Loans, renewals, fines and charges

Borrowing

Since March 2011, on a full membership card you can borrow a maximum of 20 items at any one time. Books are loaned free of charge for an initial period of three weeks.

Audio/visual material is hired on a chargeable basis. DVDs are hired for 7 days; music CDs for 2 weeks; audiobooks (unabridged and abridged) for 3 weeks. See our table of audio/visual hire charges for details.

Renewals

Unless your books are reserved by another customer, they can be renewed up to six times without returning them to the library. You can do this by logging into your account through the library catalogue using your library card number and PIN.

You can also renew your items by phoning any branch library or our 24 hour automated renewal service on 0115 929 3388.

You can obtain your PIN by visiting any Richmond Library.

Fines and overdue charges

Should at any time an item on loan go over its advised return date then a fine is imposed. Late books are subject to a daily fine. Audio/visual items are charged at their respective hire rates.

Reserving items

Should you want to borrow an item that is based at any of the libraries in the London Libraries Consortium (or is currently out on loan) this can be done through branch staff or using our online library catalogue. Normally a small reservation fee applies.

If the book you require is not on our catalogue or no stock is held, usually we can borrow it through the Inter Library Loan scheme and the British Library. There is a charge for this service. See our table of reservation fees for details.

Items that are not available for reservation are shown in red on the library catalogue.

Miscellaneous charges

Visit our miscellaneous charges page to view our table of charges for photocopying, printing and scanning, and also to find out the cost of obtaining a replacement library card.

Concessions

Visit our concessions page for details of concessions on charges for late return, media hire and requesting books and other materials.