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Borrowing

 

We stock a wide range of story books and information material, reflecting the needs of the local community.

BorrowingThere is certainly something for everyone at your local library. You can also borrow a wide range of multimedia items.

Stories for everyone

At your local library you can always find something interesting to read, anything from classics to cult fiction, from works by long-established authors to debut novels by new writers.

  • Adventure
  • Horror
  • War Stories
  • Sea Stories
  • Science Fiction
  • Fantasy
  • Saga
  • Crime
  • There are books written by Black and Asian authors as well as Graphic Novels and Talking Books in cassette, compact disc and MP3 formats.

Information books

Our library stock includes books on all major subject areas; you can find travel guides, drama and literary criticism, cookery, computer books and manuals, books on the Second World War and celebrity biographies. Hobbies and interests are also well catered for and whatever your interests are, gardening or do it yourself, you are sure of finding something to suit you. There are large collections of health books, which provide information on a broad range of topics including healthy living, alternative therapies and diet and nutrition.

Languages

You can find books in the main community languages used in Sandwell. There is also material for those wishing to learn a new language either for work or pleasure, with courses on cassette and CD, books on grammar and vocabulary.

Large Print and Spoken Word

In addition to books in standard print, we also offer books in Large Print as well as a wide range of spoken word material including classic authors and contemporary fiction, Shakespeare, poetry and comedy.

Multimedia

There is an extensive collection of DVDs and CDs representing all types of music and film for all tastes ranging from feature films and classic comedy and drama through to educational and recreational titles.

Check out your local library to see what services they offer!

Music categories include:

  • Rock & pop (including recent chart material)
  • Asian
  • Bollywood
  • Classical music
  • Folk
  • Light Music
  • Jazz and Blues
  • Films and shows
  • Reggae
Every library in Sandwell has stocks of Children's films ranging from old favourites such as Sooty and Paddington Bear through to titles such as Tweenies and Bob the Builder.
Central Library offers the widest range of multimedia items and you can find blockbuster movies sitting alongside classic movies of yesteryear.
  • There are standard charges for the hire of these items. Loan periods vary according to the type of material.

What can I borrow and for how long?

When you join you will be able to borrow three items straight away. Your library card will then be sent to you in the post. Adults showing ID are given their card when joining. When you have received your card, you will be able to visit any Sandwell Library and take out more items. Users can take up to 27 items including...
  • Up to 12 books/spoken word items
  • Up to 12 music CDs
  • Up to 3 DVDs
Users can also borrow Toys - please visit the Toy Library page for more details.

Books are loaned for 28 days DVDs are hired for one week, CDs are hired for two weeks.

What if I can’t find what I want?

Staff will help you. If we haven’t got the item you want, we will try to get it for you. We only charge if we have to ask another Library Service to supply the item you have asked for. Only music CDs and DVDs that are already in stock or on order Can be requested.

What happens if I can’t return my library books on time?

You can return books to any library in Sandwell, not just the one they came from. Each book you take out is stamped with the date it is due back. You can renew books on or before the date stamped in the book by phone or letter at a library or online. (You will need to tell us your library card number.) If you do not return or renew your books on time, you may be charged.

What happens if I can’t return DVDs and CDs on time?

If you renew or return late items you have paid to borrow you will need to pay the extra hire charge when you return them.

What if I lose or damage anything I’ve borrowed?

Let us know as soon as possible. We will ask you to pay a replacement charge if it is lost or badly damaged.

  • We do not charge for loss or damage to items on loan to under 5s
  • We do not charge for damage for children aged 5-16
  • Children aged 5-16 are charged 50% of replacement cost for any lost items.

Books, language courses and spoken word titles are loaned for four weeks, and may be renewed for a further period if no-one else has asked for them.

Compact discs are loaned for two weeks and may be renewed for a further period if no-one else has asked for them but there will be a further charge.

DVDs are loaned for one week and may be renewed, if no-one else has asked for them but there will be a further charge.

Requests

If there a particular item you require but cannot find, why not let our request service help you?

More information? - Visit or phone your local library or ring the general enquiry line on 0121-569 4911.