Join the library network

Service Update – Mobile Library

Due to the red weather warning, the Mobile Library will not be running today (Thursday 25 June) on its usual Combe Down, Odd Down, Mulberry Park route.

If you have books due for return, you can easily renew them via the LibrariesWest app or by calling us on 01225 394041.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding.

Why join the library?

Joining the library gives you free access to a wealth of benefits and services.

All Bath and North East Somerset library members are also automatically enrolled into the LibrariesWest network, a partnership of seven public library services. This means you can use your library membership card in any one of 145 public libraries across network to borrow, reserve, renew and return items, and to use library computers.

The partnership gives you access to the entire LibrariesWest joint catalogue of around two and a half million items, including books, DVDs, spoken word resources, music CDs, printed music, maps and foreign language materials. You can borrow and returns items at any library in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Dorset, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Your library membership can also be used to explore a range of free digital resources, including eBooks, eAudio books and eMagazines as well as a wide variety of online reference material.

How to join the library

Joining the library is quick, easy and free. Permanent membership is available to anyone who is resident in the Bath and North East Somerset area. Visitors can even join temporarily, so they can enjoy library services while they are in our area.

Joining online 

The quickest and easiest way to join the library is to do it online. You will need to provide your contact details, date of birth and to have a memorable 4 to 10 digit PIN number ready. During the application process, you will also need to nominate your local library from a list provided.

 

You will receive a temporary library membership number, on-screen when you apply and via email for later reference. You should keep this safely, as you will need it to use library services. You can start searching the library catalogue and making reservations straight away, but you will need to go to your local library in person within four weeks, to collect your permanent library membership card. There, you must provide some identification to prove your identity. You can choose which documents to bring from the list below.

Joining in person

If you prefer to have a good look around your local library when you join, then you can come in person and complete the joining process with a member of library staff. You will need to bring some identification to prove your identity. You can choose which documents to bring from the list below.

Whether you are joining online or in person, you will be required to prove your identity in person when you collect your membership card. Please bring one of the below documents.

Acceptable forms of identification

• bank card, statement or letter
• utility bill (gas, electricity, water, telephone / broadband, TV licence, Council Tax)
• bus pass or travelcard
• passport, national ID card or driver's licence
• student ID card
• payslip
• Discovery Card

Other forms of identification may also be accepted.

Use library services on your phone

You can download the LibrariesWest app for free, to use all of your library services from your mobile phone.

• Search the catalogue
• Make reservations
• Renew your loans
• Find your nearest library and check if it is open
• Manage your library account
• Link multiple accounts to your account, to manage family members' loans
• View your loans history
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

The app is currently available for Apple and Android devices. To download, visit the Apple App Store or Google Play. Although not currently available through the Kindle Store, if you are able to download the Google Play app on a Kindle Fire, you should be able to download the LibrariesWest app from there.