Libraries

Join Lambeth Library for free and use our services

You can use any of our nine local libraries to borrow books, videos, DVDs, CDs, talking books and language courses.

• We also have online resources and services for you to use.
• There is plenty to do in Lambeth libraries: see our Events in libraries page for full details.
• You can also use our libraries for study, joining a homework club, joining a book group or listening to stories and talks by authors.
• We provide a mobile library and home visit service for those unable to visit a library in person.
• Lambeth Archives, the borough's record office and local history library, is open to the public and free to use.

Visit your library to cut your electricity bills

A trip to a Lambeth library from April 2009 could help you cut household energy bills and save money.

On top of being able to choose from the fantastic range of books, CDs and DVDs, library users will be able to borrow special devices called OWLs which monitor how much electricity is being used in the home and how much it is costing.

The monitors are easy to fit without any technical knowledge and come with a portable display showing how much electricity is being used in pounds per hour, or alternatively CO2 emissions. This is part of Lambeth Council’s efforts to help residents cut their energy bills and carbon emissions.

The monitors are now available from all of Lambeth’s Libraries. They can be borrowed for a maximum of three weeks at a time. A £5 deposit will be required which is fully refundable when the device is returned complete. Normal late charges apply. (Please be aware that the monitors are not appropriate for all homes and require the electricity supply meter to be within the property).

Lambeth's most borrowed books

Lambeth libraries issue thousands of books every year, find out what other readers in Lambeth are reading and allow librarians to recommend their favourites to you.

Free citizenship course

Do you have to take the Life in the UK Test to settle in the UK or gain British citizenship? You can practice for free in libraries with our self-learn course and mock tests. Find out more about our free citizenship course

Adults' library services

Find out about library services for adults in Lambeth.

Children's library service

Lambeth libraries offer a variety of services for children.  Find out about our free book packs and drop-in sessions for Under 5s and reading groups for the 8-12 year olds.

Computers in libraries

All local libraries in Lambeth have computers offering free high-speed internet access and access to the library catalogue.

Events and activities in libraries

Details of the events and activities taking place in Lambeth libraries.

Learning in libraries

Find out about learning opportunities in Lambeth's libraries.

Library membership

It is free to join Lambeth libraries. You can download a library membership application form or pick one up from any Lambeth library.

Local libraries

Lambeth has nine libraries spread across the borough. This page will tell you more about each library and list their opening times.

Online resources and library catalogue

Find out about the online resources that Lambeth Libraries offers free of charge, browse our online library catalogue and check or renew items you have on loan.