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, borrow up to 20 items; use the library computers for 2 hours per day; use of the library WiFi. 

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

Pay your library fees and charges online

ChargeAdult ConcessionChild
Overdue books per item per day30p30pNo charge
Maximum charge per overdue item£5£1No charge
Lost library card£3.50£3.50£1.10
Audio books each 3 week loan£1.10FreeFree
e-audio, e-book, e-magazine, film streamingFreeFreeFree
Request items in stock£1.10FreeFree
Request items not in stock                                                                                                                 £3.00
British library request, 3 week loan, no renewal                                                                                                                 £22.50
DVDs one weeks loan (this includes boxed sets)                                    £1.00
Language course not English 3 week loan                                   £2.50
English language courses 3 week loan                                    Free
Lost or damaged items, in printFull cost of item plus £3 administration
Lost or damaged items, not in print            Full replacement cost plus £3 administration
Lost or damaged item, not Lambeth LibrariesFull charge levied by lending library plus £3 administration

Concessionary rates: Where applicable concessionary rates are available for: Members who are 65 years old and over and children under 19 years old; those on: 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, Sanctuary Seekers. 

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 £25 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 pageBlack and whiteColour
A430p£1
A340p£2
Computer use

Members 2 hours per day free. Non-members £3.50 per hour. 

Members can have additional time if there is availability: £1.50 per hour/ free for concessions. Extra time cannot be booked in advance. 

Scanning to email10 per page
3D printer£2.20 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 where a child asks for copies for homework but can be A3 or A4 and 2 double-sided sheets in colour

Community Noticeboard: small ads/notices (5cmx13cm) per week£1.50
Room and equipment hire: Many libraries have rooms for hire. Please ask library staff for details and charges.

Details of all changes can be viewed in the approved cabinet paper, Document for Cabinet, 24/02/2025