Libraries FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
Here's where you'll find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about West Lothian libraries and library accounts
If you have an enquiry about any of our library services, resources or your library account, you might just find the answer below.
If the answer's not here please email library.info@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window)
General Enquiries
Q: Where can I find my local library's telephone number?
A: You can find all local library's contact details, opening hours and services available on your library's webpage: here
Q: What services are available in my library on self-service days?
A: Each Library has different accessibility on their self service days so it's best to check ahead with the library you wish to visit directly. You can contact the library you wish to visit by visiting Your Library and clicking on the library you wish to visit. Each library's contact details and opening hours are available on their webpage.
Q: I've lost my library card, how can I get another?
A: Visit any West Lothian Library, taking photo ID with you which also shows your address and speak to a member of staff about purchasing a replacement card. The replacement library card fee is currently £1.28.
Q: I want to join the library but I can't visit my local library at the moment.
A: You can join the library online or in person. Please visit our Library membership for full details on how to join the library.
Q: I have not been able to return my books, are they now overdue. Will there be fines?
A: West Lothian do not charge overdue fines. Please return the items to any West Lothian library as soon as you can. If you cannot return the items in the near future, please contact your local library for advice or email: library.info@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window)
Membership Enquiries
Q: I've forgotten my library membership PIN
A: If you have an email recorded on your library account and know your library membership number/barcode you can retrieve your PIN using by selecting the Log in or My Account tab at the top of the following webpage: Access the online catalogue/my account (opens new window) and select the 'Forgot my PIN' tab. You will then receive an email containing your PIN. If you do not have an email address recorded on your library account or fail to receive the 'Forgot my PIN' email, please email us (opens new window) providing your library membership number (if known), full name, full address including post code and date of birth.
Q: I can't find my library card and want to access the digital books and magazines.
A: email us (opens new window) to request your membership details using the email recorded on your library account. If you don't have an email recorded on your library account we will ask you some security questions. Please note: An email address recorded on your library account is required if you wish to use BorrowBox and the same email address should be used when registering with BorrowBox. Please provide us with a valid email address if you wish to have an email address recorded on your library account.
Q: Why do I no longer have a library account?
A: If a library account has not been used for 2 or more years then your personal information will be removed from our database in line with Data Protection and GDPR and a new membership application will be required.
Q: I've moved home but still live or work in West Lothian and want to keep my library membership. How do I update my library account?
A: You can change your details by logging into your online library account here (opens new window), you will need your membership number (don;t put any spaces between the numbers) and PIN.
If you have lost your membership number and pin, email email us (opens new window) and provide your email address and date of birth that is attached to your library account, which will help us find your account on our system and also lets us verify your account for security purposes.You can also change your address in person by visiting any of our West Lothian Libraries with proof of your new address and our library staff will update your account accordingly.
Q: I've moved home and no longer live, work or have a connection to West Lothian and need to cancel my library membership. Who do I inform?
A: email us (opens new window) and we will cancel your West Lothian library membership and remove your personal details from our database. Please note, we are unable to cancel accounts until all borrowed items are returned.
