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There are lots of different ways to be a member of the Essex Library Service. In addition to your personal membership we have library cards for tutors, home educators, playgroups, childminders, care homes and book groups. Please ask library staff for details.
Joining the library is simple and free. For full adult membership you will need to bring some identification with your name and address on it, such as a driving licence, bank statement or recent utility bill.
You can borrow up to 14 items at a time, plus up to 10 e-books, 10 e-audio and 10 e-magazines at a time. You can borrow books, e-books and e-audio for three weeks, and DVDs and music CDs for one week (there is a small charge for CDs and DVDs).
From age 18. This is the standard membership type.
Adult card holders will be charged the self-serve reservation fee.
For 0 to 11 year olds.
There are no charges on overdue children’s books borrowed on a child card.
For 12 to 17 year olds.
There are no charges on overdue books borrowed on a young adult card.
For this, no proof of address is required. Membership will be for three months and can be extended, or upgraded to full membership at any time on presentation of proof of address.
For adults who have memory problems, whatever the cause, perhaps due to:
This card doesn’t incur any fees, so if you forget to return your items on time, you won’t be charged.
For adults and children who have difficulties accessing print. This card gives free access to all audio and DVD collections.
The following are eligible for access cards:
This card enables you to borrow items for a friend or family member who can no longer visit the library.
For secondary school teachers, librarians or learning resource centre managers. Our secondary school resource card enables you to demonstrate to students the wide range of resources available as an aid for learning, homework and research.
For people new to the UK, this card does not need any documents. We will ask for your name, contact details and date of birth. The card gives access to stock across all Essex libraries, free computer use, and our online services, and it has no fees or charges. The card is valid for one year, but it can be extended or transferred to the standard membership, which gives full access to all stock on the catalogue.
You will need to come to any Essex library to get a replacement card or to reactivate your account. You must bring identification with your name and address on it such as a driving licence, bank statement or recent utility bill. There is a charge of £1.45 for replacing lost or damaged library cards. (There is no charge for replacing Lite Membership cards.) Help plan your visit by looking at our library locations and opening times page.