Borrowing and returning items

Books are free to borrow. There are small charges for CDs and DVDs which you can see on the fines and charges sheet. Age restrictions are observed on DVDs according to their certification.

• aged 11 and over, you can borrow any 30 books, audio books, CDs and DVDs
• under 11, you can borrow 20 books, audio books, CDs and DVDs.

If you are housebound, a registered childminder, or run a playgroup or residential home, special arrangements can be made for you. Just ask at your local library, where staff will be happy to help.

You can normally keep items for either four weeks or one week, depending on what you’ve chosen.

Please note that you will not be charged if your books are overdue but your library account cannot be used until the items are renewed or returned.

Four weeks:

• Books
• Talking books
• Language packs(If another borrower has reserved an item, we’ll only be able to issue it to you for one week, instead of four.

Three weeks:

• e-audiobook downloads.

One week:

• DVDs and music CDs (these can’t be renewed). A hire charge is applied for every 7 days.

You can go to any Portsmouth library to return or renew items or to pay charges. You can download the charges for 2018. Please note that you won’t be charged if your books are overdue but your library account can’t be used until the books are renewed or returned. Lost or damaged items will still incur a charge.

Any item reserved by another borrower cannot be renewed. The following items can’t be renewed:

• DVDs: the hire charge is applied every 7 days until the DVD is returned to a maximum of £9
• Items that have been renewed five times without being seen at the library. They can, however, be re-issued if you bring them into the library.