Borrow from the library

Borrow books, films and music

Borrow and return books at any library. You can borrow up to 12 items at a time. 

DVD film and music CD collections are available at some libraries. You can reserve items which are out on loan to someone else or held at another location to collect from your local library.

The loan period for books and CDs is three weeks and the loan period for DVDs is one week. Items can be renewed up to three times if nobody else has reserved them.

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Fines

We are not reintroducing fines for items returned late at this time.

Outstanding fines of over

  • £5 may restrict your borrowing
  • £15 may result in your membership being suspended.

Under 16s and disabled or housebound readers are not charged for overdue items.

Charges

CD and DVD

CD hire is 95p per item, £1.90 per double set.

DVD hire is £1.90 per item, £3.60 per double set.

No charge to under 16s, disabled or housebound readers. Half price charges apply if you receive Universal Credit, state pension or other allowances.

Audiobooks

Audiobooks are

  • £1 per item
  • free, if you are housebound, disabled or under 16
  • 45p per item, if you receive Universal Credit, state pension or other allowances  . 

There is no charge for downloadable audiobooks.

Other prices

Interlibrary loans of material not held by Edinburgh Libraries cost £14 per item, free to housebound members.

Replacement library cards are £2.95, free to under 16s. Contact a library if you need a replacement card.

There is normally a charge for replacing lost or damaged items. There is no charge, however, for damage to picture and board books.

View a full list of Council fees and charges including all library charges.