Library borrowing charges
You can borrow from and return books to any library in Kent for free with your Kent Libraries membership.
If you can't find the item you want at a library near you, you can reserve items from other libraries in Kent, or from other institutions for a fee. We’ll then deliver the item to your chosen library for you to pick up.
Once you place a reservation or interlibrary loan, the charges are non-refundable.
| 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 | £4 SELMS is a consortium of library services in the South East which has joined together to deliver better services for all its customers. |
| Interlibrary loans | £7 (£1 placement charge, £6 on completion) If you agree to proceed we will pass on the completion charge costs on to you. 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 £1 reservation for the item) Free to under 18s. Purchase Requests are limited to one per week per library member, to allow our team to process requests within the time available for this service. |
| 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.
Reading groups
Your book club can reserve books for free, with no charges for late returns, with a reading group library card. Find out more about what we offer book groups in Kent.
Music and drama sets for groups
Find out about borrowing music and drama sets for performances.
Schools
Email our team at librariesreadingandliteracy@kent.gov.uk and we'll be happy to talk you through what we offer, and the terms of library membership for schools and teachers in Kent