Borrow from the library

Borrow books, films and music

Borrow and return books at any library. You can borrow up to 12 items at a time. 

DVD film and music CD collections are available at some libraries. You can reserve items which are out on loan to someone else or held at another location to collect from your local library.

The loan period for books and CDs is three weeks and the loan period for DVDs is one week. Items can be renewed if nobody else has reserved them.

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Fines

We are not reintroducing fines for items returned late at this time.

Outstanding fines of over

  • £5 may restrict your borrowing
  • £15 may result in your membership being suspended.

Under 16s and disabled or housebound readers are not charged for overdue items.

Charges

CD and DVD

CD hire is 90p per item, £1.80 per double set.

DVD hire is free to under 16s. Otherwise it's £1.80 per item, £3.40 per double set.

If you receive jobseekers allowance, carer's allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or the state pension you pay 

  • CDs 45p per item and 90p per double set 
  • DVDs 90p per item and £1.70 per double set.

Audiobooks

Audiobooks are

  • 95p per item
  • free, if you are housebound, disabled or under 16
  • 40p per item, if you receive jobseekers allowance, carer's allowance, or the state pension. 

There is no charge for downloadable audiobooks.

Other prices

Interlibrary loans of material not held by Edinburgh Libraries cost £13 per item, free to housebound members.

Replacement library cards are £2.80, free to under 16s. Contact a library if you need a replacement card.

There is normally a charge for replacing lost or damaged items. There is no charge, however, for damage to picture and board books.

View a full list of Council fees and charges including all library charges.