FAQ's & Figures
Frequently Asked Questions - And Answers
Joining Leicester Library Service
- It’s free & easy for anyone to join Leicester Libraries.
- You can join at any library in the city and borrow items immediately.
- Join once and use any Leicester Library.
- There are no age limits.
- Parents - join your baby - children can join as soon as they are born.
- You can also join Online and begin using the library services immediately
What can I borrow?
On your first visit you can borrow five items: Three books, one sound recording and one DVD.
On subsequent visits you can borrow more items:
- Up to 12 books - for up to three weeks.
- Talking books - for up to three weeks.
- CDs, videos and DVDs from most libraries are hired out for a week at a time.
- Ask in your local library for borrowing details on other items.
How much will it cost?
You can borrow books for free.
Charges vary for adults (16+) and for children and young people (0-15) for hiring talking books, CDs, videos and DVDs, please ask at the library for more details.
- Adults (16+) there is a charge for returning books late (see below)
- Adults 60+ there is no charge for returning books late
- We expect children & young people (0-15) to return books
on time, however we will not charge for late returns.
For a full list of charges for late returns and other items and services, please scroll down.
Can I borrow books for longer than three weeks?
If no one else has reserved them, it’s easy to renew your books for a further three weeks:
- by phoning the library – during library opening hours
- in person at any library in the city
- using our 24-hour automated book renewals line (0116) 299 5430
- using the online catalogue
You can return items to any city library.
What if I can’t find the item I want?
If the item you want is not available, you can reserve it. For city residents there is no charge for this. We can also obtain books for you from other library authorities via an Inter Library Loan.
Computers and the Internet
- All libraries have computers with Internet access and Microsoft Office software: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access etc.
- Scanners are available to use in all libraries.
- Printouts are available for a small charge per sheet.
- All computers are free to use. You will need to join the library. Booking is recommended.
Libraries – Online - Anytime - 24/7
[All the services are free for library members]
Use FREE Online Resources* - with your membership & PIN, you don’t even have to visit the library! Via our website you can access online reference books, encyclopedias, dictionaries, newspapers and magazines - and you can use these from home, even when the libraries are closed.
*You will need:
- Your full library membership number (including any letters at the start of the number).
- Your PIN - please ask your local Leicester Library for your Personal Identification Number.