#55 Confirming and Adjusting Deadlines｜French Business Conversation
Izumi French Garden
#139 Requesting an Extension of a Loan Period at a Library｜French Everyday Phrases
Izumi
When using a library, there may be times when you are unable to finish reading a borrowed book within the loan period and would like to request an extension.
In French, it is important to make such requests politely while explaining the situation clearly and concisely.
In this article, I explain useful French expressions for requesting an extension of a loan period at a library.
Contents
Dialogue
Excusez-moi, j’aimerais savoir s’il est possible de prolonger la durée de prêt de ce livre.
（Excuse me, I would like to ask whether it is possible to extend the loan period for this book.）
Laissez-moi vérifier. Avez-vous votre carte de bibliothèque ?
（Let me check. Do you have your library card?）
Oui, la voici.
（Yes, here it is.）
Merci. Le livre n’est pas réservé par un autre lecteur, donc une prolongation est possible.
（Thank you. The book has not been reserved by another reader, so an extension is possible.）
De combien de temps la prolongation sera-t-elle ?
（How long will the extension be?）
Deux semaines supplémentaires à partir d’aujourd’hui.
（An additional two weeks from today.）
Merci beaucoup pour votre aide.
（Thank you very much for your help.）
1. Requesting an Extension
When asking for an extension of a loan period at a library, it is more polite to ask whether it is possible, rather than making a direct demand.
Example
- J’aimerais savoir s’il est possible de prolonger la durée de prêt de ce livre.
（I would like to ask whether it is possible to extend the loan period for this book.）
The phrase “J’aimerais savoir si …” means “I would like to ask whether …” and is a polite way to make inquiries. It is appropriate for use in public institutions such as libraries or government offices.
The expression “prolonger la durée de prêt” means “to extend the loan period.”
2. Presenting Your Library Card
To extend a loan period, libraries usually need to verify the user’s information, so you are often asked to present your library card.
Example
- Avez-vous votre carte de bibliothèque ?
（Do you have your library card with you?）
Response
- Oui, la voici.
（Yes, here it is.）
“La voici” means “Here it is” and is commonly used when handing over cards, documents, or tickets.
3. Explanation Regarding Eligibility for an Extension
If a book has been reserved by another user, it may not be possible to extend the loan period. As a result, library staff may explain the conditions to you.
Example
- Le livre n’est pas réservé par un autre lecteur.
（The book has not been reserved by another user.）
Here, “réservé” means “reserved,” and “lecteur” refers to a reader or library user.
Related Expression
- Le livre est déjà réservé.
（The book has already been reserved.）
4. Confirming the Length of the Extension
Once you know that an extension is possible, it is a good idea to confirm the length of the extended period.
Example
- De combien de temps la prolongation sera-t-elle ?
（How long will the extension be?）
The structure “De combien de temps … ?” is a useful way to ask “For how long … ?”
Response
- Deux semaines supplémentaires à partir d’aujourd’hui.
（An additional two weeks from today.）
“Supplémentaire” means “additional,” and “à partir de” means “from.”
Summary
今回のフランス語フレーズ
- J’aimerais savoir s’il est possible de prolonger la durée de prêt…
→ A polite expression for requesting an extension of a loan period. - Avez-vous votre carte de bibliothèque ?
→ A common question during the extension process. - Le livre n’est pas réservé par un autre lecteur.
→ An explanation of whether an extension is possible. - De combien de temps la prolongation sera-t-elle ?
→ Used to confirm the length of the extension.
