors to Wiltshire can become temporary members free of charge on presentation of their home library card or proof of address

• When you join the library you will be given a unique four digit PIN
• This will allow you to access your account details, place a reservation, check your loans and renew them online
• You can also use your PIN to access a range of online resources
• If you do not know your PIN you can ask for it at any time. Please email libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk or visit your local library, taking your library card with you for identity
• You can change the number to another one if you prefer

• Find details of static libraries here
• More information about mobile library routes and times is available here

• Visit the library News page for information about the safety measures in place.

• The Home library service is for people who are unable to use their local library because they have a disability, or are physically unable to carry library books,or for carers who find leaving the person they care for difficult
• A library volunteer will select and deliver books or audio items to the persons home on a regular basis, usually fortnightly
• There are no fines or charges for this service
• For more information please contact your local library. 

• Wiltshire libraries operates three mobile libraries across the county
• Find details of their locations and times here

• Library members can borrow up to twelve items on their library card
• This can be any combination of books, films on DVD or Blu-ray and talking books on CD or Playaway (mp3) formats
• You can borrow and return at any Wiltshire Library providing you do not exceed this total
• You can also use your library card to borrow eBooks, Audio and eMagazines

• You can renew books up to 4 times before you need to return them to the library
• This can be done by ringing the library, phoning the 24 hour renewals line on 08444142270 or doing it yourself by following the link to Search the library catalogue
• DVDs and talking books cannot be renewed as they are hired and must be returned at the end of the hire period

• Books and audio books are issued for three weeks
• Hire items for a week

• There is a charge for books that are returned late  
• The charge is payable again if hire items are returned late (this applies to DVDs and talking books)
• Full details are available on our library charges page

• Yes, you can place a reservation at your local library or online via the Library catalogue
• To reserve a book online you will need to enter your library card number (with no spaces) and PIN. If you need reminding of your PIN, you can request a reminder by emailing libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk, including your library card number, or by visiting your local library.

• A wide selection of talking books are available in a variety of formats
• Full details are on our books in alternative formats page

• Your library card may have expired. Library cards expire every three years; this is an opportunity for us to check that we still have the correct contact details for you.
• You may have renewed the item the maximum number of times or it may be requested by another customer.

If you are unable to renew items online please visit your local library or email libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk

Full information on:

• Accessing computers at your library
• Computer use by 5 to 15 year olds
• Guidelines
• Health and safety
• Using computers at your library FAQs

Can be found on our Computers in libraries page

• Libraries normally hold a huge range of events for adults from author visits to carers support days. However, we are not holding events during the COVID-19 pandemic. Information about our online activities can be found on the Active Communities resources.
• When we start holding events again, they will be added to the  Wiltshire What's on page.

• Libraries normally have regular story times and rhyme times for children. We are not holding these events during the COVID-19 pandemic but we will continue with our online activities. Information about our online activities can be found on the Active Communities resources.