Library fees and charges

Fees for items borrowed from static and mobile libraries

The borrowing period for items from static libraries is 3 weeks.

The borrowing period for items from mobile libraries is 5 weeks.

Overdue charges

There are no overdue charges on children’s and teen books and audiobooks. All other stock will have overdue charges applied. Charges are based on the number of days that the library which issued the item is open. The total overdue fine is calculated when an item is returned.

We can temporarily freeze overdue charges in certain situations - if you:

• have already returned an item which is still showing as outstanding on your account
• never borrowed an item on your account
• have lost an item

Overdue charges for mobile libraries

Overdue charges for items borrowed from mobile libraries only apply after 15 weeks. When you have missed three visits.

Borrowing online resources

Reservations

If your local library does not have the item you would like to borrow and it is in stock at one of our other libraries, use the library catalogue to place a reservation to have the item delivered to the library of your choice.

• All children’s and teen items are free to reserve.
• There is a charge of 50p to reserve all other stock for delivery to your chosen library.
• For borrowers registered as Library at Home reservations are free.

SPINE reservations

If Cambridgeshire Libraries does not have the item you would like to borrow, you can use the SPINE catalogue to search and reserve items from Peterborough and Suffolk, to have the item delivered to the library of your choice. There is a charge of £2 per item for this service. This helps cover the cost of transporting the item to the selected library.

Inter-library loans

Any items requested from other authorities' libraries (inter-library loan) will be charged at £8.50 each. If an item is to be obtained from the British Library, the charge will be £20.60 and £6 per renewal, but requestors will be contacted for confirmation to proceed with the request. Charges will still apply for uncollected items.

See our reading groups webpage for details of charges.

Replacement library cards

Library cards are issued free of charge when you join.

A replacement library card costs £1.50 (junior), £2.50 (adult) and can be obtained from your local library.

Staff will need to see a valid identification document before issuing replacement cards.

Valid identification documents include:

• driving licence
• birth certificate
• passport
• ID card
• pension or rent book
• bus pass with printed name
• library card from another library service
• named school books (under 16’s only)

Lost or damaged borrowed items

Full replacement costs are charged on borrowed items which are lost or damaged beyond repair. For materials which are out of print or no longer obtainable, standard charges are applied.

Once an item is 83 days overdue, a lost charge will be applied to your account. You will not be able to borrow new items if the amount owed on your account exceeds our account limits.

If a lost item is returned the lost fee is automatically cancelled. There may still be overdue charges to pay. 

Please note that parents are not charged for books damaged by children under the age of five years. This applies only to under-fives material for example board and picture books and rhyme collections. It does not apply to adult books.

We have three different categories for concessions.

Concessions if you are housebound

If you have mobility or health problems, or have caring responsibilities, you can be registered as a housebound library member. We Require a letter from your doctor or social worker confirming that you cannot get to or from the library without help.

• The concessions apply even where a friend or relative delivers your library items
• Your items will be given a three-month loan period
• No hire or overdue charges will be made for audio-visual materials
• Charges will be made for loss or damage
• We can arrange for a volunteer from the Library at Home service to deliver and collect items for you

Difficulty with books

If you are unable to use books because of visual impairment, dyslexia or another condition you can be registered for this service.

• no hire or overdue charges for audio books, CDs or CD-ROMs (charges will be made for lost or damaged items)
• three free pages of black and white printing per day
• require proof such as CVI (Certificate of Visual Impairment) or BD8 (Blind or Partially Sighted certificate), certificate or letter from your doctor or optician or a letter from your social worker confirming your difficulty or condition

Find out more about library services for people with a visual or print impairment.

Skills for Life students

We require a letter from your tutor for proof. This concession does not apply to language school students. Concessions will no longer apply when students have completed their course.

• No hire or overdue charges for audio books, CDs or CD-ROMs (charges will be made for lost or damaged items)
• Three free pages of black and white printing per day

Scanning is free, but copyright regulations apply.

Services vary. You can check local library facilities in the Cambridgeshire Online Directory.

Photocopying and printing charges

The printers take all coins apart from 2p and 1p pieces. Library members can add printing charges to their account.

Fax charges

Please speak to staff if you would like to use the fax machine.

We can display posters and leaflets in libraries for you as long as they meet our Policy on exhibitions, displays, posters, leaflets and petitions in libraries.

Charges for displaying commercial material

The table above does not include prices for Cambridge Central Library and some city branches where a Premium Poster Service operates. Please ask these libraries for specific information.