Libraries fees and charges

It is free to join Lambeth libraries, but there are charges for some parts of the service. 

As a library member, it is free to borrow up to 20 items, use the library computers for 2 hours per day and use the library WiFi.

However, there are fees and charges for some parts of the service.

Pay your library fees and charges online

Charge Adult  Concession Child
Overdue books per item per day 30p 30p No charge
Maximum charge per overdue item £5 £1 No charge
Lost library card £3 £3 £1
Audio books each 3 week loan £1 Free Free
e-audio, e-book, e-magazine, film streaming Free Free Free
Request items in stock 70p Free Free
Request items not in stock                                                                                                                  £2.50
British library request, 3 week loan, no renewal                                                                                                                  £16
Journal articles, notified to customer in advance                            Full cost of supply
DVDs Children’s each 1 week loan                                     £1.50
DVDS Adult each 1 week loan                                       £2
DVDs boxed sets each 1 week loan                                       £5
Language course not English 3 week loan                                    £1.50
English language courses                                     Free
Lost or damaged items, in print, less than 2 years old                            Full cost of item
Lost or damaged items, in print, 2-5 years old                         50% of cost of item
Lost or damaged items, in print, over 5 years old                         25% of cost of item
Lost or damaged item, not in print                       Full replacement cost
Lost or damaged item, not Lambeth Libraries       Full charge levied by lending library

Concessionary rates: 65 years old and over; children/young adults under 19 years old; those receiving Income Support, Working Families Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, Job Seekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Disabled Tax Credits, Disability Living Allowance, Invalid Care Allowance, Employment Allowance. Please ask staff to update your membership if you are entitled to the concessionary rate. Proof will be required. Audio items are free for visually impaired.

Suspended accounts: Customers owing more than £20 on their account will not be entitled to borrow any more items until a payment is made or a repayment plan is arranged with staff.

Photocopying and printing per page Black and white Colour
A4 20p 80p
A3 40p £1.50
Computer use After free session, £1 per hour if slot available. Non-members £1 per hour
Scanning to USB Free
3D printer £1 per session plus cost of plastic filament

A maximum of 5 sheets double-sided A4 B&W printing will be provided free of charge where staff are answering an enquiry from a member of the public. The same will be provided for a child requiring copies for homework but can be A3 or A4 and 2 double-sided sheets in colour.

Community Noticeboard: small ads (6”x4”) and notices for 3 weeks £3.00
Room and equipment hire: Many libraries have rooms for hire. Please ask library staff for details and charges