The information on this page is presented in the format of frequently asked questions. Please click a question from the index below to see the appropriate answer.
Where is my nearest library?
There are four libraries in Slough: Britwell, Cippenham, Langley and central Slough.
When is my local library open?
Opening hours can be found on the library web site.
Is any Slough library open on Sundays?
None of the libraries in Slough are currently open on Sunday. A full list of opening hours are available on the Slough Libraries webpages.
How do I join a library?
You can join at any branch of Slough Libraries (Britwell, Cippenham, Langley or Slough). Membership is free. You will need to provide proof of your name and address. This needs to show your signature (passport, credit card etc.) and your current address (driving licence, medical card, bank statement etc.)
If you are under 16, we will need a parent or guardian's signature as well as proof of your address. You can also join online. You can register online and reserve items immediately but you will need to visit your chosen library to show proof of ID.
Does it cost anything to join the library service?
No, it is free to join any of Slough's libraries.
Where can I get help with finding some information?
Slough Library Information Services has a large collection of specialist reference stock and electronic databases to help you find the information you need.
The staff are highly experienced and knowledgeable about sources of information in the library, and can also advise you about what information is available on the Internet.
How can I contact someone in a library?
Contact the customer services manager:
Slough Library,
High Street,
Slough,
SL1 1EA,
Tel: 01753 535166
Email: library@slough.gov.uk
Contact details for all our libraries are available on the library web pages.
What can I borrow from the library?
You can borrow
Am I able to borrow films from the library?
You can borrow videos and DVDs from all Slough Libraries. 6 Videos or DVDs can be borrowed for 1 week. Feature films, television programmes and some popular non-fiction titles are available.
Am I able to borrow music from the library?
Popular music and a small range of classical music CDs are available to borrow at Slough and Langley Libraries and the Mobile Library. (6 CDs can be borrowed for 3 weeks.) Customers of all branch libraries may access these items using the reservation service. There are charges for borrowing audio-visual items. See the library web site for more information.
How many magazines can I borrow?
You can borrow 10 printed items at one time (Books for 3 weeks, Magazines for 1 week). A variety of magazines are stocked covering a wide range of interests and hobbies and are available at all the libraries.
How long may I borrow library items for?
10 Printed Items (Books for 3 weeks, Magazines for 1 week) 6 Videos or DVDs for 1 week, 6 CDs or Talking Books for 3 weeks, 6 CD ROMs for 1 week, 2 Playstations for 1 week.
How many items may I borrow on my library card?
10 Printed Items (Books for 3 weeks, Magazines for 1 week) 6 Videos or DVDs for 1 week, 6 CDs or Talking Books for 3 weeks, 6 CD ROMs for 1 week, 2 Playstations for 1 week.
How much does it cost to borrow videos, DVDs or music CDs?
Rates vary for videos, CDs, DVDs, talking books, CD-ROMs and Playstations. Go to the library webpages for more information on rates to borrow different media formats.
What happens if I do not return the items on loan to me by the date they are due?
You will need to pay an overdue charge for each item. Overdue charges can be found on the library web site.
What can I do if I am unable to return the items on loan to me?
Items may be renewed as long as long as an item has not been requested by another customer. Renewals can by made by telephone. (Additional loan charges will apply for CDs, talking books, DVDs, Videos, Playstations and CD-Roms.)
You can also renew items on the Internet by accessing your library account from the library web site using the online library catalogue. You will need to obtain a PIN (personal identification number) from any of Slough's libraries. Please bring proof of ID when requesting a PIN.
What If I return items late?
Overdue charges apply. To find what the overdue charges are visit the library webpages.
Can I keep library books for longer?
You may renew books if they have not been requested by another customer. You need to renew books to avoid paying overdue fines. Either bring the books into the library to renew them or telephone your local library.
You can also renew items on the Internet by accessing your library account from the online library catalogue. You will need to obtain a PIN (personal identification number) from any of Slough's libraries. Please bring proof of ID when requesting a PIN.
How can I check how many items I have on loan when I am at home?
Check your library account using the online library catalogue. You will need a PIN (personal identification umber), which can be obtained from any of Slough's libraries. Please bring proof of ID.
How can I check how many items I have on loan if I am in a library?
You can ask a member of staff or use one of the public computers to access the Internet and go to your library account on the online library catalogue.
How can I renew books on the internet?
You can use the online library catalogue to renew and reserve items online. You will first need to obtain a PIN (personal identification number) from any of Slough's libraries.
Can I renew CDs, talking books, videos and language tapes?
Yes, if they have not been requested by another customer. You will have to pay an additional loan charge.
What If I lose my library card or lose or damage anything I borrow?
If you lose your library card, please tell us at once, so that we can prevent anyone else from using it. You are responsible for everything borrowed on your card until you report its loss.
There is a charge of £1.50 for replacing the card and proof of identity and address will be required at this time. Information about charges for damaged or lost items is available on the library web site.
Are there any information resources accessible online?
Slough Library Information Services subscribe to a range of online information resources which you can access 24/7 from any computer with Internet access using your library card number for free.
For details of organisations and events in the local area go to the Slough Area Community Information database.
Go to "24 Hour Library" on Slough Library web site. Slough Library also provides access to business and marketing information databases which are only available by visiting the library.
Are computer classes held in the library?
The UK Online Centre at Slough Library offers free basic computer training. Free IT courses are also offered at Britwell, Cippenham, and Langley Libraries. Please contact your nearest library for more information.
Can I take items out even though I joined at another library?
You will need to join one of Slough's Libraries (Britwell, Cippenham, Langley and Slough) to be able to borrow items from these libraries.
How can I access library services if I live too far from a library?
The Mobile Library service offers books, DVDs, CDs, large print and talking books and has a timetable of regular stops in residential areas. Information Services at Slough Library can take enquiries by letter, fax, e-mail or telephone.
Online information resources are also available 24/7 to library members with access to the Internet.
I am housebound. How can I use library services?
The Mobile and Home Library service delivers books, DVDs, CDs, audio books and large print books to housebound users every 3 weeks. Contact Slough Library for more information.
May I donate books, or other items to the Library Service?
The library service is very pleased to receive gifts of books which enhance the existing stock. Donations are assessed for suitability in the same way as purchased titles, and so the library does not promise to add them to the collection. The library service also welcomes donations of material of local interest for Slough Library's local studies collection.
What family history resources are available at the library?
The Local Studies Collection at Slough Library has resources which can help you to track down your ancestors, both in Slough and further a field. Material includes newspapers, census information, and parish and burial records. More information is available on the library web site.
What is Bookstart?
Slough Libraries Bookstart project aims to encourage parents to share books with children from as early an age as possible.
Bookstart bags are given to parents by Health Visitors at the baby's eight month health check. The bags include two free board books, leaflets and information about sharing books with young children, and an invitation to a membership day to join the library.
What library activities are being held during the next school holidays?
Detail of all events and activities are listed on the library web site. You can also look for information in your local library.
When does the library hold storytimes and musictimes?
Details of all children's events can be found on the library website. Story times are held at all Slough's Libraries (Britwell, Cippenham, Langley and Slough).
Where is my nearest reading group?
Various reading groups are run by Slough Libraries, including groups aimed at young people and readers of science fiction. For more information on reading groups visit the Slough Library webpages.
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
My Council
Landmark Place
High Street
Slough
opposite Slough Library
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