Contact Southwark Libraries

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• When is the library open?

  View all our library opening hours here.

• How do I reset my library account password?

  Reset your password with your library card number and surname and we will send you an email. If you do not have access to the email address listed on your library account then please speak to a member of staff.

• How do I renew my books or other items?

  Log into your online account to renew books or other items you have borrowed.

  You can also do this in person at any Southwark Library. or using the contact details at the top of this page.

• How do I reserve a book or other item?

  Log into your online account to reserve books or other items.

  Search the online catalogue for the item.

  Click ‘Place reservation’.

  Enter your pick-up location and click ‘Continue’.

  You will receive an email once the reservation is ready for collection. There is a 60p charge for reservations (no charge for borrowers aged 17 and under).

• How do I pay my library fees?

  Log into your online account to view and pay any outstanding fees on your library account.

  Having trouble logging on? Please see the information above about resetting your password.

  You can also pay in person at any Southwark Library using cash.

  You can view Library fees and charges here.

• My account has expired

  Your account may have expired if it has been a long time since you last updated your contact details with us.

  Please contact us using the details at the top of this page to confirm your address and email are still up-to-date.

  If you have moved then please bring proof of your new address into any Southwark Library.

• Registration unsuccessful

  You will be unable to register for a new account online if we already have details for you.

  This may be because you have joined at any Southwark Library in the past, or at another library in the SELMS partnership. If you are unsure if you have an account with us and are unable to join online then please contact us using the details at the top of this page.

• How do I request a book which the library doesn't have?

  You can log into your account and request books which we don’t have in stock, or speak to a member of staff in any Southwark Library.

  We will either borrow them from a library outside Southwark or purchase a copy. There is a £3 charge for this, with an additional fee of £16.50 for items borrowed from the British Library and other specialist libraries.

  Alternatively, you can suggest an item for purchase for free. We may decide to purchase a copy and once it is added to the catalogue you can then place a standard reservation for 60p. With this option there is no guarantee we will purchase a copy and you will not be notified if it is added to stock.

• How do I update my contact details?

  You can log in to your account to update your email address or phone number.

  If you have moved, please bring proof of your new address to any Southwark Library.

• I've lost my library card

  If your card is lost or stolen please let us know as soon as possible. We can then ensure no one else uses your missing card.

  Please bring some ID to any Southwark Library to get a new library card.

  Replacement cards cost £2.50 (no charge for borrowers aged 17 and under).

• What events and activities are happening in libraries?

  Regular and special events take place in all our libraries. Follow the links below to view events by location or type of event:

  • Regular events at specific libraries
  • Book and poetry groups for adults
  • Activities for babies and children
  • Special or one-off events.
• Can I hire a meeting room?

  You can view details and make bookings online.

  Meeting rooms are available to hire at:

  • Canada Water Library
  • Camberwell Library
  • Dulwich Library
  • East Street Library
  • Grove Vale Library
  • John Harvard Library
  • Peckham Library
  • Walworth Library.

Page last updated: 17 October 2023