Library charges
Most library services are free, but there are charges for hiring some items, such as films on DVD, talking books and music CDs.
Overdue charges
The daily charge for books is now 20p per day overdue.
The overdue charge is applied on the basis that libraries are open six days a week. It is not possible for the system to recognise the varied pattern of each of the county libraries' opening hours (without creating difficulties in processes such as issuing, reserving or returning books). Any item can be returned to any Dorset library.
Books can be renewed three times. However, books requested by another customer will only be renewed for seven days.
Please remember that there are many ways to avoid overdue charges. Renewals can be made by:
- Visiting any library
- Phone (01305 224311)
- Post or fax
- Online
Library cardholders who owe £6 or more will be unable to hire or borrow further items.
In addition, the libraries are part of the county council, and we therefore have a responsibility to the taxpayer to recover as many outstanding charges as possible.
We're keen to ensure that the library service is accessible, open to all and well used by the local community. So please don't hesitate to talk to a member of staff or call 01305 224311 if you have any questions or concerns about charges or fees on your account.
Hire charges
Hired items such as music CDs, talking books and films on DVD are charged at a daily rate, payable on return.
Charges are made per calendar day (excluding Sundays). The date stamped on the item is for guidance only - to indicate a seven day hire period.
The daily hire charges are listed below.
Courtesy reminders by email
To help you manage your library account, you can sign up for emails to alert you that items on loan will soon be due for return.
Overdue notifications
Overdue notifications can be sent by email.
Replacement membership cards
Lost membership cards can be replaced at your local library for a charge of £2.
Hire charges per calendar day
(Excludes Sundays).
Item | Hire charge |
|---|---|
Talking books | 15p |
Music CDs | 20p |
Feature films (including children's) | 50p |
Other children's DVDs | 20p |
Information DVDs/videos | 20p |
CD-ROMs | 25p |
Language courses | 15p |
Music sets | Hire charges |
|---|---|
(orchestral/choral) | £10 for up to 40 copies for 91 days |
Late or incomplete return | £20 |
Drama sets | Hire charge |
|---|---|
Play reading | Free up to 56 days |
Overdue charge after 56 days | 15p per set per day |
Performance sets | £10 for 91 days |
Overdue charge after 91 days | 50p per set per day |
Reservation fees
Item | Fee |
|---|---|
Music sets | £2.00 per set |
Drama sets | 85p per set |
For material supplied from outside Dorset | minimum charge of £5.50 per item |
All other items | Free but donations of £1.00 are welcome |
Overdue charges
Overdue charges: books | Charges |
|---|---|
Borrowed on an adult card | 20p per day |
Maximum overdue charge | £12.00 |
For children | No charge |
Please remember there are many ways to renew your books.
Lost/damaged material:
Purchase price, or as a minimum:
Item | Replacement charge |
|---|---|
Children's paperback | £4.00 |
Young adult paperback | £4.00 |
Red.zone paperback | £4.00 |
Children's hardback | £5.50 |
Young adult hardback | £5.50 |
Red.zone hardback | £5.50 |
Adult non-fiction paperback | £8.50 |
Adult fiction paperback | £6.00 |
Adult non-fiction hardback | £14.50 |
Adult fiction hardback | £13.00 |
Adult large print | £9.50 |
Videos | £9.00 |
DVDs | £15.00 |
Talking book - single cassette or CD | £5.00 |
Talking book - complete set | £50 |
Music CDs | £8.50 |
CD-ROMs | £25.00 |
Re-binding charge - books | £4.50 |
Re-binding charge - music | £9.00 |
Jacket replacement only | £1.00 |
Replacement CD, cassette, DVD or video case | £1.00 |
Membership card replacement | £2.00 |
Printouts
Printouts: 10p per A4 sheet.
