Library fees and charges

Information about library charges and fees, and how to pay them

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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.

Printing and photocopying charges

10% discount on printing and photocopying when spending £5.00 or more on these services

ServiceCharge
ServiceA4 black and white single sideCharge£0.20
ServiceA4 black and white double sidedCharge£0.40
ServiceA4 Colour single sideCharge£0.45
ServiceA4 Colour double sidedCharge£0.90
ServiceA3 black and white single sideCharge£0.35
ServiceA3 black and white double sidedCharge£0.70
ServiceA3 Coloured single sideCharge£0.70
ServiceA3 Coloured double sidedCharge£1.40

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.

ReservationCharge
ReservationAdult booksCharge£1.30 per item
ReservationDVDs Charge£1.20 per item
ReservationChildren items (on child’s card) ChargeFree
ReservationInter library loan fee (books/periodical articles)Charge£11
ReservationReading group requests Charge£7.20

Hire charges

HireCharge
HireAudio books including language sets Charge£2.60
HireAudio books for children on a child’s card ChargeFree of charge for 3 weeks
HireDVDs Charge£2.20
HireDVD boxed sets Charge£2.20

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.

Only applies to adult items and items taken on an adult’s card

Overdue itemCharge
Overdue itemAdult items Charge30p per item per day to a maximum of £11.70
Overdue itemDVDs Charge45p per item per day to a maximum of £9.45

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 itemCharge
Damaged itemAdult books, adult graphic novels, large Print (all), books on prescription Charge£10
Damaged itemChildren’s books and young adult booksCharge£5.50
Damaged itemAdult reference book Charge£33
Damaged itemChildren’s reference book Charge£16.50
Damaged itemAdult talking books Charge£33
Damaged itemChildren’s talking booksCharge£16.50
Damaged itemLanguage course Charge£40
Damaged itemDVD Charge£13
Damaged itemDVD boxed set Charge£26
Damaged itemMusic score Charge£16.50
Damaged itemDrama, single copy Charge£5.50
Damaged itemMembership cardsCharge£2.60

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 £2.60 for a replacement for adult members – there is no charge for children (0 to 17 years).

Library room hire

RoomCharge
RoomMain library room whole dayCharge£99
RoomMain library room half dayCharge£55
RoomSmall room whole dayCharge£66
RoomSmall room half dayCharge£27.50
RoomAll exhibitorsCharge20% commission on sales

Taunton Library Space Hire

RoomCharge
RoomGlass Box (whole day)Charge£99
RoomGlass Box (half day)Charge£55
RoomDisplay/exhibition fees (whole day) – Non-third sector organisationsCharge£92
RoomDisplay/exhibition fees (whole day) – Third sector organisationsCharge£46

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 TypeCharge
Charge TypeAnnual subscription – Group with 20 members or less Charge£26
Charge TypeAnnual subscription – Group with 21-50 members Charge£66
Charge TypeAnnual subscription – Group with 50+ members Charge£92
Charge TypeRequest – Vocal set per 5 copies Charge£5
Charge TypeRequest – Orchestral set Charge£20
Charge TypeRequest – Drama set Charge£14
Charge TypeOverdue Fee – Vocal Set Charge£14
Charge TypeOverdue Fee – Orchestral Set Charge£7
Charge TypeOverdue Fee – Drama Set Charge£4
Charge TypeReturn of incomplete music set without prior notification Charge£14

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.

Last updated: April 1, 2025

Next review due: October 1, 2025

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