Joining and borrowing

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

If you want to borrow from Croydon libraries, you first have to become a member. There is no charge for this and you do not have to live in Croydon.

To access our full range of services you will need a permanent membership card. To receive a permanent card, visit your local library with the relevant documents outlined below.

Join the library online

Membership options for different ages

If you are aged 16 or over

To join the library, take one official document with your name and address on it to any Croydon library, for example a driving licence, allowance book, bank statement, and:

  • you will be issued with a membership card and asked to sign it
  • when you sign your membership card, you are agreeing to abide by the byelaws of Croydon libraries

You can borrow up to 25 items (any combination of books, spoken word items, DVDs or music CDs)

  • the return date will be stamped on each item borrowed
  • if they are not returned or renewed by this date, overdue charges will be made
  • books are loaned for 3 weeks at a time (if you renew your items within this time, you can avoid paying overdue charges) 

If you are a childminder or you are educating a child at home in Croydon, you can apply for a special membership card.

Teen library card for ages 12 to 15

You will be able to borrow up to 25 items (any combination of books, spoken word items, DVDs or music CDs)

You can use the library computers in the adult library or in the children's library. Parents or guardians must complete a permission form for you to use the library computers.

It is free to:

  • borrow books and talking books
  • use computers
  • reserve a book/other item if your local library doesn't have it

There is a small charge to borrow DVDs, videos or CDs. If you return anything late to the library, you will have to pay a charge. We keep charges low for teenagers but get things back on time and you won't have to pay a penny!

How to get a teen library card

To join the library, your parent or guardian must show one piece of ID with their name and address, such as a driving licence or phone bill. Your parent or guardian must sign your library card.

If your parent or guardian is not with you, you can ask to join the library and we will post your library card to your home address for them to sign.

How to join if you are under 12

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

Your parent or carer needs to take one official document with their current name and address on it, such as a driving licence, allowance book or bank statement, to any Croydon library, and:

  • you will be issued with a membership card and your parent or carer will be asked to sign it
  • your parent or carer will be responsible for all items borrowed on your membership card and for any charges you incur

You will be able to borrow:

15 items of any combination, but a maximum of 3 DVDs, spoken word items or music CDs.

There is a small charge to borrow DVDs or CDs. If you return anything late to the library, your parent or carer will have to pay a charge. We keep charges low for children but get things back on time and they won’t have to pay a penny!