Joining and using the library

How to join the library

You can become a member of Shropshire Libraries by:

• completing an online registration
• completing a printed form
• visiting a library.

To obtain a library card and to enjoy full benefits of library membership, please visit your local library. If you do not live in, visit or work in the Shropshire Council area you may wish to become a member of another library service. For further information follow the link to "Joining the library in another council area". Please note that this will only give information on other library services in England.

For online membership of Shropshire Libraries please follow the link to "Join the library online". When completed you will immediately be able to place requests via the online library catalogue, use the online reference library and check your membership details.

If you would prefer not to apply online you may print a form and either post it to the library service or take it along to your local library. Copies of the form are attached to this page as publications. There are two versions, for adults or for those under the age of 16.

If you visit a library a member of staff may enter details directly onto the library computer system, or ask you to complete a simple form. You will then immediately be issued with a library card and you will be able to borrow up to 10 books and 6 audio-visual items (CDs, DVDs, video and tapes) if you can provide proof of where you live. You can also borrow items without proof of address - please ask for details. Your membership card will also entitle you to make use of various other facilities including the People's Network computers, with free broadband internet access, and online resources. For some services you will need a personal identification number (PIN) - please see the webpage "Library membership PIN" for further details.

Using the library

There are no charges for borrowing books provided that they are returned by the date due. Audio-visual items are subject to a hire fee. Please see the list of library charges and the charging policy. You may ask for any item to be re-issued up to three times provided that it has not been requested by someone else. Renewals may be made by personal application, by telephone and online for books and audio items provided that they are not more than three weeks overdue. Items returned late are subject to fines at the current rates. Concessionary tickets may be issued to housebound and disabled borrowers.

You may request any book or audio-visual item you require that is not on the shelves. If it is not in stock it will be considered for purchase or, for a book, obtained for you from another library. You may also like to ask to see several books on a particular subject. A charge is made for the request service, except for children’s books reserved by children and books reserved by full-time students, aged under 19 for course work.

If you are looking for specific information or materials please ask for help. The entire stock of the library is listed in the library catalogue which is available online.

You can check your library membership and make changes by following the link to "Library membership details".

You may like to check the terms and conditions of library use, contained within the Library Bye-laws. Additional regulations and guidance may be issued from time to time e.g. Acceptable Public Use Computer Policy

Back to top