Open Library

Open Library gives you access to your local library, its books, computers and spaces even when the building is unstaffed.

Most of our libraries use Open Library - check if it's currently available at your local library.

Signing up for Open Libraries

Everyone who qualifies for Open Library access should have had it added to their account automatically. If somehow you have been overlooked, please just talk to a member of staff in one of these libraries and they'll add it to your library account.

If there's no member of staff available, give us a call on 01603 774777.

If you're under 16 you can't sign up for Open Library, but you're welcome to come into the library during unstaffed hours if you're with a parent or guardian who is registered.

How to use Open Library

Hold your library card 10-15cm below the number pad, barcode side up - you should see a light scan your card and hear a small beep
Type in your PIN code when it says so on the screen then press the green enter button
At some libraries you might also need to press a large button before the door will open
To leave the library, push the button by the door

Open Library user policy

Terms and conditions

The following user policy has been created to protect the rights and safety of library customers and staff, for the preservation and protection of library materials, equipment and facilities and to ensure a welcoming environment for reading, learning and other library activities.

Open Library members are subject to the following terms and conditions:

You must have a full and up-to-date library membership and be aged 16 or over to register for Open Library. We may need to see proof of your address before we register you for this service
To enter during Open Library hours, each adult must be registered for the service and will need to scan their card separately to access the library
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a fully registered Open Library customer throughout their visit
If you have any health concerns which may impact on you using the space safely during Open Library times, please make staff aware when registering
When entering or leaving the library please take all reasonable steps to ensure no-one else enters at the same time. If you intentionally allow anyone in to the library, you will be held responsible for their behaviour
The library will not be staffed during Open Library hours. There may be other people using the library space but they will be unable to assist you
Please use all equipment and services responsibly and respect others using the space
Please remember that all items that you want to take home should be borrowed through the self-service kiosks
Please make sure you leave the library as directed by the pre-recorded messages when the library closes
If staff find any documents left in the library, they will be kept for 48 hours before they are destroyed in the interest of data protection
If at any time you feel unsafe, unwell or are concerned that a crime is being committed, please leave the library at once and seek assistance
In an emergency or in the event of a fire, please call 999 or 112. Please familiarise yourself with emergency evacuation procedures and evacuation routes for each library you are visiting
Use of the library during Open Library hours is at your own risk. CCTV is installed which monitors the library 24/7 with images recorded. This is for your safety and security
If you have any recent history of misusing library services, or breaching our policies we may decline registration for this service

By entering the library during Open Library time you are agreeing that you have clearly understood the terms and conditions of using the library as an Open Library customer. We reserve the right to withdraw access to Open Library from customers who fail to comply with these terms and conditions.

We reserve the right to update these terms and conditions as required, and will notify registered users by updating leaflets and posters in libraries, and on our website.