Library charges
These charges are non-refundable if you cancel.
Check when your library items are due back by logging in to your library account. You can also renew items if you want to keep them for longer.
| Item | Charges |
|---|---|
| Books | Free |
| eLibrary | Free |
| Reservations from Kent |
£1.10 (non-refundable) Free to concessionary card holders and under 18s |
| Reservations from SELMS partners | £3 |
| Interlibrary loans |
£7 (£1 placement charge, £6 on completion) For items only available via the British Library or abroad we will contact you separately once we have located the item, if you agree to proceed we will pass on the completion charge costs incurred to us. For the most up to date costs visit the British library website. |
| Suggest a purchase | £2 (payable if your request is confirmed and ordered. Includes a reservation for the item.) |
| Adult films |
New releases: £2.50 for 3 days Standard titles: £1.50 for 1 week |
| Children's films | £1.50 for 1 week |
| Non-fiction DVDs | £1.50 for 3 weeks |
| TV programme DVDs | £1.50 for 1 week |
| TV box sets | £5.00 for 3 weeks |
| Music CDs | £1.50 for 3 weeks |
| Children's CDs | Free |
| Audiobooks | £2 for 3 weeks |
| Language courses - up to 9 CDs per set | £2 for 3 weeks |
People with disabilities and mental health problems
If you have an concessionary card you may not need to pay to borrow items. Find out more about getting an concessionary card.
Music and drama sets for groups
Find out about borrowing music and drama sets for performances.
If you return your library item after the date it's due back you will need to pay a charge.
Books returned or renewed on time cost nothing.
Pay a library charge
To find out if you owe any money or to pay online log in to your library account. You can also pay library charges in your local library.
If you have more than £5 of outstanding charges you will not be able reserve more items or use the public computers until the charges are paid.
| Item | Charges |
|---|---|
| Books (adults and over 60s) | 25p per day (£10 maximum charge per book) |
| Items borrowed by children and under-18s | No charge |
| eLibrary | No charge, automatic returns |
| DVDs | Hire charge will be reapplied (£20 maximum charge per DVD) |
| CDs borrowed on an adult's card | Hire charge will be reapplied (£10 maximum charge per CD) |
| Reminder letters we send you | 70p |
If you owe us more than £5 (including children) you won't be able to borrow items, use the computers or wifi in libraries.
Check when your library items are due back by logging in to your library account. You can also renew items if you want to keep them for longer.
Sign up to free email reminders so you don't forget to return things.
We don't offer photocopying and printing in every library so check your local library before visiting.
Photocopying and printing
| Colour | Size | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Black and white | A4 | 20p per side |
| Black and white | A3 | 35p per side |
| Colour | A4 | 70p per side |
| Colour | A3 | £1per side |
Microfiche printing
| Colour | Size | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Black and white | A4 | 75p per side |
| Black and white | A3 | £1.20 per side |
Borrowed items
If you lose or damage an item borrowed on the card of a child who is under 5, there is no charge.
If you lose or damage an item borrowed on the card of a person over the age of 5, we will charge you for the full cost of the item. We will add the cost to your library account. If you find a lost item within 3 months of paying for it, we can refund the charge.
Library cards
We charge £2 to replace a lost or damaged adult library card and £1 to replace a lost or damaged children’s library card.
To replace a lost or damaged card, please bring proof of your name and address to one of our libraries.
We charge £2 to replace a lost or damaged adult library card and £1 to replace a lost or damaged children’s library card.