Library services and charges

A combination of up to 40 items can be borowed at any one time, the following table shows the maximum of each item type you may borrow.

Membership
Membership is free of charge, and there are virtually no restrictions on joining the library. You can join at any Worcestershire public library, and your card can be used at any of them. You do not have to be a member to use reference and information services, but you must be a member to use or book the Internet computers (Click here to join the library and see what services are available).

Borrowing books  
Borrowing books is free, and they are normally issued for 3 weeks, although if the due date falls on a Bank or Public Holiday the issue period may be longer. The date due for return is stamped on a label inside each book. Book borrowing is free of charge, but fines are levied for returning a book late (see below). You must be a member to borrow any item.

Reference and Information Services
All libraries have reference books and information which may be used in the library free of charge. You do not have to be a member to use these services. Some electronic newspapers and reference books can be accessed from computers in the library free of charge, and from home with your library card.

Internet terminals
Each library has a number of public Internet terminals which may be used free of charge. You must be a member of the library to use the Internet computers. People under 16 must be members, and to have permission of a parent, guardian, etc, given on a library form (available in each library).

Charges as of June 1st 2008:

Fines for overdue books (returned after the due date)

*Only those days when the library is open will be counted when assessing the fines payable
NB: In addition replacement charges will be made for items not returned.

Reservation fees

NB: There is a reduced fee of 60p per item (adults) for items self reserved using the OPACs On-Line Public Access Catalogues or the internet www.worcestershire.gov.uk/libraries

Sound Recordings - borrowing charges

An additional 2 or 3-week loan charge is made from the first day overdue and multiples of the 2 or 3-week loan charge for each 2 or 3 weeks overdue or part thereof.
NB: there is a charge of £5 for a lost printed insert.

Video Tapes , DVDs, & Playstation 2 games borrowing charges (1 week loan period)

An additional 1-week loan charge is made from the first day overdue and multiples of the 1-week loan charge for each week overdue or part of a week.
NB: there is a charge of £5 for any lost printed insert.

Some libraries offer fax facilities, a list of fax charges can be found here  (60.80 KB).

N.B: You are responsible for any use of your ticket. If a ticket is lost or stolen you may be charged for any chargeable use (for example, non-return of books issued on it) if loss has not been reported to the Libraries and Information Service; you should report the fact to any Worcestershire public library as soon as you become aware that your ticket is lost or stolen.
The above charges are made in accordance with the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, and decisions of Worcestershire County Council. Under the Act certain public library services must be free of charge to the user, while the service may charge (and in some circumstances must charge) for other services. Borrowing library books and using reference and information services must be free of charge, while charges may be levied for borrowing other items and on any items returned later than the date due for return.
To borrow books or other items you must be a member of the library (forms are available from each library); membership is free of charge. You do not have to be a member to use reference and information services except that to use Internet terminals you must be a member (special arrangements are made if you do not have proof of identity and address or are a visitor) and people under 16 must be members and have permission of a parent, guardian, etc, given on a special form (available in each library).