Library frequently asked questions

• Who can join the library?
• What time is the library open?
• Can children have a library ticket?
• I've lost my ticket, how do I get a new one?
• How can I find what I want?
• How can I renew items?
• How long can I keep items?
• What if I return items late?
• Do I have to return items to the library I got them from?
• Can I request items?
• Do I have to pay?
• Can I use computers in the library?
• Can you tell me more about copyright?

Who can join the library?

Anyone can join the library and borrow books, videos and DVDs. Just visit your local library to join. No identification is needed.

Find out more about joining the library

What time is the library open?

All our library opening times are available through the find your library page. Just select your library on the map to find out opening hours and other details.

Can children have a library ticket?

Yes even tiny babies can benefit from books. Contact your local library for details. Find out more about our library for children and young people.

I've lost my ticket, how do I get a new one?

If you have lost your library ticket, please let your local library know or phone 01752 305923. A replacement ticket costs 50p.

How can I find what I want?

The Library catalogue is available online and through the computers in our libraries. Search the online catalogue.

How can I renew items?

There are several ways of renewing items you have on loan. See the renewals page for details.

How long can I keep items?

Books and audiobooks are generally issued for three weeks unless they are required by other borrowers, or borrowed from a library outside Plymouth. You can renew any books on loan unless they are required by someone else. CDs and DVDs are lent for up to six weeks and cannot be renewed.

What if I return items late?

The standard rate for overdue books is 13p per item per day, and there is a range of lower concessionary rates. Overdue rates for CDs and DVDs can be found on our library charges page.

Do I have to return items to the library I got them from?

No. Items can be returned to any library in Plymouth.

Can I request items?

If an item you require is not in stock then you can use our requests service and we will try to obtain it for you. More about the requests service

Do I have to pay?

Joining the library costs nothing. Borrowing books costs nothing, though you will be asked to pay if you keep them longer than three weeks without renewing the loan. There is a small hire charge for CDs, DVDs and language courses. Find out more about library charges.

Can I use computers in the library?

Computer access including high speed access to the internet is available for free in all our libraries. Find out more about computers in libraries.

Can you tell me more about copyright?

We cannot offer you legal advice, but the UK Copyright Service website will answer most questions.

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