Can I borrow this book?
Stress 'PRES-ti-to'. 'Prendere in prestito' = to borrow (literally 'to take on loan').
Ask this at the checkout desk when you want to take a book home. Italian libraries typically allow 2–3 weeks borrowing time with possible renewal.
'Prendere in prestito' = to borrow (literally 'to take on loan'). 'In prestito' = on loan. 'Prestare' = to lend. Italian librarians 'prestano' (lend) books, and you 'prendete in prestito' (borrow) them. The maximum borrowing period varies by library — typically 15–30 days.
Quanti libri posso prendere in prestito?
How many books can I borrow?
Asking about the borrowing limit.
Per quanto tempo posso tenerlo?
How long can I keep it?
Asking about the loan period.
Posso rinnovare il prestito?
Can I renew the loan?
Asking about renewal.
Italian library borrowing culture has been growing. The average Italian reads about 8 books per year, below the European average, but library usage has increased since 2020. Italian libraries also lend e-books ('libri digitali') through platforms like 'MediaLibraryOnLine' (MLOL), which provides access to hundreds of Italian public libraries.