Join, find, use - Print version

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Join the library

Join the library online via the website

Go to the online catalogue [/onlinelibrarycatalogue] website and click on 'Join the Library'

  • You will need to confirm security details (name, address, date of birth)
  • You must provide us with a valid email address

The web number you receive is a temporary membership number that allows you to use the online catalogue to request and reserve library items straight away.

You are unable to access the e-books service with this number.

To get a Coventry Library card number starting 28002 please call 024 7683 2314 or email libraries247@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:libraries247@coventry.gov.uk]

This number starting 28002 will allow you to access our full range of services, including e-books.

If you are under 16 please visit your local library [https://librarycatalogue.coventry.gov.uk/our-libraries] to join.

Libraries and Information Service

Address: Central Library
Smithford Way
Coventry
CV1 1FY

Telephone: 024 7683 2314 [tel:02476832314]

Ticket types

Adult (16+)

If you are aged 16+, you will be issued with an Adult (16+) library card which is valid for four years. If your library card is not renewed within one year of expiry, your details are automatically deleted from our system.

You can borrow up to (at the same time);

  • 20 books
  • 8 CDs (includes double CDs) - fees apply
  • 4 DVDs - fees apply
  • 8 e-audiobooks
  • 8 e-books
  • 8 talking books (audiobooks) - fees apply

See pay fees and fines for information about the fees and fines for this ticket type.

Books on Prescription - Adult (16+)

If you have received a Books on Prescription ‘prescription’ from your GP or another healthcare professional, you will be issued with a Books on Prescription - Adult (16+) library card which is valid for one year. This ticket supports people accessing the Reading Well collection. If your library card is not renewed within one year of expiry, your details are automatically deleted from our system.

You can borrow up to (at the same time);

  • 20 books
  • 8 CDs (includes double CDs) - fees apply
  • 4 DVDs - fees apply
  • 8 e-audiobooks
  • 8 e-books
  • 8 talking books (audiobooks) - fees apply

See pay fees and fines for information about the fees and fines for this ticket type.

Books on Prescription - Child (8-15)

If you have received a Books on Prescription ‘prescription’ from your GP or another healthcare professional, you will be issued with a Books on Prescription - Child (8-15) library card which is valid for one year. This ticket supports people accessing the Reading Well collection. If your library card is not renewed within one year of expiry, your details are automatically deleted from our system.

You can borrow up to (at the same time);

  • 20 books
  • 8 CDs (includes double CDs) - fees apply
  • Books on Prescription - Child (8-15) cannot loan DVDs
  • 8 e-audiobooks
  • 8 e-books
  • 8 talking books (audiobooks)

See pay fees and fines for information about the fees and fines for this ticket type.

Child (8-15)

If you are aged 8-15, you will be issued with a Child (8-15) library card which is valid for four years, or until your 16th birthday. If your library card is not renewed within one year of expiry, your details are automatically deleted from our system. You must join the library in person at the help desk. Your parent or legal guardian (which includes foster carers) must complete a registration form on your behalf.

You can borrow up to (at the same time);

  • 20 books
  • 8 CDs (includes double CDs) - fees apply
  • Child (8-15) cannot loan DVDs
  • 8 e-audiobooks
  • 8 e-books
  • 8 talking books (audiobooks)

See pay fees and fines for information about the fees and fines for this ticket type.

Child (0-7)

If you are aged 0-7, you will be issued with a Child (0-7) library card which is valid for four years, or until your 8th birthday. If your library card is not renewed within one year of expiry, your details are automatically deleted from our system. You must join the library in person at the help desk. Your parent or legal guardian (which includes foster carers) must complete a registration form on your behalf.

You can borrow up to (at the same time);

  • 20 books
  • 8 CDs (includes double CDs)
  • Child (0-7) cannot loan DVDs
  • 8 e-audiobooks
  • 8 e-books
  • 8 talking books (audiobooks)

See pay fees and fines for information about the fees and fines for this ticket type.

Childminder (professional use only)

If you are a childminder, you are entitled to join the library as both an individual member (for your personal use) and as a childminder (for your professional use). You will be issued with two library cards (one will be an Adult (16+) card and the other a Childminder card). You must ensure you use your childminder ticket for the concession to automatically be applied. Your childminder ticket is valid for one year (see Adult (16+) for information about your other ticket). If your library card is not renewed within one year of expiry, your details are automatically deleted from our system.

To claim this concession, you must join the library in person at the help desk. You will need one form of identification which confirms both your full name and current address. You will also need to present a copy of your Ofsted Certificate of Registration, or your Public Liability Insurance.

If you join online via the website, the concession will not be applied automatically, and you will have to pay fees and fines at the adult (16+) rate.

You can borrow up to (at the same time);

  • 20 books
  • 8 CDs (includes double CDs) - fees apply
  • 4 DVDs - fees apply
  • 8 e-audiobooks
  • 8 e-books
  • 8 talking books (audiobooks)

The childminder allowance is provided for your professional use only and is monitored for abuse.

See pay fees and fines for information about the fees and fines for this ticket type.

Hearing and/or visual impairment

If you have a hearing and/or visual impairment, you are entitled to claim the hearing and/or visual impairment concession (for your personal use).

You will have one library card with the concession automatically applied to your ticket. Your hearing and/or visual impairment ticket is valid for three years. If your library card is not renewed within one year of expiry, your details are automatically deleted from our system

To claim this concession, you must join the library in person at the help desk. You will need one form of identification which confirms both your full name and current address. You do not need to provide any additional documentation to confirm your hearing and/or visual impairment.

If you join online via the website, the concession will not be applied automatically, and you will have to pay fees and fines at the adult (16+) rate.

You can borrow up to (at the same time);

  • 20 books
  • 8 CDs (includes double CDs)
  • 4 DVDs
  • 8 e-audiobooks
  • 8 e-books
  • 8 talking books (audiobooks)

See pay fees and fines for information about the fees and fines for this ticket type.

Help

The library service accepts membership applications from students, visitors, people with no fixed address etc. You will need to speak to a member of staff to check the membership requirements. For e.g., students will be issued with an Adult (16+) ticket but will need to provide ID which confirms both their home address and their term time (Coventry) address. Visitors tickets will expire at the end of your stay in Coventry.

Find a library

The library service operates from 17 locations across Coventry.

Library types

The library service has three library types, ‘core’, ‘partnership’, and ‘community-led’.

The ‘core’ libraries are;

  • Bell Green Library
  • Central Library
  • Foleshill Library
  • Stoke Library
  • Tile Hill Library

The ‘partnership’ libraries are;

  • Aldermoor Library
  • Allesley Park Library
  • Caludon Library
  • Canley Library
  • Coundon Library
  • Hillfields Library
  • Holbrooks Library
  • Jubilee Crescent Library
  • Willenhall Library

Hillfields Library is part-staffed by Working Actively to Change Hillfields (WATCH) and is co-located in the WATCH Centre in Hillfields. Holbrooks Library is part-staffed by Holbrooks Community Care Association (HCCA) and is co-located in the HCCA Centre in Holbrooks.

The ‘community-led’ libraries are;

  • Cheylesmore Library
  • Earlsdon Library
  • Finham Library

Cheylesmore Library is run by Cheylesmore Community Association and is co-located in Cheylesmore Community Centre. Earlsdon Library is run by Earlsdon Carnegie Community Library. Finham Library is run by Finham Library Action Group.

Library opening times

Bank Holiday opening times

Notice of Bank Holiday times will appear here, as well as on our social media channels, follow us @covlibraries on X, Instagram and Facebook.

Christmas and New Year 2024-2025

Monday 23 December 2024

Hillfields Library is closed

All other libraries open as usual

Tuesday 24 December 2024

  • Aldermoor, Allesley Park and Canley Libraries open10am - 2pm
  • Coundon, Jubilee and Willenhall Libraries open 10am - 4.30pm
  • Bell Green, Central, Foleshill, Stoke and Tile Hill Libraries open 9am - 4.30pm
  • Caludon Castle, Hillfields and Holbrooks Libraries closed

Wednesday 25 December 2024 to Wednesday 1 January 2025

  • All Libraries closed

Thursday 2 January 2025

  • Holbrooks Library is closed
  • All other Libraries open as usual

For the Christmas opening hours of Community Run Libraries please visit their websites:

During the closure period you will still be able to access our full range of online resources, such as e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, online newspapers and automated item renewals

Unscheduled closures and service updates

Please contact your local library for opening times and services available [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/libraries-1/join-find-use/3]. Unscheduled closures of libraries are also announced on our social media channels, follow us @covlibraries on X, Instagram and Facebook.

Foleshill Library 20 January 2025 - 1 February 2025

Foleshill Library will be closed from Monday 20 January 2025 and will reopen on Monday 2 February 2025 due to planned building improvements.

The nearest library is Bell Green Library  [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/bellgreenlibrary]17-23 Riley Square, CV2 1LS. Telephone: 024 7678 5819

During this time you will still be able to access our full range of online resources, such as e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, online newspapers and automated item renewals via www.coventry.gov.uk/libraries [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/libraries]

Libraries and Information Service

Address: Central Library
Smithford Way
Coventry
CV1 1FY

Telephone: 024 7683 2314 [tel:02476832314]

Pay fees and charges

You can pay fees or charges

How to pay fees and charges

Pay fees and fines online via the website.
This is a two-stage process as the library services’ Library Management System and the Council’s payments system are not linked.

Stage 1

You will need to find out how much you owe. If you already know how much you owe you can move to Stage 2.

Stage 2 

You now need to pay using the Council’s payments system. You will be familiar with the online payments website if you pay for any other Council services online such as Council Tax.

  • Go to the online payments [/onlinepayments] website
  • You will need your library card number (the 14-digit number on the back of your library card)
  • You will need your email address
  • You will need to enter name, address and postcode
  • You will need your credit/debit card details. We accept Visa and Mastercard.

Step 1

The first step is to enter the account group and account type;

  • in account group, select schools, libraries and learning from the drop-down options
  • in account type, select fines - libraries from the drop-down options

The option to enter your library card number will now appear.

  • Type in your library card number (the 14-digit number on the back of your library card)
  • Type in the amount you want to pay and submit

Step 2

Your payment will be added to a basket so you need to select checkout.

Step 3

  • Type in your email address (to receive confirmation of your payment), your name, address and postcode (which must match the payment details held by your card issuer).

Step 4

Type in your card details. The Council’s payments system is secure.

Step 5

You will be taken to a confirmation screen with your receipt. You can print or email your receipt to retain for future reference.

It may take up to 48 hours for the payment to be removed from your library card.

Pay fees and charges in person using a self-service kiosk

  • Visit any library during opening hours. Don’t know where the library is? Find a nearby library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/findalibrary].
  • Go to the self-service kiosk
  • You will need your library card
  • You will need cash

Pay fees and charges in person at the help desk

Please note: pay fees or fines in person at the help desk is unavailable during express service. This applies to Central Library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/centrallibrary] only. Limited service is available during these opening hours.

  • Visit any library during opening hours. Don’t know where the library is? Find a nearby library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/findalibrary].
  • Go to the help desk
  • You will need your library card
  • You will need cash, or credit/debit card (only available at Central Library). We accept Visa and Mastercard.

Fees and charges [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/libraries-1/join-find-use/12]

Fees and charges posters are displayed in our libraries.

Libraries and Information Service

Address: Central Library
Smithford Way
Coventry
CV1 1FY

Telephone: 024 7683 2314 [tel:02476832314]

Request or change your PIN

Request your PIN

You can request your PIN;

How to request your PIN

Request your PIN online via the website

If the security details (name, address, date of birth) you provide online via the website do not match the security details held on your record, we are unable to proceed with this transaction as we cannot verify your identity.

Request your PIN over the phone

  • Phone any library during opening hours. Don’t know a library phone number? Find a nearby library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/findalibrary].
  • You will need your library card number (the 14-digit number on the back of your library card)
  • You will need to confirm security details over the phone (name, address, date of birth)

If the security details (name, address, date of birth) you provide over the phone do not match the security details held on your record, we are unable to proceed with this transaction as we cannot verify your identity.

Request your PIN in person at the help desk

Please note: request your PIN in person at the help desk is unavailable during express service. This applies to Central Library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/centrallibrary] only. Limited service is available during these opening hours.

  • Visit any library during opening hours. Don’t know where the library is? Find a nearby library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/findalibrary].
  • Go to the help desk
  • You will need your library card to request your PIN

Change your PIN

You can change your PIN;

How to change your PIN

Change your PIN online via the website

Update your details

You can update your details;

How to update your details

Update your details online via the website

Update your details over the phone

  • Phone any library during opening hours. Don’t know a library phone number? Find a nearby library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/findalibrary].
  • You will need your library card number (the 14-digit number on the back of your library card)
  • You will need to confirm security details over the phone (name, address, date of birth)

If the security details (name, address, date of birth) you provide over the phone do not match the security details held on your record, we are unable to proceed with this transaction as we cannot verify your identity.

Update your details in person at the help desk

Please note: updating your details in person at the help desk is unavailable during express service. This applies to Central Library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/centrallibrary] only. Limited service is available during these opening hours.

  • Visit any library during opening hours. Don’t know where the library is? Find a nearby library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/findalibrary].
  • Go to the help desk
  • You will need your library card to update your details

Activate your library card

Please note: you only need to activate your library card if you received your library card as part of a promotion.

You can activate your library card;

How to activate your library card 

Activate your library card online via the website

You then need to visit a library to confirm your identification;

  • Visit any library during opening hours. Don’t know where the library is? Find a nearby library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/findalibrary].
  • Go to the help desk
  • You will need your library card to activate your library card
  • You will need one form of identification which confirms both your full name and current address

Activate your library card in person at the help desk

  • Visit any library during opening hours. Don’t know where the library is? Find a nearby library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/findalibrary].
  • Go to the help desk
  • You will need your library card to activate your library card
  • You will need one form of identification which confirms both your full name and current address

Renew your library card

You can renew your library card;

How to renew your library card

Renew your library card online via the website

Temporary renewal

If your library card has expired within the last 90 days you can renew your library card for 28 days online via the website.

  • You will need your library card number (the 14-digit number on the back of your library card)
  • You will need your PIN (a 4-digit number you will have been issued with when you joined the library). Don’t know your PIN? Request your PIN [https://myaccount.coventry.gov.uk/service/Libraries___pin_request]. If you need your PIN urgently, phone any library during opening hours.

Renew your library card over the phone

  • Phone any library during opening hours. Don’t know a library phone number? Find a nearby library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/findalibrary].
  • You will need your library card number (the 14-digit number on the back of your library card)
  • You will need to confirm security details over the phone (name, address, date of birth)

If the security details (name, address, date of birth) you provide over the phone do not match the security details held on your record, we are unable to proceed with this transaction as we cannot verify your identity.

Renew your library card in person at the help desk

Please note: renew your library card in person at the help desk is unavailable during express service. This applies to Central Library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/centrallibrary] only (from 1 July 2019). Limited service is available during these opening hours.

  • Visit any library during opening hours. Don’t know where the library is? Find a nearby library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/findalibrary].
  • Go to the help desk
  • You will need your library card to renew your library card

Help

How do I know if I need to renew my library card?

If you use our online services, you will notice that the library card number and PIN you use will stop working suddenly. If you know you are not blocked for owing us money, or having overdue items on your ticket, then your card probably needs to be renewed.

See ticket types for information about how long library cards are valid for.

Report your library card as lost or stolen

You can report your library card as lost or stolen;

Report your library card as lost or stolen online via the website

If the security details (name, address, date of birth) you provide online via the website do not match the security details held on your record, we are unable to proceed with this transaction as we cannot verify your identity.

Report your library card as lost or stolen over the phone

  • Phone any library during opening hours. Don’t know a library phone number? Find a nearby library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/findalibrary].
  • You will need to confirm security details over the phone (name, address, date of birth)

If the security details (name, address, date of birth) you provide over the phone do not match the security details held on your record, we are unable to proceed with this transaction as we cannot verify your identity.

Report your library card as lost or stolen in person at the help desk

Please note: report your library card as lost or stolen in person at the help desk is unavailable during express service. This applies to Central Library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/centrallibrary] only. Limited service is available during these opening hours.

  • Visit any library during opening hours. Don’t know where the library is? Find a nearby library [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/findalibrary].
  • Go to the help desk
  • You will need to confirm security details (name, address, date of birth)

If the security details (name, address, date of birth) you provide in person at the help desk do not match the security details held on your record, we are unable to proceed with this transaction as we cannot verify your identity.

Libraries and Information Service

Address: Central Library
Smithford Way
Coventry
CV1 1FY

Telephone: 024 7683 2314 [tel:02476832314]

Libraries and Information Service

Address: Central Library
Smithford Way
Coventry
CV1 1FY

Telephone: 024 7683 2314 [tel:02476832314]

Fees and charges

Visually and Hearing Impaired - no fees and charges.

Fees and charges from April 2022
Types of charges Adult (16+)

Child (0-7)

Child (8-15)

 Childminder (16+) Reading Well 
Book Loan Free Free Free Free Free
Book Overdue (per day) £0.25 No charge No charge No charge No charge
Spoken Word (Audiobook) Loan £1.90/4 weeks Free Free Free Free
Spoken Word (Audiobook) Overdue (per day) £0.40 No charge No charge No charge No charge
CD Loan £1.00/week No charge £0.50/week £1.00/week £1.00/week
CD Double+ Loan £2.00/week No charge £1.00/week £2.00/week £2.00/week
CD Overdue (per week, or part of) £1.00 No charge £0.50 £1.00 £1.00
CD Double+ Overdue (per week, or part of) £2.00 No charge £1.00 £2.00 £2.00
DVD Loan £3.00/week - - £3.00/week £3.00/week
DVD Overdue (per week, or part of) £3.00 - - £3.00 £3.00

Room Hire during Library opening hours (Community/ Charity Groups per hour)

 £12.50 - - £12.50 £12.50
Room Hire outside Library opening hours (Community/ Charity Groups per hour) £35.00 - - £35.00 £35.00
Room Hire during Library opening hours (Commercial Organisations per hour) £40.00 - - £40.00 £40.00
Room Hire outside Library opening hours (Commercial Organisations per hour) £80.00 - - £80.00 £80.00
Lost Book Current cost in print Current cost in print Current cost in print Current cost in print Current cost in print
Lost Fiction Hardback £15.00 £15.00 £15.00 £15.00 £15.00
Lost Non-Fiction Hardback £18.00 £18.00 £18.00 £18.00 £18.00
Lost Out-of-Print Paperback £3.40 £3.40 £3.40 £3.40 £3.40
Computer Use (up to 2 hours) Free Free Free Free Free
Computer Use (per additional hour) £2.00 £1.00 £1.00 £2.00 £2.00
Computer Use Guest Ticket (per 30 minutes) £1.00 £0.50 £0.50 £1.00 £1.00
Print A4 Black and White* (per side) £0.30 £0.30 £0.30 £0.30 £0.30
Print A4 Colour* (per side) £1.15 £1.15 £1.15 £1.15 £1.15
Photocopy A4 Black and White* (per side) £0.25 £0.25 £0.25 £0.25 £0.25
Photocopy A4 Colour* (per side) £1.90 £1.90 £1.90 £1.90 £1.90
Photocopy A3 Black and White* (per side) £0.45 £0.45 £0.45 £0.45 £0.45
Photocopy A3 Colour* (per side) £2.65 £2.65 £2.65 £2.65 £2.65
Replacement Ticket £2.50 No charge No charge £2.50 £2.50
Reservation (per item) £1.15 Free Free £1.15 Free
Inter-Library Loan (per item) £5.00 £2.50 £2.50 £5.00 £5.00
Inter-Library Loan (British Library, per item) £10.00 £5.00 £5.00 £10.00 £10.00
Inter-Library Loan Renewal (per item) £5.00 £2.50 £2.50 £5.00 £5.00
Inter-Library Loan Renewal (British Library, per item) £10.00 £5.00 £5.00 £10.00 £10.00
Vocal Score £10.00 £10.00 £10.00 £10.00 £10.00
Vocal Score additional copy (per copy) £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50 £0.50
Vocal Score Renewal Charges vary - contact Central Library on 024 76832314 or e-mail central.library@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:central.library@coventry.gov.uk]
Fax UK (Sending, per side) £1.60 £1.60 £1.60 £1.60 £1.60
Fax UK (Receiving, per side) £0.80 £0.80 £0.80 £0.80 £0.80
Fax International (Sending, per side) £4.85 £4.85 £4.85 £4.85 £4.85
Fax International (Receiving, per side) £1.60 £1.60 £1.60 £1.60 £1.60

If you can’t pay, or can't pay in full, please speak to a member of staff as soon as possible. Contact your local library [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/126/libraries/3213/join_find_use/3]. The library service will consider waiving fees or charges in some circumstances, but this is at the discretion of library staff.

* A certain amount may be available free of charge, ask at your local library for more details.

Libraries and Information Service

Address: Central Library
Smithford Way
Coventry
CV1 1FY

Telephone: 024 7683 2314 [tel:02476832314]

Library email alerts

Adult customers (16+) can sign up to receive email alerts which will notify you when items you have requested are ready to be collected, remind you shortly before items are due back and when items are overdue.

Set up your email and notification preference online [http://librarycatalogue.coventry.gov.uk/]:

  • 'Sign In' using the link at the top right corner of the screen
  • go to 'My Pages', then 'My Profile'
  • enter your email address in the 'Email' section
  • click on 'My Notifications' and choose the notifications your would like to receive.

Or speak to a member of staff during your next library visit to do this in person.

Please note: this is a courtesy service; it is still your responsibility to return your items on time.

If you do not receive emails you can:

  • check that your email address is correct by signing in to your account and checking your profile
  • check to see if the email is in your spam folder
  • ask at your local library to make sure your profile is correctly set up
  • call us on 024 7683 2314 or email libraries247@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:libraries247@coventry.gov.uk]
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