Using the library

Membership and joining

Joining the library is free and easy to do; you can join online or in person. You will need to fill in a membership form and show us proof of name and address. Remember, all our libraries are self-service. Your library card is needed every time you visit the library and want to access our services; customers should use our self-service kiosks to borrow, renew or return items and pay library fees and charges.

Membership and joining

Searching, renewing and reserving

At present, as all our libraries are closed due to the coronavirus, all fines will be automatically waived during the closure period and items are being auto-renewed. Old charges will be able to be paid once we re-open. We are currently not taking any telephone calls.

No items can be reserved from the library catalogue at the moment but any items already reserved and available will be kept at sites until we reopen.

Children’s library service

We offer a wide range of services for children and young adults, a fantastic selection of books as well as lots of events and activities.

Children’s library service

Home library service

The home library service provides books and items for residents of the borough who can’t visit their local library because of illness, disability, frailty or caring responsibilities. We deliver once every three weeks.

Home library service

Reference and information

Many reference and information resources are available online. All of our branch libraries have a quick reference section and supply national and local newspapers as well as a range of popular magazines. Shepherds Bush Library has a larger reference area to meet the high number of community enquiries it receives.

Online reference and information resources