I'd like to return this book.
Stress 're-sti-TUI-re'. Clear, four syllables.
Say this at the return desk or circulation desk when handing back a borrowed book. Some libraries have self-service return boxes ('cassette di restituzione').
'Restituire' = to return/give back. 'Questo libro' = this book. Simple and direct. If you're returning late: 'Mi dispiace, è in ritardo' (I'm sorry, it's overdue). Italian libraries may charge small fines ('more') for late returns.
Dove si restituiscono i libri?
Where do I return books?
Finding the return location.
È in ritardo di una settimana. Devo pagare una mora?
It's a week overdue. Do I need to pay a fine?
About overdue fines.
Posso restituirlo in un'altra filiale?
Can I return it at another branch?
Cross-branch returns.
Italian library fines ('more per ritardo') are typically very small — a few cents per day per book. Italian libraries rarely pursue overdue books aggressively. In some Italian municipalities, an annual 'amnistia dei libri' (book amnesty) allows late returns without fines — a popular initiative that has recovered thousands of long-overdue volumes.