Rules and regulations

In the regulations for Herning Bibliotekerne, you can read the rules for using the library’s services. In general, it is free to use our library, but a fee is charged per page/copy for specific services such as printing and copying. Fees may also apply to participate in specific events. Tickets for these events can be bought online at herningbib.dk.

You are always welcome to use the library’s services on-site, even if you are not registered as a user. You can read newspapers and books, access our wireless internet, work on your assignments, or participate in events, etc. 
 

How do I become a registered user at the library?

To borrow materials from the library or use the library during unmanned hours, you need to be a registered user. Membership registration can be completed with the help of a librarian or through the library’s website using MitID. Remember to bring a valid photo ID (passport/driver’s licence) issued by Danish public authorities.  

Your personal library card is the Danish health insurance card with a self-selected PIN code. You will need to use the card whenever you want to borrow or reserve materials or use our digital service. If you do not have a Danish address, a deposit may be requested for borrowing materials.

If you forgot your PIN code, you change it through Herning Bibliotekerne’s website using MitID or by showing up at the library with a valid photo ID.

If you are under the age of 18, a financially responsible person must be connected to your library card. They must show a valid photo ID or can register you via herningbib.dk using their MitID. If you do not wish for your child to use their health insurance card as a library card, you can request a special card at the library.

By providing an e-mail or phone number, you agree to receive service notifications regarding borrowed materials, orders, reservations, and your use of the library’s different services.

You are responsible for the borrowed materials made with your library card. If you are connected to a minor’s card, you are also responsible for loans made by that minor. Remember to inform the library if you lose your card to prevent misuse.
 

How do I reserve books, movies, games, and magazines?

You can reserve materials via herningbib.dk or bibliotek.dk. Once the material is available, you will receive a text message or an e-mail. If the material you need is unavailable at Herning Bibliotekerne, we will attempt to source them from other libraries.

The library may restrict the number of reservations and loans you can make at once.

If you no longer need the reserved materials, we kindly ask that you cancel your request via herningbib.dk
 

How long can I keep borrowed materials?

You may borrow materials for up to four weeks. Some materials may have shorter or longer loan durations. You can check the due date for your loans on your receipt or under “My Account” at herningbib.dk. The due date is the last day you can return the material without being charged an overdue fine.
 

Can I extend the period for borrowed materials?

If another user has not reserved the materials, you may extend the borrowing period for a maximum of three times via herningbib.dk. This can be done no earlier than one week before the due date, though some materials cannot be extended, e.g., quick loans.

If you extend after the due date, an overdue fine will be charged. See list of fines here.
 

If I return the materials after the due date?

You are responsible for returning the materials before the due date. The return receipt is your documentation that you have returned the materials on time.

If you return the materials after the due date, an overdue fine will be charged. See list of fines here.

Fees are automatically added from the day after the due date. Your borrowed materials may result in additional fees if:

• The materials have different return dates.
• The materials are borrowed on the same date but not returned together.

If you have provided your phone number or e-mail address, we will send a reminder via text or e-mail two days before the due date and a recall message two weeks afterward. If you have not provided an e-mail address or phone number, you will receive the recall message in your digital mailbox.

However, you are responsible for returning materials on time even if you do not receive the reminder or recall message. You can always track your borrowed materials and due dates at herningbib.dk

If you have trouble returning materials during your local library’s unmanned hours, please contact the library in Herning as soon as possible or your local library during the manned hours.
 

What happens if I lose the borrowed materials?

You are responsible for the materials borrowed with your library card. Before you borrow the materials, you need to check for any defects. You are responsible for replacing damaged or lost materials at the same price the library has paid, plus a handling fee.

If the purchase price of the material cannot be found, the library will use standard prices depending on the type of material.

Please be aware that the purchase prices for materials, such as DVD movies and computer games, are significantly higher than retail prices due to copyright laws. The purchase price can be up to 4.000 DKK per material.

For copyright reasons, buying materials in a store to replace lost or damaged materials is not possible.

If the borrowing period exceeds four weeks, we consider the materials to be lost, and you will receive a bill for the replacement of the material and an overdue fine. If material is returned, only an overdue fine will be charged. However, if the borrowing period exceeds eight weeks, the library will no longer refund the replacement fee nor accept the return of materials.

The material must be fully replaced, even if only part of it is damaged or lost, for example, an audiobook with one CD missing. Once the material is replaced, it is yours and can be picked up from the library within four weeks.
 

How do I clear my balance with the library?

Payment instructions can be found at herningbib.dk; for unpaid fees, go to “My Account.”

Fees are charged by Herning municipality and can be paid via “My Payment Overview.” 
Please note that missing payment due dates will lead to overdue fines.
 

Can I lose the right to borrow materials?

If you repeatedly return damaged materials or exceed the borrowing period, you will lose the right to borrow materials. The same restriction will apply if you owe more than 200 DKK in fees. You will then be given one week’s notice before you are excluded from borrowing materials.

You regain the right to borrow once you pay your balance. Please note that payments are considered valid once the payment is registered in the library system. This can take up to two working days after the payment is made. 
 

Materials borrowed at libraries in other municipalities

Materials borrowed from other municipalities can be returned at Herning Bibliotekerne. However, the receipt for these returns will be issued by the library from which you borrowed them, not Herning Bibliotekerne. Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure that the materials are registered as returned.
 

The library is for everyone

Using the library should be a great experience for everyone. We expect everyone to take good care of our facilities and materials and to follow the library staff’s instructions. Failure to do so may lead to expulsion from the library. Please be aware that using the library’s wireless network is your responsibility. The library is not responsible for materials users find or copy from the internet, nor if borrowed materials cause damage to your devices.

These regulations enter into force on 1 March 2022.