Joining a library

To join a library and borrow books is free - just visit your local library or complete the online registration form. 

On your first visit you will need to show proof of your signature, for example a credit card or passport. If you're under 16 you'll need to get a recommender to complete the relevant part of the form or sign a print of the online registration screen.

If you wish to use the internet the recommender must tick the relevant box. Once you've joined you can borrow from any of Ealing's libraries and return loans to any branch. Books are free but there is a small charge for audio-visual items.

Borrowing items

Children aged 10 and under may borrow up to 10 items, aged 11 to 15 may borrow up to 15 items. Teenagers aged 16 and 17 and adults may borrow up to 15 items including some videos (fines are charged for overdue items). There is a small charge for audio-visual items. 

Renewing items

Items may be renewed:

• in person
• by writing to or telephoning any library in the borough. We will need your library card or item bar code number. The telephone number of your local library can be found on the date label in the book
• using our Library Catalogue you can renew items from public access terminals at every library in the borough or over the internet
• you may only renew items three times without bringing them back to the library. Items cannot be renewed if they are reserved by another person. If you renew an audio-visual item, there will be a repeat-hire charge

Reserving items

You can reserve a book, we will search for it and send it to your preferred library and let you know when it's available. If we don't have the book you want in Ealing Libraries we can borrow it for you from any other library in the country. We can search for specialist titles and journal articles and bring the resources of the British Library to your local library for you.

The reservation charge is payable on your next visit to the library in advance of the book being collected. Failure to do so may result in unnecessary delay especially in the case of multiple reservations.

Reservations are free for under 16s, 80p for young people and adults over 16, and 40p for senior citizens and leisure pass holders.  

Free internet access

Children and young people under 16 can use the internet provided their guardian or parent has ticked the permission box on the membership application. Children under 11 can use the internet, but must be accompanied by an adult. Sessions can be booked at the library or by telephone up to three days in advance, for up to one hour per day.