Joining your library

Membership allows you to borrow items from the library but you don't need to be a member to visit a library or to use many of the other facilities provided.

How to become a library member - Adult Membership 

To become a member of Edinburgh City Libraries you will need to show two items of identification, one of which shows your current address, together with one other proof of identity. One of these MUST have a signature.

Acceptable proofs include: Family Credit Book; Rent Book; Full Driving Licence; Job Seeker Allowance; Bank Statement: Medical Card; Building Societies Book; Utilities Bill.

When you join the library, you will be asked to provide the information about your name, title, date of birth, address and phone number. This information will be stored on a computer and will be subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.

If you do not live in Edinburgh but work or study here, you may be asked to provide a second address and additional details for contact purposes, namely your email address, business/university/college name and address, matriculation number, the name of the course and completion date.

When you join, you must also agree to keep the Management Rules for Libraries, and accept Edinburgh City Libraries' and Information Services Conditions of Internet Use, which are available in every library.

How to become a library member - Children and Young People Membership

Children or young people under 16 need to have an application form signed by a parent or guardian. Parents/Guardians need to show proof of their current address.

What can I borrow?

Once you have a library card you may use it to borrow up to 12 items from any of the city’s libraries. The normal loan period is 3 weeks but if you wish to keep borrowed items for longer, you can renew them provided that no other user has reserved them.

Renewals can be made in person or by phone, and books can be renewed online.