Derby & Derbyshire FAQs

Library provision in Derby and Derbyshire is changing. Both authorities are transforming the way they deliver their services and both plan to hand some of their libraries over to the community to manage. Derby has already handed over Allestree, Sinfin and Spondon to be run by Direct Help and Advice (DHA), a Derby based charity and more are planned to be handed over throughout this year.

One of the outcomes of this transformation is that Derby and Derbyshire will no longer share a catalogue and customers will need to have a separate ticket for each authority they use. Below are some FAQs that will hopefully address any questions you have about the changes.

Please note: where it says “Derby’s libraries” below, this refers to all libraries run by the council and all libraries run by DHA.

Library Cards & Memberships

I already have a Derby library card and I only want to use libraries in Derby.  Do I need to do anything?

No, you don’t need to take any action and your membership will continue to work as it currently does. 

I already have a Derbyshire library card that I use in Derby’s libraries.  Do these changes mean that I need to have a separate Derby library card?

Yes.  Just speak to staff and they will help you with this.

Will I need to prove my ID?
You won’t need to do this as you’ve already done it in Derbyshire so your Derbyshire card will act as acceptable ID.

Will I need to complete a Membership Agreement Form?
Yes

What if I am under 13?
As with adults, we will accept a Derbyshire library card as valid ID.

However, a parental signature is required on the Membership Agreement Form. Therefore under 13s will need to take the form home to be signed if their parent/carer is not present. 

Can I still use my Derby Library card in Derbyshire Libraries?

You will need to have a separate Derbyshire Library card.  However, your Derby library card will act as acceptable ID.

Can Derby City residents still join Derbyshire libraries and vice versa?

Yes, residents in either authority are eligible to join the other. 

Borrowing Entitlements 

Can I borrow books from Derbyshire Libraries and return them to Derby libraries? 

Books borrowed from Derbyshire libraries must be returned to Derbyshire libraries.

Can I borrow books from Derby libraries and return them to Derbyshire libraries?

Books borrowed from Derby libraries must be returned to Derby libraries.

Placing Holds (Requests)

Can I still place holds?

Yes. you can place holds on Derby Libraries' stock using your Derby Libraries card. You can place holds on Derbyshire Libraries' stock using your Derbyshire Libraries Card. 

What if there’s a book I want that isn’t on Derby’s catalogue?

Please speak to our staff about this. Our Stock Manager will assess all requests for stock that isn't listed on our catalogue. 

Renewals 

Can I renew books I’ve borrowed from Derby libraries in Derbyshire libraries?

Renewals of books borrowed from Derby libraries must be made in Derby libraries.

You can also renew your books online by logging in to your account on the Derby Libraries online catalogue

Can I renew books I’ve borrowed from Derbyshire libraries in Derby libraries?

Renewals of books borrowed from Derbyshire libraries must be made in Derbyshire libraries.

You can also renew your books online by logging in to your account on the Derbyshire Libraries online catalogue.

Payment of Fees

Can I pay off fees owed to Derby libraries in a Derbyshire Library?

Fees owed to Derby Libraries will need to be paid in a Derby library.

Can I pay off fees owed to Derbyshire libraries in a Derby Library?

Fees owed to Derbyshire Libraries will need to be paid in a Derbyshire library.