Why would I want to reserve a library item?

Perhaps you need a particular text book for your studies or want the latest title by your favourite author.

If you check the library catalogue for the item you want and it’s not available, you can reserve it. As soon as the item is returned, it will be set aside for you to collect. There may be a waiting list and your name will be added in order.

There may be a charge for this service but children's and teen books are free to reserve.

What items can I reserve?

Magazines and reference collections cannot be reserved.

We can only take reservations for items that are already in library stock or on order (these will show up on the library catalogue). You can always complete an online form to suggest new purchases or speak to staff at any library.

Library members with disabilities which prevent them from reading or using a book, may be exempt from some hire charges and reservation fees. The Library will need to see a registration card or supporting letter from a doctor.

Remember that children's and teen/young adult books are FREE to reserve.

How many reservations can I make?

You can reserve 15 items at any one time. Reservation fees are payable in advance and are non-refundable.

Children's and teen books are free to reserve, but there is a charge for adult books. Please note that the reservation charge relates to the classification of the library item and not to the age of the library member. For example, an adult book reserved by a holder of a teen library card would have to pay a reservation fee for the book.

Do I have to be a library member to reserve an item?

Yes, you must be a library member before you can make a reservation. If you’re not already a member though - it’s free to join at any library.

How do I reserve an item?

You can place a reservation in person at any of the Milton Keynes libraries or online through the library catalogue.

How do I make an online reservation?

We are aware of an intermittent issue with online payments and apologise if this affects you. We are working to resolve it.

To make a reservation you’ll need to:

1. Search the library catalogue for the item you want.
2. When you find it, click on the title to see more details.
3. At the top of the page click on the grey button to Place Reservation.
4. Enter your library card number and your library PIN and click OK.
5. Choose which library you would like to collect your item from.
6. There is a charge for this service. The reservation fee will be added to your card. You can pay by credit/debit card using the library online payment service or in person at any library.
7. We’ll let you know when it’s ready for collection and the latest collection date. You can choose to receive notifications by email otherwise you’ll receive a letter by post.

What if you don’t have the item I want?

If we don’t have the item you want, we can try to find it for you.

SELMS - Milton Keynes City Council (MKCC) libraries are a member of the South East Library Management System (SELMS), a consortium of library authorities based in the south east of England and working together to widen access to resources for all their customers.

MKCC library members can use their card in any of these authorities either in person or online to access services and more than 6 million items.

Members can reserve library catalogue items online from the following Partner Libraries:

• Brighton and Hove
• Buckinghamshire
• Camden
• Hertfordshire
• Kent
• Medway
• Reading
• Richmond
• Slough
• Southend on Sea
• Southwark
• West Berkshire
• Windsor and Maidenhead

You’ll need your library card number and PIN to place a reservation and a SELMS reservation charge is made for this service.

How do I reserve an item from the other partner (SELMS) libraries?

1. Search the library catalogue for the item you want.
2. If you can’t find it in our catalogue, the screen suggestions section gives you the option to: Try this search in the SELMS Catalogue.
3. Click there and it will search all partner libraries' stock.
4. If the book is available, select the item you want to reserve and click Place Reservation. (Please note that items reserved from our partner libraries will take longer to arrive at Milton Keynes.)
5. Choose which library you would like to collect your item from.
6. To complete the reservation, you must select the 'Items to reserve' as 'Any item held at SELMS'. (By selecting this option you agree to your library membership information being shared with the other library services in the SELMS network in the same way as at your home library.)

There is a reservation charge for this service and it will be added to your card. Please pay online or when you next visit the library.

When the item is ready for collection we will let you know and tell you the latest collection date.