Joining and Using Bexley Libraries

Joining the Library

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

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 number.

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

• borrowing up to 12 items at a time (including DVDs or audiobooks)
• access to our digital library including eBooks, eMagazines, eNewspapers and eComics
• access to other digital reference resources such as Britannica Online, Theory Test Pro and COBRA

You can also complete a membership application 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.

If you choose an eBook only membership, which will also give you access to our digital library and reference resources, we will email your library card number and PIN to you.

If you are 17 years old or under, a parent, guardian or teacher must act as guarantor, bringing proof of identity. If you are 14 – 17 years old and cannot find a guarantor, or if you have no ID, someone else can vouch for you (i.e. 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.

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

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.

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

You can view the Terms and Conditions of Library Membership here.

Our Services and Facilities

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 and the Book Buzz Literary Festival.

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

All council libraries have disabled access and public toilets with wheelchair access and baby changing facilities.

Library Fees and Charges

You can view our fees and charges here.

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

Renewing Items

Books and other items can be renewed:

• by logging in to your account
• at your local library
• via the Bexley Libraries app for Android or iOS
• by calling us on 020 8303 7777 (during library opening hours only)

To renew, you will need your library card and PIN.
If you do not have a PIN take your library card and a proof of address to a Bexley library where library staff will give you a PIN or email libraries@bexley.gov.uk from the email registered to your account.

Reservations

You can reserve items online, 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 logging 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.

Other Information

Bexley Library Service Privacy Notice

Printed Materials Display Policy

London Borough of Bexley’s library byelaws

Community Managed Libraries

As well as the six Council libraries, we have six Community Managed Libraries in Bexley: Bexley, Blackfen, Bostall, Northumberland Heath, Slade Green and Upper Belvedere.

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