How do I join? Anyone, of any age, can join the library as long as you live, work or study in Derby. If you already belong to a library in Derby or Derbyshire which issues books using a computer, you can use the same ticket here. You do not need to join again.
If you are a temporary visitor to Derby you can join as a guest.
Just show us proof of your name and address, for example:
- medical card
- driving licence
- gas or electricity bill
- B_Line card
- Gold Card
If you are under 12 your parent or another adult must sign the membership form. This adult must be prepared to take responsibility for what you borrow.
Join the library online
Easy and quick library membership for customers who live, work or study in Derby.
I am already a library member, how do I get a PIN? You need a PIN so you can use our online services:
Call in person or telephone your local library. Give your borrower number to the library, and we will activate your PIN straight away.
What does it cost? It is free to join the library and there is no charge for borrowing books. There are charges for some library services. See Lending Services.
When can I use my ticket? Straightaway. You can only have 4 items on loan at any one time for the first month of membership. If you lose the ticket, please tell us as soon as possible. You are responsible for anything issued on the ticket, even if you have not used it yourself. You should also tell us if you change your address.
How long can I keep books and audio books? For 4 weeks from the date you borrowed them.
When can I take out more items? After the first 4 weeks. The maximum number of books and recordings you are allowed to have on loan at any one time depends on your age.
- Under 12: Children under the age of 12 can borrow up to ten items. The only exceptions to this are our DVDs and CDs, of which children are limited to 2 per person.
- 12 and over: Library users from the age of 12 and up are now allowed to borrow up to a total of 20 items. This applies to books, CDs, and audio books. The only exceptions to this are our DVDs, of which adults are limited to 4 per person.
What are the charges? You will be charged if you keep books later than the date due back. This applies to everyone aged 12 and over. There is a charge for borrowing audio books unless:
- you are visually impaired
- you have difficulty reading
- you are under 19
There is also a charge for taking out CDs and DVDs. There is also a charge for printouts. Please ask the staff for more details.
How do I avoid paying overdue charges on books and audio books?
You can renew your books up to 4 times by telephone or by bringing the details into the library. You don't need to bring the books. Just give us the number on the back of your library ticket. Another way to renew them is to give us the identification number of the books. You will find these on the label in the back of the book or on the bar code which is below the date label. All of the numbers begin with a 'D'. If you renew audio books there will be a further charge.
Will I always be able to renew my books, audio books, CDs and DVDs?
No. If someone else has placed a hold on them, you will not be able to keep them any longer.
- Books/Audio books can be renewed four times
- CDs and DVDs can be renewed twice
What if you haven't got the book, audio book, CD or DVD I want?
We can place a hold for them if they are on loan or we can get them from other libraries for you. Simply fill in a hold card. You have to pay for this service, unless you are under 19, registered blind or visually impaired.
What if I can't get to the library any more?
There is a Home Library Service if you can't use the library because you are unable to leave your home. For more information about this service, see Access Services.
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