Many of the services provided by libraries come at no cost, including membership and book borrowing. For details on any associated charges, fees, discounts, or exemptions, please refer to the information provided below.
We’ve made borrowing easier and fairer for everyone. We no longer charge overdue fees.
If you already have an overdue fine showing, speak to a member of staff and we’ll remove it for you.
Please return or renew items on time, as others may be waiting to borrow them.
Inspire Libraries
If you borrow items from an Inspire Library in Nottinghamshire:
You can return items to either Nottingham City Libraries or Inspire Libraries, but payments for Inspire Library charges must be made at an Inspire Library.
Loan Charges
All loan items are free of charge. Loan periods vary by item type:
| Loan item | Charge | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Books | Free | 3 weeks |
| Language courses & ESOL courses | Free | 6 weeks |
| Talking Books | Free | 3 weeks |
eLibrary (eBooks, eAudio, eMagazines, eNewspapers) – Free access to Digital Reads | Nottingham City Libraries
We no longer charge overdue fees, but we ask that you return your items, so others can borrow them.
You can renew your loans before the due date:
Stay on top of your loans with free reminders by email or text when items are nearly due.
Just ask a member of the libraries team to sign you up, or set your preferences yourself via your online account.
Reservations (Holds) for Nottingham City Library members are free of charge.
Inspire Libraries: If you borrow items from an Inspire Library in Nottinghamshire:
Inter-Library Loans: Stock not available in Nottingham or Nottinghamshire libraries that is borrowed via another UK library are £10 per item. This is not included in the free reservations offer.
| Charge | Length | |
|---|---|---|
| Library member | Free | Unlimited |
| Non-library member | Free | Free access, limited to 1 hour |
| Memory Sticks | £3.00 | |
| Headphones | £2.50 |
To scan documents, you’ll need to book a computer with a scanner in advance.
Scanning is free of charge.
Please note: Library computers are in high demand, so we recommend booking ahead of time.
Printing and photocopying can be paid online or by cash at the staff desks.
| Type | Charge (ages 14+) |
|---|---|
| A4 Black and White | 20p (ages 14+) |
| A3 Black and White | 40p (ages 14+) |
| A4 Colour | 50p per side |
| A3 Colour | £1 per side |
Printing Discounts
We offer free printing to support children, young people, and job seekers:
- Children aged 0–13: Free printing*
- Homework: Free printing for all children and young people, regardless of age*
- Job seeking: Free printing for CVs and job applications*
*Please note: Free printing limits may apply at staff discretion, based on the number of pages, frequency of use, and purpose.
| Type | Charge |
|---|---|
| A4 Black and White | 50p per side |
| A3 Black and White | £1 per side |
| A4 Colour | £1.10 per side |
| A3 Colour | £2.20 per side |
| Scanned copying (digital reproduction) | £1.20 per item |
| Administration charge | £5.50 per 10 items |
Rate Charge
Public rate First half hour of research is free, plus charge for copies and administration (max of 3 free enquires per year).
Research after the first 30 minutes: £12 per half hour, plus charge for copies and administration.
Commercial rate Research: £25 per half hour, plus charge for copies and administration.
Staff-assisted copying of Local Studies materials may incur additional charges
Joining Nottingham City Libraries is completely free, and your first library membership card is also free for all new members.
| Item | Charge | Charge exemptions |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement library card | £1.50 per card | Under 19s |
