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 infonet service. You can then 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.

Reservations are free for under 16s and leisure pass holders, 75p for young people and adults over 16 and 30p for senior citizens.

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.