Library charges, fines and regulations
We don't charge fees for reserving items or for overdue items. Books renew automatically, but you need to return books when they can no longer be renewed (for example when another user has reserved the item). To receive email reminders, please log into your library account and update your details or visit a library.
As for digital publications, our eBooks audiobooks, newspapers and magazines are free to download and automatically disappear from your device at the end of the loan period.
Charges for other services
Please note: Lewisham's hub libraries are currently unable to offer a photocopying service, but selected community libraries offer this service.
Printing and scanning
Lewisham's hub libraries offer printing through the Princh website, payable by credit or debit card only. You can print from our public PCs (library card required) or from your own device. Selected community libraries also offer printing.
Black and white printing
A4 - 20p
A3 - 30p
Colour printing
A4 - 50p
A3 - £1
Scanning
Free with your library card.
Wi-fi and use of PCs
Free with your library card.
Hiring library spaces
Most of our libraries have meeting rooms or event spaces which can be booked. Please follow the links for more information or contact the libraries.
Exclusion policy
Lewisham Libraries are committed to offering a safe and welcoming space for all members, providing a collaborative space where all users can feel comfortable.
While our visitors are usually calm, respectful of our spaces and considerate of each other, individuals who repeatedly or seriously violate our libraries behaviour policy may be banned from accessing our facilities.
Our policy
The decision to ban a user from a specific library or all libraries will be considered in the following cases:
- abusive language toward staff or users
- physical assault or threats of assault
- antisocial behaviour that causes distress or annoyance towards staff or users
- property damage or theft
- discriminatory language or behaviour under the Equality Act 2010
- behaviour that requires police or legal involvement
- safeguarding concerns regarding children, young people, or vulnerable adults
- inappropriate sexual behaviour
- substance abuse (alcohol or restricted drugs)
- misuse of library PCs or personal equipment - see our ICT policies
- ·violation of the Service's byelaws
Our response to unacceptable behaviour
A user may be excluded after repeated warnings, or a one-off incident. In the case of an exclusion, the individual will be provided with a letter outlining their ban and how long it will last. During this ban, their status will be set to ‘barred’ on library systems.
Exclusions from our libraries can last between 1-6 months, or for a year in more serious cases.
In the case of a one-year ban, once the end of the year arrives, the individual will be invited for a review with the Senior Library Manager. This meeting will decide whether their ban should be lifted.
In cases where the authorities are involved, or there are issues around safeguarding, our Library staff will adhere to guidance provided by the authorities in each individual case, and bans may last longer than stated here or be subject to other conditions.
Appeals
While exclusions are effective immediately, the user has the right to ask the Council or Library Service to reconsider the matter. They can ask for reconsideration of the allegations themselves, the need for the ban, or the duration of the ban.
The exclusion letter provided to the user upon their ban includes instructions to request reconsideration.