Fines and charges
What you get charged for
It’s free to join, borrow books and use our computers. We only charge for:
- reading group and inter-library loan reservations
- hiring audiobooks, DVDs, playsets, music scores and music CDs
- fines for overdue items
- costs for lost or damaged items
- you will also have to pay a small charge for photocopying and printing.
Hire charges are for the full loan period, and we are unable to refund part payment for items returned before the due date.
VAT
All prices include VAT (if applicable) but may be subject to variation should VAT rules and rates change. Exemptions apply in some cases.
How to pay
You can pay charges in the following ways:
- in cash at your local library
- by cheque at your local library, made payable to ‘East Sussex County Council’
- by credit card in person at libraries in Bexhill, Crowborough, Eastbourne, Hailsham, Hastings, Lewes, Rye, Seaford and Uckfield
- by credit card over the phone on 0345 60 80 196 from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4.30pm. You will need your debit or credit card details and your membership number from your library card.
Overdue charges
| Category | How we charge | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Books and audiobooks | per day | 25p |
| Books borrowed on a child’s ticket | no charge | - |
| If we send a letter for overdue books borrowed on a child’s ticket | per letter | 2nd class postage |
| DVDs | per week | £2 |
| Music CDs | per week | £1 |
There are no overdue charges for ebooks and e-audiobooks – they simply stop working after 3 weeks.
Overdue DVDs, videos and CDs will incur an additional weekly hire charge.
Reservation charges
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| In person reservations | Free |
| Online reservations | Free |
| Type of loan | Non-refundable deposit | Plus further charge | Total fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard inter-library loan | £2 | £5 | £7 |
| British Library/University loan | £2 | £13 | £15 |
Reservation charges are not refundable.
There are some membership categories that are exempt from reservation fees. These membership categories are based on an individual’s circumstances, specific information will be provided upon joining.
Hire charges
| Type | Loan length | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Adult DVD | 1 week | £2.50 |
| Children’s DVD | no charge | - |
| DVD box sets | 2 weeks | £5 |
| Music CD | 1 week | £1 |
| Item | Loan length | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| eBooks | 3 weeks | No charge |
| Audiobooks up to 8 CDs or tapes | 3 weeks | £1.30 |
| Audiobooks over 8 CDs or tapes | 3 weeks | £1.70 |
| Audiobooks MP3 Playaways | 3 weeks | £1.30 |
| eAudiobooks MP3 downloads | 3 weeks | No charge |
| eAudiobooks WMA downloads | 3 weeks | No charge |
| Item | Loan length | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Playset | 6 weeks | £1.50 |
| Scores | 3 months | £30 |
| Scores | Each additional month after 3 month loan | £30 |
Printing charges
| Item | How we charge | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| A4 black and white | per sheet | 20p |
| A4 colour | per sheet | 50p |
| A3 black and white | per sheet | 30p |
| A3 colour | per sheet | £1 |
| Reader printer | per sheet | 20p |
A3 printing and photocopying is not available in all libraries.
Lost or damaged items
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Books and other items (adults and children) | Replacement cost |
| Adult library card replacement | £2 |
Other charges
| Item | How we charge | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Research work | First half hour | Free |
| Each extra half hour | £12.50 | |
| Internet access | - | Free |
| A4 digital image | First copy | £6.50 |
| Each extra copy from same document | £3.75 | |
| Photographic reproduction handling charge | Individual or educational use | £3 |
| Commercial use (final charge agreed on application, subject to use) | £10 minimum | |
| Reading groups | Annual subscription | £10.40 |
| Reservation per item * | 60p | |
| Meeting room hire (per hour) | Community hire | £10 |
| Meeting room hire (per hour) | Business hire | £20 |
| Meeting room hire (per hour) | Commercial hire | £40 |
* payable on collection
Items for sale in libraries
| What you can buy | Cost |
|---|---|
| 4 first class stamps | £4.40 |
| 8 first class stamps | £8.80 |
| 8 second class stamps | £6.00 |
| Magnifier bookmarks | £2.55 |
| Magnifier sheets | £3.05 |
| 4GB memory stick | £6 |
| Jute bags | £2.50 |
| Greetings cards | Various prices |