Portuguese at a Brazilian Library: Find and Borrow a Book
Learn useful words for bookshelves, borrowing, renewals, and asking a librarian for help in Portuguese.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Biblioteca is library, livro is book, and estante is bookshelf. If you know the title or subject you want, state it and ask where to look. A bibliotecário or bibliotecária can help you locate a section or search the catalog.
Ask where to find a book
Use você pode me ajudar? for a simple request. If you only remember part of a title, explain what you do know instead of guessing at the exact wording.
Onde ficam os livros de história do Brasil?
Where are the books about Brazilian history?
Você pode me ajudar a encontrar este livro?
Can you help me find this book?
Estou procurando um livro para iniciantes.
I’m looking for a book for beginners.
Ask about borrowing and returning
Emprestar means to lend, and devolver means to return. Ask whether you can borrow the book and when it needs to be returned. Library policies vary, so confirm the specific dates and requirements with the staff.
Renovar means to renew. If you need more time, ask whether a renewal is possible before the return date. A short confirmation helps you avoid misunderstanding a number or date.
Posso levar este livro emprestado?
Can I borrow this book?
Qual é a data para devolver?
What is the return date?
Dá para renovar o empréstimo?
Can I renew the loan?
Check a detail before you leave
Repeat the key detail: the return date, whether you need a library card, or where to find the next book. If you missed a word, ask the person to say it again or write it down.
To talk about reading itself, use the expressions in our Real Life Portuguese guide to books and reading. This library guide focuses on the interaction at the desk and the practical steps around borrowing.
Então preciso devolver até o dia quinze?
So I need to return it by the fifteenth?
Pode anotar a data para mim?
Could you write down the date for me?
Onde posso devolver os livros?
Where can I return the books?
Put it into practice
Practice asking for one book, confirming how long you can borrow it, and checking where to return it. Replace the sample details with what you actually need.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Where are the books about Brazilian history”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.