Pass It On
Just finished reading a great book and want to share it? Pass it on to a friend or family member without returning it to the library first. Learn how you can share your love for reading using the NLB Mobile app!
Overview
What is Pass It On?
Pass It On is a new beta feature in the NLB Mobile app that allows you to transfer a physical item from your loans directly to another NLB member's loans. As this feature is currently in beta testing, we are continuously improving it based on user feedback. If you encounter any issues or have suggestions, please email enquiry@nlb.gov.sg.
Who can use the Pass It On feature?
Any NLB member with an active library account can use the Pass It On feature. Both the patron passing the book and the patron receiving it must have the NLB Mobile app installed and be logged into their accounts to complete the transfer.
The patron receiving the book:
- Must NOT have any outstanding charges (except during fines waiver period from 6 September to 31 December 2025)
- Must have available physical loan quota
Which books can I pass on to others?
You can pass on physical items that you have borrowed, except the following:
- Overdue items or items marked as lost.
- Items from the NL RefToGo collection.
- Items from the Fastback initiative.
- Age-restricted items (PG, PG13, NC16, M18, R21).
- Items reserved by any other patrons.
- Items that were already passed on to you through Pass It On. (Items must be returned to the library after one Pass It On transfer.)
- Items blocked by the library.
How It Works
How do I find and start the Pass It On feature in the NLB Mobile app?
For patron who is passing the book
Step 1: Grab a book you love: Pick up the book that you borrowed from NLB and that you loved reading!
Step 2: Meet your friend: Arrange to meet the person you’re passing the book to and bring your book along.
Step 3: Check the NLB Mobile app: Ensure both you and your friend have the NLB Mobile app installed and are logged into your respective accounts.
Step 4: In the NLB Mobile app, tap on Loans from your Account page.
Step 5: Tap on the “Pass It On” button at the bottom of the page.
Step 6: Select the item to pass and tap on the “Pass It On” button.
Step 7: The unique Pass It On QR code is displayed. (Note: This QR code is valid only for 10 minutes.)
Ask your friend receiving the book to scan the QR code displayed on your screen with their NLB Mobile app, and then the QR code or bar code pasted on the book to be passed.
(See below for steps that your friend must follow.)
For patron who is receiving the book
Step 1: Log in to the NLB Mobile app and tap on the scan icon at the bottom of the page.
Step 2: Scan the Pass It On QR code displayed on the passer’s NLB mobile app.
Step 3: Click on “Scan NLB Barcode/ QR Code” button.
Step 4: Scan the Barcode/ QR Code pasted on the book to be transferred.
Step 5: Book is successfully borrowed.
Step 6: Read and return: You will get a fresh loan period for the book that you received. You must return the book to the library before the new due date and cannot pass it on to another person. (This ensures that all patrons have fair access to the library’s collections.)
Why does Pass It On require two steps i.e. scanning the Pass It On QR code and then scanning the physical item’s barcode/QR code?
This ensures the patron receiving the physical item has indeed received the item and has scanned to borrow it, similar to the normal borrow workflow. This safeguards both patrons by providing clear confirmation of the transfer.
Do we need to be at a library to pass the book?
No, you do not need to be at a library to pass the book. You can complete the transfer anywhere, as long as both patrons are present with the physical book and have the NLB Mobile app.
What happens if I lose internet connection during the passing process?
If the process is interrupted due to a lost connection, the book will remain under the passer's account. Both the passer and receiver can check their current loans in the Accounts tab to verify the status. Once the internet connection is restored, the passing process can be resumed and completed.
Does the due date change when I pass a book?
Yes, when you pass a book to your friend, they will receive a fresh loan period starting from the day they receive the item. They can also renew the book according to NLB's standard renewal policy.
What happens if the receiving patron does not complete the scanning process in time?
The passer's Pass It On QR code expires after 10 minutes. If the receiver does not scan both the passer's QR code and the book's barcode/QR code within this timeframe, they will need to redo the process with a new Pass It On QR code, else the book remains in the passer’s account.
Eligibility & Usage Conditions
Can I pass books from all NLB libraries?
No, only books from public libraries can be passed on.
Can I pass other types of physical items like magazines, CDs or DVDs?
Yes, you can pass any physical item as long as it can be borrowed and meets the eligibility conditions for Pass It On. However, CDs or DVDs that are age-restricted are NOT eligible for Pass It On.
If I have renewed a book, can I still pass it on?
Yes, you can pass on a book even if you have renewed it.
Can I pass the physical book to anyone?
You can pass a book to any NLB member who meets the following criteria:
- They have the NLB Mobile app installed and are logged in.
- They do not have any outstanding charges or fines.
- They have available loan quota.
- The transfer must be completed in person.
Can I pass the book to multiple friends?
No, you can only pass a book to one friend at a time using the Pass It On feature. Once the book is passed to a friend, it is no longer in your account, and you cannot transfer it to others.
Troubleshooting & Support
What if I change my mind after initiating a Pass It On?
If you have not completed the transfer, you can simply keep the book. The Pass It On process is only completed when the receiver scans the book.
What should I do if I receive a damaged book through Pass It On?
You should always check the book's condition before scanning its barcode/QR code. Once you scan the book, you accept responsibility for its condition. If you notice any damage, do not scan the book and decline the Pass It On transfer.
If I pass a book to someone and they do not return it on time, am I responsible?
No, once the book is successfully passed, it is under the receiver's loans. The receiver is responsible for returning the book on time and any associated late fees.
What should I do if I encounter an error during the Pass It On process?
If you encounter an error while using Pass It On, try the following steps:
- Check that both you and the other patron have a stable internet connection.
- Ensure both of you are using the latest version of the NLB Mobile app.
- Verify that the item meets all eligibility criteria for Pass It On.
- Ensure that the receiver has no outstanding charges and has available loan quota.
- Try closing and reopening the app, then attempt the transfer again.
If the error persists, please email enquiry@nlb.gov.sg with details of the error message and the item you are trying to pass.
If I have feedback or queries, who can I approach?
For any feedback or inquiries, please email enquiry@nlb.gov.sg.