Libraries frequently asked questions

Information about becoming a member can be found on the Join the library page.

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.

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 - email libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) or visit your local library, taking your library card with you for identity. You can change the number to another one if you prefer.

If your card has expired, you will need to renew your membership either by visiting your local Wiltshire library or by emailing your library card number to libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) and asking for your library card to be renewed. Your details will then be checked and updated, and your membership will be renewed.

Library locations and opening times: 

• Library locations, opening times and mobile libraries
• more information about mobile library (opens new window) routes and times

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 operate three mobile libraries across the county, see Library opening times and mobile library routes (opens new window) for their locations and routes.

Library members can borrow up to twelve items on their library card, this can be any combination of books 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, eAudiobooks 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 or online by going online to Search the library catalogue (opens new window).

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 adult books that are returned late, the charge is payable again if hire items are returned late (this applies to talking books).

Full details are available on our library charges page.

You can place a reservation at your local library or online via the Library catalogue (opens new window).

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 (opens new window), 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.

If you are unable to renew items online:

• 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 (opens new window)

We are committed to encouraging young people to develop a lifelong love of reading, and we know that sometimes it's not always possible for them to return books on time. We want to take away the fear of having to pay a fine.

Outstanding charges from the late return of children's and teenage books and audiobooks will be waived.

Outstanding charges from the late return of adult books and hire charge items, such as DVDs and adult audiobooks, will not be waived.

Adults are personally responsible for the return of their books, whilst children and young people rely on others to take them to the library. Removing fines on children's books ensures they are not prevented from using the library to access books and develop their literacy skills. Supporting the best start in life is a key priority for the council.

The council has decided the benefits of library use for children and young people outweigh the small amount of income raised through fines on children's books. 

No, fines on children's and teenage books and audiobooks will not return after the Summer Reading Challenge.

If children's books become overdue, a reminder email/letter will be sent after 14 days and if items are not returned after 63 days/nine weeks then replacement charges for the unreturned items will be added to the borrower account.

If not requested by another library member, items can be renewed four times without bringing them into the library. After that we ask that you bring the item into the library to reset the renewal count.

If you lose or damage a book, you will need to pay a replacement cost. Please contact your local library if this occurs and they will be able to let you know the replacement cost and arrange for the item to be removed from your card. We also accept good quality replacement copies, please talk to staff about this.

There are no charges for damage to children's board books, but a replacement cost is charged for lost board books.

Yes, you will still be able to borrow 12 items on both adult and children's library cards.

Fines will not be charged for overdue children's items borrowed on adult or children's cards.

Fines will be charged for overdue adult items borrowed on adult or children's cards.

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 hold a range of events for adults, including Reading groups and Shared reading groups. Events are promoted in the library, on the Wiltshire Libraries Twitter account (opens new window) and on library Facebook pages.

Libraries have regular rhyme times for children. Information about our rhyme times can be found on the Children aged five and under page.