Joining and using Bexley Libraries

Anyone who lives, works or studies in Bexley can join Bexley libraries. There are 6 Council libraries: Central (Bexleyheath), Crayford, Erith, Sidcup, Thamesmead and Welling.

As a full member you can really make the most of the library, including:

You will need to bring your library card and PIN with you on each visit to the library.

How to join

Visit one of our libraries with any official ID showing your name and current address and you can become a full member. We will give you a library card and PIN.

You can also complete a membership application online on the Council website and we will post your library card to you. Bring proof of ID with you on your first visit to a library and we will give you your PIN.

Digital only membership

If you choose an eBook only membership we will email your library card number and PIN to you. You can use these to access our digital library and reference resources.

Joining someone under 18

For anyone 17 years old or under, a parent, guardian or teacher must act as guarantor, bringing proof of identity.

If you are 14 to 17 years old and cannot find a guarantor, or if you have no ID, someone else can vouch for you. This could be an employer, social worker, doctor or similar professional. They must be over 18 and will need to provide a signed letter on headed notepaper confirming your details.

Additional needs

If you have additional needs you can borrow Books on CD or MP3 free of charge. Please bring proof of your disability or a letter from a doctor or social worker on your first library visit.

People working with children in Bexley

Teachers, child-minders, early years’ practitioners and home educators who work with children in Bexley are entitled to a privilege ticket. This ticket allows them to use the library to support their work with children.

Using the library

See more information about our services and how to use them below.

View the Terms and Conditions of Library Membership.

View the London Borough of Bexley’s library byelaws.

If you do not know your PIN, take your library card and a proof of address to a Bexley library where library staff will give you your PIN. You can also email libraries@bexley.gov.uk from the email registered to your account.

We have a programme of regular events for children and adults, as well as special one-off events throughout the year such as the Summer Reading Challenge.

Other services and facilities we offer:

  • free computer and Wi-Fi access
  • colour printing and photocopying
  • a Council contact point phone and access to Council services, such as parking permits, purchasing recycling bags and arrangement of bulky waste collections
  • meeting rooms for hire at Central, Crayford, Erith, Sidcup and Welling Libraries and a Hall at Crayford Community Centre
  • a Local Studies and Archives Centre at Central Library
  • a Home Library Service for people who can not access library branches
  • a wide collection of fiction to suit all tastes and non-fiction for learning and leisure, in branches and online
  • All Council libraries have disabled access and public toilets with wheelchair access and baby changing facilities

You can view our fees and charges here.

If you have over £10 owing on your account, you won’t be able to borrow or renew items, use the computers or Wi-Fi in libraries.

You can make payments by signing in to your account at the top right of the page, over the phone or by visiting your branch.

You can reserve items through our online catalogue, on our app, or in a branch.

You can choose to receive notification that your items(s) are ready to collect either by post, email or text message. We do not send notification for item(s) that have been requested on children’s accounts.

You can check the status of and cancel your reservation(s) by signing in to your account with your library card number and PIN.

Charges for requested items are applied at the point of reservation and are non-refundable. See our fees and charges for full details.

Sign in to your account with your library card and PIN through the menu at the top right of the page.

You can now use the link to go to the My account pages or be able to do more when you search the catalogue.

My account pages

My loans - you can:

  • view, renew and print a list of your loans
  • view and edit your reservations

My charges - you can:

  • view any current charges
  • select up to 20 charges and pay online - You need to have a correct email address on your account, see My profile
  • view your payment history

My loan history - you can:

  • view or print a list of your previous loans
  • give what you have borrowed a star rating out of 10
  • add items on to your Wish list

My lists and reviews - you can:

  • view, edit, print, or download the list of items from the catalogue you have added to your Wish list
  • place a reservation on Wish list items
  • view and delete any saved catalogue searches
  • change whether you want notifications about new titles matching your searches when they become available
  • view, email, print or download the list of items you have reviewed
  • add reviews items to your Wish list

My profile - you can:

  • see your current contact details we have for you on your Library account, including the email that is used for notices and online payment receipts - If this information is not correct please visit your branch or contact us
  • view your registered accounts and change your PIN 
  • check or change your default pick-up branch where you want to collect requested items
  • check or change whether you would like your reservation or overdue item notices by post or email - Check our fees and charges for details of the different costs 
  • view or set up a Bexley Libraries website profile that is used for online reviews and sharing recommendations and lists - This is not the email address used for online payments or reservation and overdue notices

Ancestry Online

The Ancestry Online page shows the collections available for members. View this page while signed in to access Ancestry Online collections link.

Library catalogue pages

When signed in to your account while searching the catalogue you can:
  • use the Save search link on a Search results page to add it to your list of saved searches
  • add items to your Wish list
  • email the details of an item as a recommendation

You can return items from the following libraries to any branch on this list. They all use the same library management system and have way to transport the items back to the branches they belong to.

  • Central Library, Bexleyheath
  • Crayford Library
  • Erith Library
  • Sidcup Library
  • Thamesmead Library
  • Welling Library
  • North Heath Community Library
  • Slade Green and Howbury Community Library
  • Upper Belvedere Community Library

For items borrowed from the other community managed libraries not on this list, please check with the branch you borrowed it from.

As well as the 6 Council libraries, we have 6 community managed libraries in Bexley:

  • Bexley Village
  • Blackfen
  • Bostall
  • Northumberland Heath
  • Slade Green and Howbury
  • Upper Belvedere

Please visit their websites for information on how to join and the facilities and services they offer.

You can see the latest information on our Covid-19 updates page.

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