Get started
You can borrow books free of charge from Somerset Libraries, as well as accessing many other free services.
Charges apply to some additional services such as photocopying, faxes and DVD hire. We apply overdue fees to late returns.
For ways to pay fees or charges, please speak to a member of staff at your local library.
Our standard charges
Audiobook and DVD hire fees
| Hire | Charge |
|---|---|
| HireAudio books including language sets | Charge£2.40 |
| HireAudio books for children on a child’s card | ChargeFree of charge for 3 weeks |
| HireDVDs | Charge£2 |
| HireDVD boxed sets | Charge£2 |
Photocopying and printing
10% discount on printing and photocopying when spending £5.00 or more on these services
| Service | Charge |
|---|---|
| ServicePhotocopies (black & white), 1 A4 copy | Charge£0.15 |
| ServicePhotocopies (colour), 1 A4 copy | Charge£0.40 |
| ServicePrints from microfilm or microfiche, 1 A4 copy | Charge£0.15 |
| ServicePrints from computers (black & white), charge per A4 side | Charge£0.15 |
| ServicePrints from computer (colour), charge per A4 side | Charge£0.40 |
Overdue charges
We charge overdue fees for books, audio books and DVDs.
Overdue charges will begin on the day after the due date and will continue until the item is returned. If you notice that your loans are overdue, but cannot immediately return them to the library, arrange for the items to be renewed. Renewal is usually possible if the items have not been requested by other borrowers.
If your loans are overdue when you renew them, the overdue charges do not increase – providing you return the items before the new due date. You can renew your items on the LibrariesWest website or phone 0300 123 2224
Provide us with an email address so we can send you a reminder two days before your items are due to be returned. We hope that these emails are helpful, but please do not rely on them as your only reminder. We will not waive overdue charges because the email has not been delivered or if you have not received it.
| Overdue item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Overdue itemAdult items | Charge25p per item per day to a maximum of £9.75 |
| Overdue itemDVDs | Charge40p per item per day to a maximum of £8.40 |
Reservation charges
We charge an administration fee for adult reservations and for requests for stock sourced outside the LibrariesWest catalogue. There is a fixed rate for adult book clubs ordering a set of the same title. Children’s items are free to reserve.
| Reservation | Charge |
|---|---|
| ReservationAdult books | Charge£1.20 per item |
| ReservationChildren items (on child’s card) | ChargeFree |
| ReservationDVDs – all ages | Charge£1 per item |
| ReservationTitles outside LibrariesWest | Charge£10 per item |
| ReservationPeriodical articles outside LibrariesWest | Charge£10 per item |
| ReservationReading group requests | Charge£6.60 per set |
Damaged or lost items
Please tell us when you return a damaged item. We will assess the damage and make a charge for replacing the item or repairing it, if that is possible.
If you lose an item please tell us as soon as you can. You will be charged for replacing it, or you can supply a new copy yourself. We will give you a receipt for the payment of a lost item. If the lost item is later found, you can return it with the receipt. We will refund you, less a £2.10 administration charge.
| Damaged item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Damaged itemAdult books, adult graphic novels, large Print (all), books on prescription | Charge£9 |
| Damaged itemChildren’s books and young adult books | Charge£5 |
| Damaged itemAdult reference book | Charge£30 |
| Damaged itemChildren’s reference book | Charge£15 |
| Damaged itemAdult talking books | Charge£30 |
| Damaged itemChildren’s talking books | Charge£15 |
| Damaged itemLanguage course | Charge£36 |
| Damaged itemDVD | Charge£12 |
| Damaged itemDVD boxed set | Charge£24 |
| Damaged itemMusic score | Charge£15 |
| Damaged itemDrama, single copy | Charge£5 |
| Damaged itemMembership cards | Charge£2.40 |
Replacement membership cards
Joining the library is free of charge, including your membership card. Children will be issued new cards as they move to the next age group. If you need to update your membership following a name change, you’ll receive a new card free of charge.
If you lose your card at any point, we charge £2.40 for a replacement for adult members – there is no charge for children (0 to 17 years).
Talks to community groups
Our staff offer talks to community groups on various topics. We can host these talks at your local library or visit you at your normal meeting place. Speak to staff at your local library or email us to check availability.
| Time | Charge |
|---|---|
| TimeDaytime | Charge£15 donation |
| TimeEvening | Charge£40 donation |
Performing Arts Library charges
We offer a discount to Somerset-based groups or groups whose organiser is based in Somerset.
Our policy for lost or damaged items applies to all groups. Replacement copies of lost or damaged items must be purchased by the hirer. These need to be identical to the edition borrowed, and in good condition.
| Charge Type | Charge |
|---|---|
| Charge TypeAnnual subscription – Group with 20 members or less | Charge£24 |
| Charge TypeAnnual subscription – Group with 21-50 members | Charge£60 |
| Charge TypeAnnual subscription – Group with 50+ members | Charge£84 |
| Charge TypeRequest – Vocal set per 5 copies | Charge£4.50 |
| Charge TypeRequest – Orchestral set | Charge£18 |
| Charge TypeRequest – Drama set | Charge£12.50 |
| Charge TypeOverdue Fee – Vocal Set | Charge£12 |
| Charge TypeOverdue Fee – Orchestral Set | Charge£6 |
| Charge TypeOverdue Fee – Drama Set | Charge£3.50 |
| Charge TypeReturn of incomplete music set without prior notification | Charge£12.50 |
Fees set by other LibrariesWest members
Hire charges will be applied according to the library the items are loaned from. For example, a DVD borrowed in Bristol by a library member who registered in Somerset will be charged at the Bristol rate.
Overdue charges will be applied according to the library where the item was issued. For example, an item borrowed from Somerset and returned late to a library in Bath and North East Somerset will be charged at the Somerset rate.
Reservation charges will relate to the library chosen as the pickup location.
If a member of staff places the reservation on your behalf, you will be charged according to the library you are in at the time.