Getting a Library Card
These phrases will help you navigate the process of getting a library card, borrowing materials, and using the facilities in a Norwegian public library.
Key Phrases
Hei, jeg har nettopp flyttet hit og vil gjerne registrere meg for et lånekort.
neutralHi, I have just moved here and would like to register for a library card.
A polite and common way to state your business at the library counter.
Hei, hvordan går jeg fram hvis jeg ønsker å få et lånekort her?
casualHi, how do I go about getting a library card here?
More conversational; often used when you are not sure of the exact process.
Jeg har med meg passet mitt, men trenger dere også et bevis på adressen min?
politeI brought my passport, but do you also need proof of my address?
Good for proactively checking requirements, though Norway generally relies on the national registry.
Holder det at jeg viser frem bankkortet mitt med bilde som legitimasjon?
neutralIs it enough that I show my bank card with a picture as ID?
Bank cards with photos are still widely used as valid ID in Norway.
Er det en grense for hvor mange bøker jeg kan låne samtidig?
neutralIs there a limit to how many books I can borrow at the same time?
Libraries often have generous but specific limits on physical items.
Hvor lenge kan jeg ha bøkene før de må leveres tilbake?
casualHow long can I keep the books before they must be returned?
Uses the passive 'må leveres' which is very common in spoken Norwegian for rules.
Hva er den vanlige lånetiden for bøker og filmer her på biblioteket?
neutralWhat is the usual loan period for books and movies here at the library?
A clear, standard way to ask about general due dates.
Kan du fortelle meg om hvilke gebyrer som gjelder hvis man leverer bøkene for sent?
politeCan you tell me about what fees apply if one returns the books late?
A slightly formal, respectful way to ask about potential fines.
Hva skjer hvis jeg glemmer å levere bøkene innen fristen?
casualWhat happens if I forget to return the books by the deadline?
'Fristen' (the deadline) is the standard term for the due date.
Går det an å utvide lånetiden på nettet hvis ingen andre står på venteliste?
neutralIs it possible to extend the loan period online if no one else is on the waiting list?
'Går det an å' is a very natural conversational alternative to 'Kan jeg'.
Er det gratis internett her, og hvordan logger jeg meg i så fall på?
casualIs there free internet here, and if so, how do I log on?
A standard question; public libraries in Norway almost always have free WiFi.
Må jeg logge inn med lånekortnummer og pinkode for å bruke datamaskinene deres?
neutralDo I have to log in with my library card number and PIN code to use your computers?
Most library PCs require this specific login combination.
Hvordan kan jeg reservere en bok som allerede er utlånt til noen andre?
neutralHow can I reserve a book that is already checked out to someone else?
Contains a natural passive construction ('er utlånt').
Kan jeg skrive ut dokumenter herfra, og hva koster det per side?
casualCan I print documents from here, and what does it cost per page?
Libraries are popular places for printing; 'skrive ut' is the phrasal verb for printing.