Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

 How do I join the library?
 What can I borrow and for how long?
 Why can't I renew my books over the renewals telephone hotline or online?
 Can I reserve books and other items?
 Are there any charges?
 What is my PIN?
 Where can I use a word processor?
 Where can I use the Internet and is it free?
 Do libraries have study spaces?
 Why can't I access the library catalogue?
 Do you have a Local History Service?
 Can you help me with this enquiry?
 Who do I contact if I have a complaint?
 Do you have halls or rooms for hire?

How do I join the library?
Anyone can join at any Wandsworth Library. For further information see Joining.

What can I borrow and for how long?
You can borrow up to a total of 15 books, DVDs, Videos, CDs and other items although you may have to pay for some audio visual loans. The limit is the same for adults and children.

The normal loan period is three weeks for books and CDs and three days for video and DVDs. If no one else has requested the item you have borrowed you can renew it for the same period as the original loan, although you may be liable for a charge.

Why can't I renew my books over the renewals telephone hotline or online?
Overdue items incur charges which prevent self-service renewals, or there may be outstanding charges for services such as audiovisual loans or reservations.

The item you are trying to renew may have been reserved by someone else.

Can I reserve books and other items?
You can reserve any title that is shown on our catalogue as in stock in the adult and children's libraries. Reservations are free for titles in stock if you use the computer catalogue in the libraries or log on from your own computer. You cannot reserve more than fifteen titles concurrently. If the title is not in Wandsworth Libraries you will need to complete a reservation request form at a library. There is a charge for this service.

Are there any charges?
There are no charges for borrowing books. For borrowing recorded music, talking books, language courses, videos and DVDs there is a fee unless you have exemption. If a title is not in stock in Wandsworth Libraries you may have to pay to reserve it.

You can download full details of the fees and charges payable for services available from the libraries.

  Libraries fees and charges (37 kb)

What is my PIN?
Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is allocated to you when you join the library. It can be changed by library staff at your request or you can change it yourself by going to the online catalogue and clicking on Renewals & membership details and then selecting Profile. Your PIN allows you to use the electronic library facilities such as renewing the items you have on loan or reserving books and audio visual titles. You should not reveal it to other people.

Where can I use a word processor?
Every library has computers with Microsoft Word for creating or editing documents as well as Excel, Access and PowerPoint for most office needs. Advance booking is usually required.

Where can I use the Internet and is it free?
Access to the Internet is available through terminals at every Wandsworth library. This service is free but advance booking is usually required.

Do libraries have study spaces?
There are separate study rooms at Balham and Putney libraries. The Reference Library has 88 study spaces and most other libraries have desks or tables which can be used for study.

Why can't I access the library catalogue?
The library service's catalogue is located at library.wandsworth.gov.uk/

• If you are using a favourite type link, please check that the link points to the current web address above.
• The link to the catalogue can be found on the library web pages at www.wandsworth.gov.uk/libraries. Some versions of Internet Explorer (pre v5.5) experience errors when using some of these links.
• You may not be able to access the catalogue when using an Internet connection at your workplace which goes through a proxy server or is protected by a firewall that blocks traffic on port 8008. If this is the case, please check with your IT administrator. They may need to make configuration changes to allow you to connect to our server.
• Some Internet Service Providers block access to the catalogue and renewal service online. If you have access to an alternative Internet Service Provider you may wish to try them. Alternetively, you could contact your Internet Service Provider and ask if they would allow traffic to our online services which use port 8008.

Do you have a Local History Service?
Information on the Local History Service and Wandsworth Museum.

For enquiries contact:

Wandsworth Local History Service
Battersea Library
Lavender Hill
SW11 1JB
Tel: 020 8871 7753
Fax: 020 7978 4376
Email: localhistory@wandsworth.gov.uk

Can you help me with this enquiry?
For general reference enquiries please contact the Reference and information service or ask the staff at your local library.

Who do I contact if I have a complaint?
Yor comments and complaints can be sent to libraries@wandsworth.gov.uk

Do you have halls or rooms for hire?
There are separate halls for hire at Balham, Earlsfield, Putney, Southfields and York Gardens libraries. Contact the library for further details.