Library services available during COVID-19
Our libraries are open to the public again from 12 April. We still have arrangements to keep people Covid secure in place and some services remain limited.
Libraries
Where our libraries are in Brighton & Hove, how to join, what you can borrow, and how we can help you get online.
Library services available during Covid-19
Digital library services and online activities available during Covid-19
Find out about the online resources that you can enjoy for free from home with library membership.
Borrow, renew and reserve
Borrow, renew and reserve library items
Use our online catalogue or visit a library to find, reserve and renew books and other items. You can also renew items by phone on 0303 123 0035.
What you can borrow from our libraries and for how long
It's free to borrow books, music scores, eBooks and eAudiobooks. You can have most items on loan for up to 6 weeks.
Borrow electronic books and audiobooks
eBooks and eAudiobooks are electronic versions of books and audiobooks. Members can read and listen to books and comics online through our 2 eBook services called BorrowBox and Overdrive.
How to borrow items from other libraries
If you can’t find a specific book or item in our libraries, you might be able to borrow it from a library outside Brighton & Hove. This service is currently suspended.
Fees for library services
It’s free to join our libraries and borrow items. Check how much we charge for overdue books, photocopying and other library services.
Extra opening hours in our libraries
You can visit some of our libraries outside staffed hours. We call this service Libraries Extra.
Join a library
Join our libraries
It's free to become a member. You can register online or come in to one of our libraries and give us your address.
Find a library
Find a library, their opening times, contact information, and what you can do there.
Computers and the internet
Use the computers in our libraries
Library members can use the computers for free for up to an hour, printers for a small fee and scanners for free. Anyone can use the photocopiers for a small fee.
Get help using a computer or another digital device
Free Library Connect sessions are run by volunteers to help people use a computer, laptop, smartphone, tablet, eBook reader or the internet. Speak to a librarian to find out more.
Use our free online resources
Library members can use our online resources for free, such as encyclopedias, biographies and academic research. You'll need your library card number to log in to most of these.
Library activities
Find reading and writing groups
We host reading and writing groups across Brighton & Hove. Find out how to join an existing group or start your own.
Events for children and families in our libraries
We host Baby Boogie, story time, and other play sessions for children under 5 years old in our libraries.
Volunteer in our libraries
Find out what volunteer roles we have in our libraries, and how to apply.
How to hire a room in our libraries
We have different rooms you can hire in our libraries for meetings, conferences and events.
How to hire exhibition space in our libraries
We have different spaces you can hire in our libraries for exhibitions, or to promote your services.
Free book packs for children
Every family in Brighton & Hove can get free book packs to encourage their children to read.
Find rare books and special collections
We have rare books and special collections in Jubilee and Hove libraries that you can arrange to view.
Exhibitions and events in libraries
Find out what exhibitions and information events are happening in the current month.
Library support
How our libraries support people with special educational needs and disabilities
We have a home delivery service, so you can get library items delivered to your home. We also have audiobooks and books in large print, and all our libraries are wheelchair accessible.
Get help using a computer or another digital device
Free Library Connect sessions are run by volunteers to help people use a computer, laptop, smartphone, tablet, eBook reader or the internet. Speak to a librarian to find out more.
What to do if you lose your library card
If you lose your library card, go to one of our libraries or phone 01273 290 800 to let us know. You'll need to pay a small fee to replace it.
Help to start, protect and grow a business
The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) will open at Jubilee Library in 2021. Here you can get support to start and grow a business.
How libraries can help schools
Brighton & Hove Libraries play an important part in the way children learn, discover and study. Find out how libraries support teachers, school children and young people.
How to donate to the Libraries Legacy Fund
Find out how you can donate money to help libraries provide events and activities.
Library strategy consultation
Tell us what you think about our libraries.
Contact us
Contact the libraries team
Get in touch with the libraries team for help, information and support.