Request and Reservations

Requests/Reservations can be made at any of Barnsley Libraries branches or mobiles. There is a small (non-refundable) charge for this service, details of which can be found on the Fees and Charges page.

Requests should preferably be made in person but up to 3 requests can be made by telephone. Please note that concessionary rates do not apply to telephone requests and all requests must be paid for before the items can be issued.

Requests will be supplied as soon as possible but inevitably items with a waiting list and those which are not in stock will take a little longer.

When a requested item becomes available the requestor will be notified by either letter or telephone and the item should be collected within the next 2 weeks.

Books / Printed Materials

Requests can be made for any book, fiction and non-fiction whether in stock or out of stock.

Books which are not in stock may be bought for the library or borrowed via inter-library loans.

Inter-library loans may be borrowed from many types of library including public, university and special as well as the British Lending Library.

Photocopies of journal articles may also be requested, most of which are supplied by the British Lending Library. Please note a copyright declaration form must be signed for these items.

Supply time for books varies according to demand and availability. Photocopies can usually be supplied within a few days.

The length of time an item may be borrowed depends on the lending library and may vary between 3 weeks and 3 months depending on demand.

If there are no other requests waiting the item can usually be renewed for a further period of time.

Music and Drama

Music and plays are supplied from Music and Drama Headquarters in Wakefield

Single and multiple copies of music and plays may be borrowed by groups operating within the Barnsley Metropolitan Borough.

Charges are made per copy for multiple loans but single perusal copies are free of charge

Loans are for up to 6 months. These can usually be renewed but the loan fee is payable again.

Requests for these items can be made and collected from the Central Library or any Branch Library.

Non Book Items

CD's - Any CD whether in or out of stock may be requested from any of the libraries offering this service. Please note that when requesting newly released items, they cannot be supplied until 3 months after their date of release. The normal loan period & charges apply to requested items.

DVD's - Any DVD currently in Barnsley Libraries stock may be requested from any of the libraries offering the service. At present we do not take requests for DVD's which are not in stock. The normal loan period & charges apply to requested items.

Distance Learning Material

There is a Distance Learning collection available in most branch libraries and any item currently in the system can be requested at any of these libraries. Items not in stock will also be considered for purchase. The normal loan period applies to requested items.

The Requests Department can be contacted

By Mail:
Central Library
Shambles Street
Barnsley
S70 2JF

By Telephone:
01226 773915

By E-Mail:
barnsleylibraryrequests@barnsley.gov.uk