Bournemouth Libraries aim to provide a variety of books and materials to meet the needs of all children, parents and carers.
Through a range of resources and services we support and promote imaginative reading, leisure interests and the educational needs of children of all ages and abilities.
Where is my local library?
How do I join the library?
Go to any library and ask for a form. Get your mum, dad or carer to fill it in and sign it. Then take it back to the library with proof of where you live. You will then be given your own library card which you can use in any library in Bournemouth.
Babies, children and teenagers are all welcome to join and use Bournemouth libraries. Children under 5 years old are invited to to join our Book Crawl.
What will I find in the library?
Stories on CD and tape
Videos and DVDs
Playstations and Playstation games
Computers with Microsoft Office and Internet access(FREE!)
CD-ROMs to use in the library
What can I borrow?
You can borrow up to 12 books for FREE.
If you are over 12 years old can also borrow 12 audio-visual items (music CDs, DVDs, videos and Playstation games) for a charge - see Borrowing and Charges.
How long can I keep them?
You can keep books and story tapes/CDs for up to 3 weeks.
If you want to keep them longer, either visit or phone the library to renew them, or renew them online using the Library Catalogue.
If you do not return or renew your books within 3 weeks you may be charged a small fee each time a letter, listing your overdue loans, is sent to you. This will happen two weeks, and then four weeks, after the date that you should have returned your books to the library - see Borrowing and Charges.
Over 12s can borrow most audio-visual items for a week.You can only renew audio-visual items by taking them to the library because you will have to pay an additional charge to keep them longer - see Borrowing and Charges.
How do I find the books I want?Find them on the Library Catalogue.
Story books are in A-Z order of the writer's last name.
Information books are given subject numbers.
The books are put on the shelves in number order.
Can I ask for a book to be kept for me?
Yes and it's FREE!
If the book you want isn't in the library we can usually get it for you. Please fill in a card in your library or reserve a book using the Library Catalogue online.
Can I use a computer?
Yes and its FREE for children!
If you are under 16 years of age then your mum, dad or carer fills in a consent form so that you can use the Internet. (in a PDF format that needs Adobe Acrobat to view)
Most libraries have some computers that only children aged 2 to 12 and/or teenagers aged 13 -17 can use. Some libraries also have Early Years computers for children aged 2 and under.
Over 2s can use, adaptive technology and also print out. On all computers you can save to CD/DVD and memory sticks and on some you can scan documents. Book a computer ahead by either visiting or phoning your library.
What else happens in the library?
Storytimes for under 5s
(This is a PDF document that will open in a new window).
Reading groups for children
- Homework clubs
- Toy Libraries for Under 5s - children with library cards can borrow toys!
- Special events and talks
- Holiday activities
- Competitions
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