Reserve
You can reserve an item available from Essex Libraries free of charge through the
online library catalogue. The item will be delivered to the library of your choice, free of charge. If it is not available through any Essex library you can use the Essex Libraries
interlending form. There is a charge for this service.
All reservations made through the libraries online catalogue are free of charge. The following, however, are subject to charges:
- Requests made through library staff (excluding items obtained from the British Library) - £1
- Items obtained from the British Library (books and articles, per item) - £3
Exemptions: children, Home Library service customers and people with Access library cards.
To check reservations you currently have, go to the
library catalogue and follow the link for "My Account/Renewals." You will need your library card number and PIN code.
Renew
At a library - unless items have been requested by another customer, you can renew them as many times as you like at your local library.
- Online – you can renew items online using the online library catalogue. Simply login using your ticket number and follow the instructions.
- On the phone - items can be renewed by phone on: 0845 603 7628. You will need to provide your ticket number or the barcode from your items.
Please note: the number of times you can renew items online or by phone is limited to seven. If the item has been reserved by another library member, you will not be able to renew it and will be required to return it.
Return
When you borrow an item, you will be given a date by which it must be either returned or renewed. By this date you can either:
- return the book to a library
- renew the book
All books can be returned to any library in Essex, including mobile libraries.
Overdue items
Items not returned by their due date incur overdue charges. These must be paid in full before you can borrow any more items.