What you can borrow and renewing
Full library members can borrow:
- 20 books for 3 weeks
- 6 talking books for 3 weeks
- 6 CDs for 1 week
- 6 DVDs for 1 week
- 6 videos for 1 week
- 2 language courses for 6 weeks
Standard members are limited to four items in total. If you are over 16, one of the items can be a CD, DVD, video or talking book.
All books and children's stories on CD and tape are free to borrow. There is a small charge for CDs, DVDs, videos – see our fees and charges.
You can search and reserve these items on our E-library online catalogue.
Renewing your library loans
Visit or phone any library to renew your loans, or use your library card and PIN to renew online.
You can renew any items – except DVDs and videos – if they haven't been reserved by another borrower or reached the maximum renewals limit.
A further hire charge may be made on some items when you renew them.
Overdue items and fines
Please renew or return your items as soon as possible.
You may be charged a fine or further hire charge for late items. Overdue charges vary according to the type of item borrowed and the type of library card you have. For example, children under 16 don't pay fines. Ask your local library about concessions.
How to pay
You can pay fines and other charges by cash, cheque or credit card – see our fees and charges.
What if something you want isn’t available?
If we don't have what you want, fill in a reservation card at your local library to:
- request items already published or due to be released soon – we will consider buying them in line with our stock policy
- ask us to try obtaining specialised items using the national inter-library loan system.
You may be charged a small non-refundable fee for reserving items.
Suggest items for us to buy:
'How to use your library' in other languages
In Bengali, Cantonese, Mandarin and Portuguese – download our leaflet on how to join and use your local library.
