main content Reservations and requests

The Reservations and Requests Service is available at every Bromley Library and, for items already in stock, via the online library catalogue.

Eligibility

Current members of Bromley libraries.

Details

You can check our online library catalogue and, if the item is already in stock, reserve something yourself free of charge or, if we do not already have a copy you can use our staff-assisted request service for which there is a non-refundable charge. Any item we obtain for you will be sent to your local branch for you to borrow.

If an item is considered unsuitable for permanent stock or is unavailable for purchase we can attempt to borrow it on your behalf from another library authority.

We belong to a sophisticated network which links libraries across the South East and the rest of the U.K. and we are also able to call on the resources of the British Library and some academic and special libraries for more specialised material or books that prove difficult to obtain. In some cases, however, we may not be able to obtain the material you request. 

Cost

Reserving items already in stock in Bromley's libraries is free. There is a non-refundable administration charge if we do not have the item already in stock.  Refer to our current fees and charges table for further information or pick up a copy at your local library. 

Next Steps

You may reserve items in stock directly from the online library catalogue:

• fiction and non-fiction books
• audio books on tape or CD
• music CDs
• videos and DVDs
• PlayStation games
• music scores

You may wish to check the regularly updated lists of new items added to stock to help you find something of interest.

You will need a password to reserve items yourself from the catalogue. If you do not have a password please ask at your local library.

Self-reservation:

• Search the online library catalogue to find the in-stock item you want.
• Display the full record.
• Use the "Hold Title" button on the left-hand side of the screen.
• Enter your library card barcode number and password when prompted.
• Select the library at which you wish to collect the item and click on the "Commit Hold" button. 
• If your reservation is successful you will receive a confirmation message on screen.
• You will receive a letter in the post when your item is ready for collection. 
• For further information on reserving items yourself please ask at your local library.

Use the staff-assisted requests service in your local library for out-of-stock items and a much wider range of materials, including:

• periodicals
• photocopied articles
• theses and conference materials
• performance sets for choirs and orchestras
• plays and playsets
• materials for visually impaired people.

Contacts

Contact your local library in person, in writing, by telephone or by e-mail or
Bromley Central Library, High Street, Bromley BR1 1EX
Telephone: 020 8460 9955
Renewals: 020 8460 8567
Fax: 020 8466 7860
E-mail: central.library@bromley.gov.uk