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, and we apply overdue fees to late returns.
All fees and charges enable the Library service to continue to provide the best service possible to the residents of Somerset.
Our standard charges
Audiobook and DVD hire fees
| Audio books including language sets | £2.00 for 3 weeks |
| Audio books for children on a child’s card | Free of charge for 3 weeks |
| DVDs | £2.00 per week |
| DVD premium films | £3.00 per week |
| DVD boxed sets | £4.00 per fortnight |
Photocopies and computer printouts
| Photocopies (black and white) | 10p per copy (10% discount if over £5.00 spent) |
| Prints from microfilm or microfiche | 50p per page |
| Prints from PCs - black and white | 15p per side |
| Prints from PCs - colour | 40p per side |
Fax transmissions
| Location | First page | Each subsequent page |
|---|---|---|
| UK | £1.10 | 60p |
| Europe | £2.10 | 60p |
| Rest of the world | £3.10 | 60p |
| Inward transmissions – faxes received | 60p for each A4 page |
Overdue charges
We charge overdue fees for books, audio books and DVDs to encourage borrowers to return items so that all borrowers have as much variety of choice as possible. The income from these overdue charges goes towards buying new stock.
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 can’t 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.
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 don’t rely on them as your only reminder. We will not waive overdue charges because the email has not been delivered or if you haven’t received it.
Children’s items borrowed on a child’s card receive reduced rate overdue charges, while children’s items borrowed using an adult membership card will incur adult charges.
| Adult items | 20p per item per day to a maximum of £7.80 |
| Children's items | 5p per item per day to a maximum of £2.10 |
| Children under 5 | No charge for children's books borrowed on an under 5s card |
| DVDs | 40p per item per day to a maximum of £8.40 |
Reservation charges
We charge an admin fee for adult reservations and for requests for stock sourced outside the LibrariesWest catalogue. There is a fixed rate for book clubs ordering a set of the same title. Children can reserve up to 6 children’s books or audio books at a time on a child’s card free of charge. Children’s items reserved using an adult card will incur normal charges.
| Adults | £1.00 per item |
| Children requesting children's books or audio books on a child's card | Free (maximum of six books) |
| Children requesting non-children's books or audio books on a child’s card | 50p per item |
| DVDs – all ages | £1.00 per item |
| Requests for titles obtained outside LibrariesWest Consortium | £4.00 per item |
| Requests for periodical articles obtained outside LibrariesWest Consortium | £4.00 per article |
| Requests for reading groups | £5.50 per set |
Damaged or lost items
Please tell us when you return a damaged item. We’ll 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.
| Adult fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, large Print, books on prescription | £9.00 |
| Children’s fiction and non-fiction, young adult fiction and non-fiction | £5.00 |
| Adult reference book | £30.00 |
| Children’s reference book | £15.00 |
| Adult audiobook (set) | £30.00 |
| Children’s audiobook | £15.00 |
| Language course | £36.00 |
| Music CD | £8.50 |
| DVD | £12.00 |
| DVD boxed set | £24.00 |
| Music score | £15.00 |
| Drama, single copy | £5.00 |
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 for a replacement for both child and adult members.
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.
| Daytime | £15 donation |
| Evening | £40 donation |
Performing Arts Library charges
Learn more about the Performing Arts Library here. 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 | Somerset Group | Non-Somerset Group |
|---|---|---|
| Annual subscription – Somerset Group with 20 members or less | £20.00 | £30.00 |
| Annual subscription – Somerset Group with 21-50 members | £50.00 | £60.00 |
| Annual subscription – Somerset Group with 50+ members | £70.00 | £80.00 |
| Request – Vocal set per 5 copies | £4.00 | £4.50 |
| Request – Orchestral set | £15.00 | £17.00 |
| Request – Drama set | £10.50 | £12.00 |
| Overdue Fee – Vocal Set | £10.00 | £12.00 |
| Overdue Fee – Orchestral Set | £5.00 | £8.00 |
| Overdue Fee – Drama Set | £3.00 | £4.00 |
| Return of incomplete music set without prior notification | £10.50 | £10.50 |
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.
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.