How can we help?
New Website Support
Welcome to the new Better Libraries website.
We hope that you will enjoy exploring the new Better Libraries experience, and accessing all of your library services in one place.
Our website is under active development, with exciting new features and services being added all the time.
Should you discover something that doesn’t quite look right, please get in touch with our Website Support team for assistance at website.support@gll.org
Thank you for your patience while we transition to this new service.
During this transition period, should you need to access a feature which has not yet been released on our new website, you can do so via our legacy catalogue here.
If you have any questions, please contact us on 020 3931 0900 or email us at central.library@gll.org.
We hope that you will enjoy exploring the new Better Libraries experience, and accessing all of your library services in one place.
Our website is under active development, with exciting new features and services being added all the time.
Should you discover something that doesn’t quite look right, please get in touch with our Website Support team for assistance at website.support@gll.org
Thank you for your patience while we transition to this new service.
During this transition period, should you need to access a feature which has not yet been released on our new website, you can do so via our legacy catalogue here.
If you have any questions, please contact us on 020 3931 0900 or email us at central.library@gll.org.
Membership
Learn about our library memberships, including how to join, what's included, and more.
How much does a Bromley Library membership cost?
We believe everyone should have access to their local library. That's why our library memberships are completely free*. All you need to do is sign up online or you can become a member by visiting one of our libraries.
*Some items on our programme may come with an additional charge. Please ask at your local library.
*Some items on our programme may come with an additional charge. Please ask at your local library.
How do I sign up for Bromley Libraries?
You can sign up for a library card by visiting any Bromley borough library and signing up.
- To use PCs, we will need to see a proof of identification. This can be a bank card, named bus pass, etc.
- To take out library books, we will need proof of identification and proof of address. This can be most formal letters, including bank statements or utility bills.
If you have a proof of identification or address that is not mentioned above, you may require manager approval before we can sign you up.
You can also sign up online by following this link. Please be aware that to collect your library card, you will still need to provide proof of identification and address on your first visit.
You can also sign up online by following this link. Please be aware that to collect your library card, you will still need to provide proof of identification and address on your first visit.
What's included in a Bromley Libraries membership?
With your library card, you will have access to:
- Bromley borough's collection of library books.
- Public PCs in all Bromley borough library locations.
- E-collections, such as E-books or E-audiobooks through our Libby App.
- E-resources, such as Pressreader, Newsbank and the British Newspaper Archive.
And much more! Contact your local library for more information.
How do you cancel or renew your membership?
You can cancel your library membership by visiting any of the Bromley borough library branches.
Alternatively, you can email customerservices@gll.org or call your local branch.
Alternatively, you can email customerservices@gll.org or call your local branch.
Want to know more about becoming a library member?
Bromley Library MembershipsMy account
For all account-related queries, from logging in to password resets.
I forgot my library account password. How can I reset it?
To reset your library account password, click on the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. Follow the instructions to reset your password.
If you need further assistance, please contact library staff.
If you need further assistance, please contact library staff.
How old do you have to be to create a library account?
As a library user, you must be at least 16 years old to create a library card for yourself.
If you are under the age of 16, a parent or guardian must be present.
If you are under the age of 16, a parent or guardian must be present.
How can I update my contact information in my Bromley Libraries account?
Contact information can be changed by visiting any Bromley borough library and issuing a request.
- To change address, you must supply us with proof of (new) address. This can be a formal letter, such as bank statement or gas/electricity bill.
- To change contact email or telephone number, no supportive proof is necessary.
If you are looking to remove information from your account, contact your local library for further support. Please be aware that removing your active address from the account may result in an impact to your library experience.
Borrowing
Here you'll find everything about borrowing books, overdue loans and returns
How many items can I borrow at a time?
The standard limit is 25 items per library card.
Check your account or inquire with library staff for specific details.
Check your account or inquire with library staff for specific details.
Can I extend my loan?
Loans can be extended by either calling up any of the Bromley borough libraries and quoting your library card number or item number, or by dropping in and asking us.
You can also renew via the website and app by logging in and visiting the loans page.
You can also renew via the website and app by logging in and visiting the loans page.
Can I return items to any Bromley library?
Items loaned by any of the Bromley borough libraries can be returned to any of the 14 Bromley borough libraries.
Any items that are overdue may incur a charge. This charge varies with item type, but even heavily overdue items will never exceed an £18 charge per book under typical circumstances. Lost items may incur both the overdue fee (if overdue) and the cost of the book. See our charges section for more information.
I've been charged for an overdue loan. What are my options?
Library books and other items typically incur a 25p overdue fee, per book, per open day. This may vary, please read the Fees & Charges section for more information.
What is the maximum time limit for loans?
Items are issued for 3 weeks.
Should you wish to renew your loan, you can do so in your account, provided it is not reserved for another customer.
Should you wish to renew your loan, you can do so in your account, provided it is not reserved for another customer.
How many digital eLoans am I allowed to have at one time?
You can borrow up to 10 eBooks or eAudiobooks at any one time on Overdrive/Libby. Magazines are unlimited.
On ULibrary, you can borrow up to 6 eAudiobooks at a time.
On Freegal you can download 3 music tracks in MP3 format each week, and stream 3 of hours of music each day.
Pressreader does not have a limit for the number of newspapers or magazines you can access.
On ULibrary, you can borrow up to 6 eAudiobooks at a time.
On Freegal you can download 3 music tracks in MP3 format each week, and stream 3 of hours of music each day.
Pressreader does not have a limit for the number of newspapers or magazines you can access.
What is the maximum time limit for digital eLoans?
On Overdrive/Libby you can choose to loan items for 7, 14 or 21 days, and they can be renewed if not reserved by another customer. Items can be returned early should you wish to borrow an item and have already borrowed 10 items.
On ULibrary, eAudiobooks are issued for 21 days at a time, and cannot be returned early.
On ULibrary, eAudiobooks are issued for 21 days at a time, and cannot be returned early.
Fees and charges
Find out about the fees and additional charges for different services at Bromley libraries.
I've lost my book, what can I do?
If you have lost a book, be aware that you must pay the full replacement cost of the title. This price is defined by our records of the book, and varies from title to title.
Should you find the book shortly after paying the lost fee, you are fully entitled to the full replacement cost refunded to you via the original method of payment, minus a £4 administrative charge.
Should you find the book shortly after paying the lost fee, you are fully entitled to the full replacement cost refunded to you via the original method of payment, minus a £4 administrative charge.
What additional charges are there at Bromley libraries?
Replacement costs for library cards:
- Adult library card replacements cost £2.10
- Children's library card replacements cost £1.00
Printing & Photocopying:
- A4 black & white printing: 10p per side.
- A3 black & white printing: 25p per side.
- A4 colour printing: 25p per side.
- A3 colour printing: 50p per side.
Faxing (Only available at Penge, Mottingham, and Shortlands library)
- Sending to UK: £1.30 for the 1st sheet.
- Sending to EC (European): £1.45 for the 1st sheet.
- Sending to North America: £1.65 for the 1st sheet.
- Sending to the rest of the world: £2.05 for the 1st sheet.
- Sending subsequent sheets (all regions): 60p
- Receiving from UK: 90p per sheet.
Prices may vary. Call an applicable branch for more information.
Reservations
- Reservations are completely free! Handling and delivery times vary on availability.
How do overdue charges work?
In the Bromley borough, overdue charges accumulate on library items that are past their return date.
- For adult books, audio books, CDs and special interest DVDs overdue fees are 25p per book, per open day. Maximum elapsed fine is £18.00.
- For DVDs, overdue fees are 75p per book per open day. Maximum elapsed fine is £18.00.
- For Children's audio books, overdue fees are 5p per open day. Maximum elapsed fine is £8.00.
Children's books do not incur overdue fines.
How can I pay fines for overdue items?
Fines can be paid at any Bromley borough library. Card and cash are accepted at all locations. Regrettably, we cannot take American Express at any Bromley borough library location.
Alternatively, to pay fines online log in to your account and click on 'Charges' in the account menu. Click on the blue Pay button and follow the on screen instructions.
Alternatively, to pay fines online log in to your account and click on 'Charges' in the account menu. Click on the blue Pay button and follow the on screen instructions.
I've been charged accidentally. What should I do?
If you believe you have been charged in error, please call your local library during opening hours and ask for further assistance.
Bookings
Find out more about room hire, activity or event booking and cancellations at your local library.
How do you book a room?
To book a room, please contact your local library and request further information.
How can I book an event or activity at my library?
Go to the events and activities page and select your activity.
Some events are registered for in-branch. Please call your local library for more information on how to sign up for events.
Some events are registered for in-branch. Please call your local library for more information on how to sign up for events.
How do you cancel library bookings?
If you're looking to cancel your booking, please contact the branch you booked at directly.
Can I make bookings at other libraries in my area?
Even though not every library in the borough has a hireable space, we're confident that you'll find a venue that suits you.
For more information about the hireable venues available across GLL's many locations, click here.
For more information about the hireable venues available across GLL's many locations, click here.
General
Still got a question? Find answers to other queries below.
How can I find accessible facilities at my library?
Before setting out, we recommend checking your target library's webpage for the accessibility section to make sure that library is right for you.
Customers can also call individual libraries and speak to staff on-location that can answer any questions about accessibility.
Click here to view all libraries in the Bromley borough.
Customers can also call individual libraries and speak to staff on-location that can answer any questions about accessibility.
Click here to view all libraries in the Bromley borough.
Which libraries are wheelchair accessible?
Click here for more information about wheelchair accessibility in Bromley borough libraries.
Customers can also call individual libraries and speak to staff on-location that can answer any questions about wheelchair accessibility.
Customers can also call individual libraries and speak to staff on-location that can answer any questions about wheelchair accessibility.
How do you request stock?
If you are interested in titles we don't carry, and think we should acquire them, please contact: stocksuggestions@gll.org with the following information:
- Book title
- Book author
- ISBN code (if possible)
Please be aware that we have a set list of providers. As such, some titles or self-published works may not be purchasable.
We are open to suggestions for specific sections or subsections of our stock and to books in other languages.
We are open to suggestions for specific sections or subsections of our stock and to books in other languages.
What payment system do Bromley libraries use?
Bromley libraries take all legal UK tender, and most forms of card payment. Regrettably we cannot accept American Express.
Payments can also be paid online, where applicable.
Payments can also be paid online, where applicable.
