All library fines have been suspended until 31 December 2021.
You can renew your books, films or music online as long as nobody else has already reserved this.
To do this you will need:
- your library card number
- your library PIN (Personal Identification Number)
It's free to reserve books, music and films, and view their details. If the item is in stock your request will be placed immediately and you will be notified by post or by email as soon as a copy becomes available. You can also reserve and renew books by visiting any local library, or the Central Lending Library.
Lost or stolen library cards
Contact any local library to let us know if you have lost your library card. For adults the cost of a replacement card is £2. For under 18s it is free.
Borrowing items
You can borrow books, audio books, e-books and e-audiobooks for a maximum of 3 weeks. If you would like to borrow CDs and DVDs you will need to return these within 1 week.
You can return books, DVDs and CDs to any local library or the Central Lending Library.
Number of items you can borrow
Adults with ID:
- up to 15 books including audiobooks
- up to 5 items of recorded music, for example CDs
- up to 5 DVDs
- up to 2 Learning Centre books
- use of a library computer
- access to our 24/7 online packages
Adults without ID:
- up to 2 books including audiobooks
- one item of recorded music
- one DVD or video
- use of the People's Network computers at any library
- access to our 24/7 online packages
Young people aged 16 or 17:
- up to 15 books free of charge, including audiobooks
- up to 5 music CDs - a charge is made for these
- up to 5 DVDs (excluding DVDs rated 18) - a charge is made for these
- use of the People's Network computers in any library
- access to our 24/7 online packages
Children:
- up to 15 books free of charge, including audiobooks
- up to 5 music CDs - a charge is made for these
- use of the People's Network computers in any library
- access to our 24/7 online packages
Items not in stock
If the item is not in stock, a decision will be made to either buy a copy, if appropriate, or try to obtain a copy from another council. If the latter, then you will be contacted by a member of staff as there is a non refundable charge of £7 for this service.
We try our best to find the items you require but cannot guarantee that we will satisfy all requests.
Suggest new library books, music or film
Our buying teams are always interested to hear your suggestions for books that might be added to the collections.
Although all suggestions will be considered, we are unable to buy everything that is published:
- first check our library catalogue to see if we already have it
- if we don't have it, email with your suggestion or speak to a member of staff
- tell us as much as possible about the item
Whilst we genuinely value customer suggestions, we are unable to respond to every suggestion.
Email reservations and reminders
To receive email reminders about your reservations and renewals please contact us by phone or by calling into your local library, or the Central Lending Library with your library card number.