Libraries in the UK

Finding a library in the UK

Public libraries are free to join and free to use, run by councils and community trusts, and they do far more than lend books: e-books, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers on your phone through the library apps; computers, printing, scanning and Wi-Fi; study space; children's rhyme times, story times and holiday activities; reading and craft groups; local and family history archives; council services, job help and digital skills; and, in many towns, the warmest and quietest room open to anyone. Central and town libraries open six days a week; branch and village libraries fewer, some with self-service Open+ hours for members outside staffed times.

Joining takes minutes online or at the desk with proof of address, and children join free with a parent; the card works at every branch in the council area, and often across neighbouring councils. Loans are typically three weeks with renewals online, fines have been abolished by most councils, and reservations bring a book from any branch for a small fee or free. The library apps give access to hundreds of thousands of e-books and audiobooks with no waiting for a branch to open, and the reference services — newspaper archives, ancestry and business databases — are free with the card.

The listings here show each library's hours and Open+ access, facilities, services and activities, and contact details, so you can see what is nearby and open, which branch has study space or a children's programme, and where people in your town go to read, work and meet.

What libraries offer

Books and more: books, large print, audiobooks and DVDs to borrow free, reservations from any branch, and e-books, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers on the library apps.

Study and work: quiet desks and study rooms, free Wi-Fi, computers, printing, scanning and photocopying, and meeting rooms to hire.

Children and families: rhyme time, story time, the Summer Reading Challenge, holiday crafts, homework help, and children's libraries with space to sit.

Groups and events: book groups, knit and natter, author talks, coding clubs, language conversation groups, and warm spaces with tea.

Information and help: local and family history archives, reference databases, council services, job search and CV help, digital skills sessions, and benefits and housing advice at some branches.

Getting the most from a library

• Join online or at the desk with proof of address; children join free and the card works across the area.
• Download the library apps for e-books, audiobooks and magazines; they work when the branch is closed.
• Check the hours and Open+ access; branch libraries vary and some open for members outside staffed times.
• Reserve books online from any branch for collection at yours.
• Book computers and study rooms ahead at busy branches, especially in exam season.
• Look at the events programme; rhyme times and groups are free and fill up.

What libraries cost

Membership, borrowing, e-books, audiobooks, Wi-Fi, computers, study space, children's activities and most events are free; printing costs 10p to 20p a black page and 30p to 60p in colour, photocopying the same, reservations are free or up to £1, DVDs and games a pound or two, and room hire from £10 to £30 an hour. Most councils have abolished overdue fines, though lost and damaged items are charged. Some talks and workshops carry a small charge.

A library card is the best-value thing in your wallet: the books, the apps, the desk and the printing for nothing.