NLB’s Pass It On transfers eligible public-library loans between members using NLB Mobile. Both people and the physical item must be present, but a library visit is unnecessary.
The recipient needs available loan quota and no outstanding charges. A completed transfer provides a fresh loan period; physically handing over a book alone does not update the accounts.
Follow the official Pass It On guide. The recipient becomes responsible for return and late fees, and cannot pass the item on again.
Find the information you need
Complete both scans
Check the item before accepting it
If the process is interrupted
Agree on a practical reading plan
Complete both scans
Under Account and Loans, the passer chooses Pass It On and the item. The recipient scans the passer’s QR code, then the item’s code. The transfer QR expires after 10 minutes.
Do the process together and check the result before separating. Keeping the book exchange and the account transfer in the same short meeting helps avoid uncertainty about who should return the item.
Check the item before accepting it
NLB advises recipients to inspect the item before scanning and decline the transfer if it is damaged.
Take a moment to check the cover, pages and attachments where relevant. If something is unclear, pause and seek guidance rather than treating the handover as a way to resolve a condition problem you have not understood.
If the process is interrupted
If transfer is interrupted, the loan remains with the passer. Check both accounts before retrying; one scan alone is insufficient.
If the app shows an error, note the message and ask NLB for help through enquiry@nlb.gov.sg. Avoid sharing account credentials with the other person or putting personal loan details in a public comment.
Agree on a practical reading plan
Before meeting, ask whether your friend has time to read and return the item. Passing a book is most useful when the recipient actually wants it and can manage the new loan.
Check the official guide for item eligibility instead of assuming every collection is transferable. For local library orientation, continue to our Punggol Library guide. This feature is a loan transfer, not a donation or permanent exchange of library property.
Independent local guide by eduKatePunggol. Information checked on 16 October 2026. Use NLB’s official channels for current account rules, charges and assistance.
