Joining and borrowing

How to join the library, what you can borrow, and membership information for adults, teenagers and children.

To borrow items from Croydon Libraries, you will need to join the library. It is free to join, and you can do this if you live, work or study in Croydon.

When you join, you'll get a permanent membership card and access to our full range of library services.

You can also use your library card in any of the 23 boroughs that are part of The Libraries Consortium. This gives you access to over 7 million books. 

How to join the library

If you're 16 years old or over

To join the library:

  • bring one piece of ID with your name on it to any Croydon library - for example, a driving licence or bank card
  • you will be issued with a library membership card and asked to sign it

By signing your membership card, you are agreeing to follow the rules of Croydon libraries.

If you're 12 to 15 years old: teen library card

To join the library and get a teen library card:

  • your parent or carer must bring one piece of ID with their name on it to any Croydon library - for example, a driving licence or bank card
  • your parent or carer must sign the teen library card that is issued

If your parent or carer is not with you, we will give you a form to take home for them to sign and return.


Parents or carers:

  • will be responsible for all items borrowed and for any overdue charges on your card
  • must complete a permission form if you want to use the library computers

If you're under 12 years old: children's library card

No one is too young to join the library. All libraries have a range of books and activities for children and young people.

To join the library and get a children's library card:

  • your parent or carer must bring one piece of ID with their name on it to any Croydon library - for example, a driving licence or bank card
  • your parent or carer must sign the children's library card

Children's library cards automatically change to teen library cards once a child becomes 12 years old. When this happens, you may be charged for certain items if they are returned late or not renewed before the due date.

Borrowing items

When you borrow items from the library:

  • you can borrow up to 25 items
  • items are loaned for 3 weeks
  • you must return items on time, or renew them before the due date 
  • you will be charged if you return items late or renew them after the due date
  • if your local library does not have the book you're looking for, you can reserve it for free if it's available within The Libraries Consortium 
  • you can reserve up to 20 items at any one time
  • there is a small charge to borrow audiobooks on CD

Borrowing with a teen library card

If you have a teen library card, you can borrow adult items. You will be charged if you return these items late or renew them after the due date.

Borrowing with a children's library card

Children's items borrowed with a children's library card do not incur overdue charges. But you still must return or renew items on time. 

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Library services

Library charges