Library charges and late fees
If you want to reserve books, or you are overdue on returning a book, you will need to pay a fee. There are other costs for loss and damage, specific hires and loans and use of our printers.
Some libraries provide other services for which charges may apply. Contact your local library for more information.
Reservation charges
If you reserve an item to collect it from the library, there is a charge. The charge is non-refundable.
| Type | Charge |
|---|---|
| Adults (over 18 years old) | £1.20 |
| Children and young people (under 18 years old) | Free (reservation charge will apply on child memberships when the reserved item is categorised as adult) |
| Inter-library loans (books or journal articles sourced from outside of Libraries West) | £12 |
| Renewal of inter-library loans | £6 |
Overdue charges (late fees)
When you borrow an item from us, you need to return it by the due date. If you do not do this, late fees will start applying until the item is returned or renewed.
| Type | Charge |
|---|---|
| Adult members, per item | 25 pence per day |
| Maximum charge, per item | £10 |
| Children and teenage (under 18) members | No charge (except for DVDs and music CDs) |
| Choral and orchestral sets, late set return |
£15 first week, £10 per week thereafter |
| Reading group sets | 25 pence per day per book |
| Type | Charge |
|---|---|
| Adult spoken word (talking books) | £2 for 3 weeks |
| Music CDs | £1.50 for 3 weeks |
| DVDs (standard) | £1.50 for 1 week |
| DVDs (box sets) | £3 for 3 weeks |
| Information DVDs | Free |
| Orchestral sets | £28 per set |
| Smaller vocal sets |
£10 per set (up to 40 copies, then £5 per 20) |
| Choral sets | £28 per set (up to 40 copies, then £7 per 10) |
| Music sets obtained from outside the south-west region | Our standard charge plus lending authority’s charge |
| Adult reading group sets | £4 per set or £40 subscription from April 2026 to March 2027 |
| Type | Charge |
|---|---|
| Photocopies and computer prints A4 (black & white) | 25p per side |
| Photocopies and computer prints A3 (black & white) where available | 50p per side |
| Photocopies and computer prints A4 (colour) | 70p per side |
| Photocopies and computer prints A3 (colour) where available | £1.40 per side |
| Microfilm/fiche prints (where available) | 70p (A4) £1.40 (A3) |
| Laminating A4 (where available) | £1.50 |
| Laminating A3 (where available) | £3 |
If an item is lost or returned damaged
You will be charged for the replacement cost of any item that is lost or damaged.
There is no charge if a children's board book is lost or damaged.
Membership cards cost £1.50 if you need a replacement. This service is free for people under 16.