Skip to main content

Reserve or Request an item

Reserving an item found on the catalogue

You can reserve items found on the catalogue using your library card number and PIN.

Key Points

  • There are no charges for reserving items
  • You can reserve items on loan to other borrowers and those showing as 'available'
  • We will inform you when items are available for collection
  • You would normally have 10 days in which to pick up your item


  • Click Library Catalogue
  • Search for the item you want
  • Click on the title and select Place Reservation (the Place Reservation button will only appear if the item can be reserved)
  • Type in your library card number and PIN (if you have not already logged into your account)
  • Choose the library from which to pick up the item
  • Add any notes and the date by which you require the item
  • Details of your reservation will be displayed and include your ranking on the waiting list (if there is one)

 

Requesting an item not found on the library catalogue

If Southampton City Libraries do not have the item you want, we may be able to request and borrow it for you from another library in the UK, through our Inter-library loans service. 

Key Points

  • We can request books, including books with larger print and spoken word CDs, plus journal articles and reports.
  • We are unable to borrow CDs and DVDs.
  • Inter-library loans often take 4-6 weeks to arrive from other libraries.

We may experience some delays due to the ongoing situation with Covid19. We will let you know if there are any issues with your requested item.

Charges are made for this service

  • £4 for each item we request on your behalf.
  • If we are unable to source the item from the public library network in the UK, there will be a £6 additional charge to cover additional costs to borrow from an academic library or the British Library.  We will always contact you about this option before going ahead.

 

Click here to place an Inter-library loan - you will need your library card and PIN.

If you would like us to consider purchasing a book that we don’t have in stock, please complete the Suggestion To Purchase Form.

If you have any queries, please contact us on 023 8083 3007.

 

Library Newsletter

Stay Connected Logo

We would love to keep you up to date with everything that is going on in the library. The easiest way to do this is by signing up for our monthly newsletter.

View my active saved list