Local Libraries — free help with many everyday issues
Much more than books
Public libraries in the UK are much more than books. They are one of the most useful — and most under-used — sources of free, friendly help on your doorstep. Joining and ordinary book borrowing are generally free; other services, availability and eligibility vary locally.
Libraries are run locally, so opening hours, services, eligibility rules and any charges vary between councils and branches. Check with your own library before you travel.
Find your libraryOfficial library finders
Find your nearest library
Every council in England, Scotland and Wales runs a public library service, and Libraries NI runs the service across Northern Ireland. Use an official finder to see branches, opening times and services near you:
- GOV.UK — find your local library service
Enter a postcode to reach your council's library service.
- Libraries NI
Northern Ireland — the single public library service for all of Northern Ireland, with branch details, joining and online resources.
- Scottish Library and Information Council
Scotland — national body for Scotland's public libraries; links through to council library services.
- Libraries Wales
Wales — bilingual guide to Welsh public libraries, with links to each local authority service.
Sector organisations: Libraries Connected — the sector-wide charity for public libraries; The Reading Agency — Reading Well book collections and Summer Reading Challenge.
Joining and borrowing
Getting a library card
Joining is free. You usually need proof of your name and address (a bank letter, bill, or benefit letter). If you can't provide these, ask staff — most libraries can still help.
- Many services let you start joining online, then collect or activate your card at a branch.
- Who can join (for example, people who live, work or study in the area) and how many items you can borrow are set locally.
- Borrowing books is normally free. Some libraries charge for reservations, DVDs, lost items or late returns, while many have removed overdue fines — check your library's own charges.
- You can usually renew and reserve items online, by phone or in person.
Read and listen anywhere
Ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers
With a library card, many services offer ebooks and audiobooks through apps such as BorrowBox or Libby, and some include digital magazines, newspapers and online learning or family-history resources. Which apps and collections are offered depends on your library service.
Ask staff to help set up the app on your phone, tablet or e-reader. Loans usually return themselves automatically, so there are no late charges for digital items.
Get online
Computers, Wi-Fi, printing and scanning
Most libraries have public computers and Wi-Fi. Computer use is often free for members for a set time and may need booking; visitors may be treated differently.
Printing, photocopying and scanning usually have a charge per page, which varies. Some branches offer free help to get started online, and some lend devices or data — ask locally.
Access for everyone
Accessibility and home delivery
- Home library services deliver books to people who cannot easily visit because of age, illness, disability or caring responsibilities. They are run by many councils, sometimes with volunteers; eligibility and any charges vary.
- Large-print books, audiobooks and magnifiers are widely available. Ask about accessible computers, hearing loops and quiet times.
- People with sight loss or print disabilities can also use specialist services such as the RNIB and Calibre Audio (check their eligibility rules).
- If you have access needs, phone the branch before visiting to ask about step-free entry, toilets and parking.
Children and families
Activities for children, teenagers and families
Children can usually join for free, often from birth. Many libraries run baby rhyme times, storytimes, homework help, code or Lego clubs and holiday activities. Most are free, but some sessions have a small charge or need booking.
The Summer Reading Challenge runs in participating libraries each summer for children aged about 4 to 11. See also our Books and Reading guide.
Meet other readers
Reading groups and book clubs
Many libraries host reading groups or supply sets of books for community groups. Some offer groups for specific audiences, such as teenagers, people learning English or people living with dementia.
Reading Well lists health and wellbeing books available in many libraries.
Learning and community
Learning, local history and community resources
- Courses and drop-ins on digital skills, English, money and job-seeking, often with partner organisations.
- Local and family history collections, archives and newspaper resources.
- Notice boards and information about local services, events and groups.
- Study space and rooms to hire; room-hire charges vary.
What's often available
What libraries can help with
Services vary by council, but most libraries offer some or all of the following. A quick phone call or visit is the best way to check what's on locally.
Help with reading, writing and forms
Staff and volunteers can help you understand a letter, fill in a form (benefits, housing, blue badge, school), or write a reply. Many libraries host Citizens Advice sessions.
Computers, Wi-Fi and printing
Use a computer to apply for jobs, manage a Universal Credit journal, book NHS appointments, or send an email. Printing and scanning is usually available for a small charge.
Digital skills support
Some libraries offer one-to-one help to set up an email, use a smartphone, video-call family, stay safe online or shop online. Ask about Digital Champions or Learn My Way sessions.
Books, audiobooks and large print
Borrow physical books, e-books, audiobooks and large-print titles for free. The BorrowBox and Libby apps let you read or listen on a phone or tablet with your library card.
Home library service
Some library services offer home delivery for people who cannot visit because of illness, disability or other eligibility conditions. Ask about availability, referrals and any charges.
Health and wellbeing information
Reading Well book collections cover mental health, dementia, long-term conditions and children's feelings — recommended by health professionals and free to borrow.
Jobs, CVs and benefits
Quiet space and computers to job-hunt, plus help writing a CV. Many libraries host DWP work coaches, Citizens Advice benefit sessions, or Age UK information drop-ins.
Learning English (ESOL) and conversation groups
Free English conversation groups for people learning the language, plus dictionaries and learner resources. A friendly place to practise without pressure.
Activities for children and families
Rhyme Time, storytime, homework clubs, Summer Reading Challenge and school-holiday activities — check your branch’s programme, booking requirements and any charges.
A warm, safe space
Many libraries are registered Warm Spaces in winter, with places to sit; opening times and any refreshments vary locally.
Community groups and meeting rooms
Knit-and-natter, chess clubs, author talks, family history sessions, and rooms you can book for community meetings — a good way to meet people locally.
Justice of the Peace / document certification
Some libraries host sessions where a Justice of the Peace can witness or certify documents. Ring ahead to check dates and what to bring.
Here to help
Not sure who to ask? Ask a librarian.
Library staff are trained to help you find reliable information — from health and benefits to local history and legal rights. If they can't answer your question, they usually know who can. There is no charge, no appointment needed for most enquiries, and no judgement.
If you'd like help drafting a letter or understanding a form before you visit, our AI Assistants can help you get started, and our Trusted Organisations page lists other free sources of support.
We are independent and not affiliated with any council or library service. We signpost only.