FAQs
Link to top
Here are some of the questions we are often asked, together with answers below (you can click on a question to take you to the answer, or just scroll down):
- How much does it cost to join the library?
- What do I need to join the library?
- Is there a charge for borrowing a book?
- What are the library opening hours?
- Where is my nearest library?
- I don't live near any of the libraries, but I've seen a mobile library nearby. Where and when does it stop?
- How do I book a session on a PC in the library?
- How many items can I borrow?
- And how long can I keep them for?
- What happens if I bring the items back late?
- I want to keep my books and CDs for longer - can I do that without having to bring them into the library?
- What books and DVDs do you have?
- The CD I want is in another library. Is there any way I'd be able to borrow it from my local library?
- My mum loves reading but she's not able to get out of the house. Is there a way that books can be delivered to her from the library?
- I've heard it's possible to hire the Theatre and Meeting Room in AK Bell Library. Can you give me any information about this?
- My friend has a book written by someone local and she told me it was published by the library. How can I get a copy for myself?
How much does it cost to join the Library?
Anyone who lives or works in Perth & Kinross can join the library service - and it won't cost you a penny! There is a simple
registration procedure to follow, and once completed you'll be able to borrow from the huge range of books and multimedia items available in our libraries.
[
back to top]
What do I need to join the library?
You will be asked to fill in a membership form and provide a form of identification with your current address. Have a look at the simple registration procedure for more detailed information.
Is there any charge for borrowing a book?
No - borrowing books from the library is completely free! You have to pay a small sum to borrow CDs, Videos, DVDs and Computer Games, but charges are reasonable and hire periods are usually for a week.
[back to top]
What are the library opening hours?
We have a list of libraries with contact details and the opening hours for each library.
Where is my nearest library?
There are 13 libraries in towns and villages throughout Perth & Kinross and you can find a list of
contact details for each library on this site.
I don't live near any of the libraries, but I've seen a mobile library parked nearby. Where and when does it stop?
There are 3
mobile libraries providing a service throughout Perth & Kinross and the Library Schedules can be found on this site (see under
Downloads at the top right of this page), detailing where and when all the stopping points are. You can print or download the schedule for easy reference.
[
back to top]
How do I book a session on a PC in the library?
You can visit any library and follow a simple
registration process, either to become a full member of the library or only for using the PCs. Once completed you will be given a library card or login details, as well as a PIN number, which you'll need for future bookings. Use the login and PIN to login to the PC you have been booked on to.
The
Acceptable Use Policy (PDF: 622kb) for Perth & Kinross libraries will display on the screen and you must
accept it before being given access to the PC. The library card and PIN number will also allow you to consult your borrower record through the
online library catalogue and to
renew items you have on loan or
make reservations for most items on the catalogue.
[
back to top]
How many items can I borrow?
You can have up to 20 items on loan at one time, which can consist of a maximum of 12 books (including audio books) and up to 8 multimedia item, e.g. CDs, DVDs or Playstation Games.
How long can I keep the items for?
All books are issued for three weeks. Multimedia items (CDs, Videos, DVDs and Computer Games) can usually be borrowed for one week.
[
back to top]
What happens if I bring my books or CDs back late?
Unfortunately, there is likely to be a charge for anything which is returned after the date they were due. The charges differ depending on the type of item, e.g. book, CD, DVD, etc. However you can usually prevent any fines by renewing items before they become overdue.
I want to keep my books for longer. Can I do that without having to bring the books into the library?
You can visit any library, phone, or send an
email to ask for your books to be reissued (renewed). You can also
renew your books online through our website, where you can login to your library account using the borrower number from your library card and your PIN. You can obtain your PIN from any of our libraries in person or by email.
You can renew books twice by phone, by email or online, but then you must return them to the library. It may be possible to borrow the books again, but it must be done in person at the library. If a book has been requested by someone else, you are unlikely to be able to renew it and will have to return it as soon as possible.
[
back to top]
What books and DVDs do you have?
Simply search the online library catalogue, which has a help button on each page, to find out what we have and where it is.
The CD I want is in another library. Is there any way I can borrow it from my local library?
You can use our
request service. We don't charge for a request where the item is in another Perth & Kinross library, or if it's already on order. If a book is difficult to get hold of, e.g. because it is out of print, we can usually get it through the inter-library loan system, but this service does incur a charge.
[
back to top]
My mum loves reading but she's not able to get out of the house. Is there a way that books can be delivered to her from the library?
Yes! In partnership with the WRVS, we run a WRVS Books on Wheels service in various communities, where volunteers deliver books etc, from the community libraries to housebound readers who have requested this service. There is more information available, including contact details, on the Access Services pages.
[back to top]
I've heard it's possible to hire the Theatre and Meeting Room in AK Bell Library. Can you give me more information about this?
Both the Theatre and the Meeting Room are available for hire, with an option for provision of catering, if required. The hire costs are available on our website, as are the conditions for hire.
My friend owns a book written by someone local and she told me it was published by the library. How can I get a copy for myself?
Perth and Kinross Libraries have published around
30 books of local interest in recent years. There are details of how to order these from the Library Shop on the website.
[
back to top]
