Everyday English · Reading a library notice, borrowing books and checking a due date
At the Library: 18 Useful Everyday English Words
Use essential library words to search for a book, borrow it, understand a due date, and ask for help; Family adds 22 service and research terms.
What to do
Public libraries often lend books and other materials. Borrow means receive temporarily; lend means allow someone else to borrow. They describe opposite sides of the same exchange.
Every library has its own borrowing period, renewal eligibility and replacement policies. The vocabulary below explains English words, not the rules of a particular library.
Core everyday words
library
noun · LY-brer-eea place that lends books and other resources
Example: We visit the library on Saturday.
borrow
verb · BOR-ohtake something for a time and return it
Example: May I borrow this book?
return
verb · ri-TURNgive something back
Example: Please return the book on time.
lend
verb · LENDallow someone to use something temporarily
Example: The library can lend this book.
loan
noun · LOHNan item borrowed for a limited period
Example: The loan lasts two weeks.
due date
noun · DOO DAYTthe date something must be returned
Example: Check the due date on your account.
renew
verb · ri-NOOextend a borrowing period when allowed
Example: Can I renew my book?
library card
noun · LY-brer-ee KARDa card or account used to borrow library items
Example: I brought my library card.
catalogue
noun · KAT-uh-loga searchable list of library materials
Example: Search the catalogue for the title.
shelf
noun · SHELFa flat support where books are stored
Example: The novel is on the shelf.
title
noun · TY-tulthe name of a book or other work
Example: Write down the book title.
author
noun · AW-thera person who writes a book or other work
Example: Who is the author?
section
noun · SEK-shuna part or area of a larger place
Example: Find the science section.
fiction
noun · FIK-shunstories made up by an author
Example: She enjoys reading fiction.
non-fiction
noun · non-FIK-shunbooks about real topics and information
Example: This non-fiction book explains volcanoes.
available
adjective · uh-VAY-luh-bulready to be used or borrowed
Example: Is the book available?
reserve
verb · ri-ZURVask to keep an item for later use
Example: Can I reserve the book?
librarian
noun · ly-BRAIR-ee-una professional who helps people use a library
Example: Ask the librarian for help.
Quick recognition
Quick recognition
Recognise common signs and verbs.
1. Which verb means take a book temporarily and give it back?
- borrow
- lend
- lose
2. What tells you when a borrowed item must be returned?
- due date
- cover
- author
- shelf
3. Who can help you find a section or title?
- librarian
- cashier
- driver
- pilot
Use in context
Use in context
Interpret a small notice and ask clearly.
4. Notice: 'Return by October 20.' What must happen?
- The item should be returned by October 20.
- The book becomes yours to keep.
- The book must be reserved in December.
- It is already overdue.
5. Complete: 'Could I ______ this book for another week?'
6. You want a specific book but it is on loan. What could you ask?
- Can I reserve it?
- Where is the swimming pool?
- Must I purchase it?
- Does every book have a fine?
Quick-check answers
- 1. borrow
You borrow a library book. - 2. due date
The due date is the planned deadline. - 3. librarian
A librarian helps visitors use library resources. - 4. The item should be returned by October 20.
Return by identifies a due date. - 5. renew
Renew means extend the loan, if the policy permits. - 6. Can I reserve it?
A hold or reservation may be available.