Library closures
Due to staff training all libraries are closed on Friday 6 December including Libraries Extra.
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 Brighton & Hove Libraries
You can borrow the following for free:
- books
- graphic novels
- music scores
- books in other languages
- e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines
- toys (from Whitehawk Library)
You can borrow the following for a small charge:
- DVDs
- audiobooks
- language courses
Learn more about fees for our library items and services.
How to find library items
Register for a library card to find library items like books and talking books.
Once you're a member, you can:
- search our online library catalogue
- borrow items from any of our Brighton & Hove Libraries
How many items you can borrow
You can borrow all these items at the same time:
- 30 books
- 8 audiobooks, CDs, or DVDs
- 2 toys from Whitehawk Library or Coldean Library
How long you can borrow items for
You can borrow:
- books and audiobooks for up to 3 weeks
- language courses for up to 3 weeks
- DVDs for up to 1 week
- toys for up to 3 weeks
How to renew books and other items
If someone else hasn't reserved an item, you can renew it up to 4 times. If you renew an item we charge for, you’ll have to pay a fee every time you renew it.
You can renew by:
- phoning 0303 123 0035 - this is an automated 24-hour phone renewals service, and you’ll need your membership card number and PIN
- renew library items online - you’ll need your membership number and PIN - if you have problems renewing an item phone 01273 290 800
- visit your local library to renew items in person - bring your membership card
What happens if your items are overdue
If you borrow an item and don’t return it on time, you’ll have to pay a fee. These fees are different depending on the item, and how long it's overdue.
Learn more about our fees for overdue items.
How to reserve items
The reservation service is available for anyone looking to reserve a specific book or item. Go to our library catalogue, search for the title you want and then click ‘place reservation’.
You'll need your membership number and PIN to do this.
How to suggest a title
To suggest a title go to our library catalogue and click the ‘suggest a title’ link on the right-hand side and complete the form.
You'll need your membership number and PIN to do this.
We'll consider your stock suggestions carefully. Details of the item will be displayed on our catalogue if purchased. We cannot reply to stock suggestions.
If you would like to be kept informed, you can place a reservation for the item, or we can try to obtain it for you through our SELMS reservation service or our interlibrary loans service.