One of the best parts of living in Sweden is the access to various libraries where you can read unlimited books, borrow, keep them for more than a month and it is completely free of charge. You just need to have a library card. You can also read ebooks online.
How to get a library card?
You have to register first in order to apply for the library card. You can register online or walk in into one and take help from the library staff. You have to pick up the library card within 7 days from where you have applied. You have to carry your Swedish ID card to collect your library card. If somebody else is collecting your card on your behalf then the other person has to carry yours and his/her own Swedish ID card.
Now that you have a library card, for the first time you have to sign up on the website with your personal number, create your own password and start using the service.
You can either use your library card number or a personal number, followed by the password you created while signing up to borrow a book from the library. You need to use the borrowing machine kept inside the library. For accessing online, your personal number is enough.
What if I lose my library card?
If you lose your library card, you would have to block the card immediately. You can visit any library to block your card or by logging onto the website. The moment you block the card you no more login to the website. Apply for a new card after visiting the library again.
A new library card costs 20 SEK.
Rules behind borrowing the book
- You can borrow a book twice.
- If you don’t return your book late charges will be applied.
- You can borrow a maximum of 50 items at a time, including 20 music CDs and 5 DVDs.
- If the book is not available you can always make a reservation and reservation is free of charge.
MSH Opinion – Having access to a free library is an amazing resource. Apart from borrowing, you can also read there itself. Make sure to use it to the fullest.
