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Join the library

Become a member of Southwark’s libraries, what you get access to, what to do if you lose your card.

Fees and late return charges

As a member of Southwark libraries, you can borrow most items for free.  

There are fees for some items.

There are also charges if they are not returned on time. Late returns cost 30p per day, up to a maximum of £15 per item.

There are no late return charges for:

  • children's collection items
  • members under 17
  • people registered as disabled 
  • people who use the home library service

How to pay

To pay outstanding fees on your library account, sign in to your online account.

You can also pay in person at any Southwark library using cash.

Library items you pay for

DVDs

A 1-week loan for DVDs costs £3.30. Selected older titles are £1.70 for a 1-week loan.

Late returns cost £1.40 per day, up to £15 per item.

You can borrow up to 2 new feature DVDs at a time.

We offer a 2-for-1 rental offer. When you rent any film from our libraries, you'll get a second rental free of charge.

CDs

A 1-week loan for CDs costs £1.

Late returns cost 30p per day, up to £15 per item.

We offer a 2-for-1 rental offer. When you rent any CD from our libraries, you'll get a second rental free of charge.

CD collections can be found at

  • Canada Water Library

  • Dulwich Library

  • Peckham Library

Language courses

A 3-week loan costs £1.45.

Late returns cost 30p per day, up to £15 per item.

Requesting items

To request a book that the library does not have, sign in to your account. You can also speak to a member of staff in any Southwark library.

Requests for items from another Southwark library cost 65p.

Inter-library loan or purchase requests cost £3.

You can suggest a book or other item for a Southwark library to buy for its collection.

Requests for items from the British Library and other specialist libraries cost an additional £17.30.

Music score requests cost £26 for up to 40 parts, and £31 for more than 40 parts.

There is no charge for requests if you are 17 or under.

Printing and photocopying

A4: 20p per side (black and white) or £1.10 per side (colour).

A3: 35p per side (black and white) or £2.20 per side (colour).

Room and hall hire

For full details, see our hire a library hall or room page

Replacement library cards

If you lose your library card you can get a replacement for £2.90.

There is no charge if you are 17 or under.

Advertising on library notice boards

Advertising costs £5.10 per item for 3 weeks.