1. Home
  2. Libraries
  3. Local library services
  4. Fines and charges

Fines and charges

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.

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 fees table
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.

Reservations from East Sussex libraries
Item Amount
In person reservations Free
Online reservations Free
Reservations from libraries outside the county
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.

DVD and CD hire charges table
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
eBook and audiobook hire charges
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
Other items
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.

Fees table
Item Amount
Books and other items (adults and children) Replacement cost
Adult library card replacement £2
Charges table
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

Shop items costs table
What you can buy Cost
4 first class stamps £5.00
8 first class stamps £10.00
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