Reserve an item
Holds are free. You have seven days after an arrival notice to collect.
City libraries
Five branches, one catalogue. Join with proof of address. Fines pause while an item is reserved for you at another branch.
84,200 items in the catalogue
12,110 active members
20p daily fine after the grace day
3 weeks standard loan
Opening hours
Riverside Library is closed Sunday 6 September 2026 for boiler works. Holds can still be collected from Northgate that day.
| Branch | Mon–Wed | Thu–Fri | Saturday | Sunday | PCs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside (central) | 09:00–19:00 | 09:00–19:00 | 10:00–17:00 | 12:00–16:00 | 18 |
| Northgate | 10:00–18:00 | 10:00–18:00 | 10:00–13:00 | closed | 8 |
| Eastfield | 09:30–17:30 | 09:30–19:00 | 10:00–16:00 | closed | 6 |
| Hillcrest | 13:00–18:00 | 10:00–18:00 | 10:00–13:00 | closed | 4 |
| Parkside (children’s) | 09:00–17:00 | 09:00–17:00 | 09:00–13:00 | closed | 2 |
Public computers
Members get 90 minutes per day. Non-members may book a 30-minute guest session with photo ID. Printing is 10p per side, colour 40p. Filtering is on for under-16 tickets.
Loans, holds, and fines
The standard loan is three weeks and renews twice unless another member is waiting. A hold costs nothing. Items not collected within seven days of arrival are released to the next person on the list.
Overdue fines are 20p per item per day after a one-day grace, capped at £8 per item. Children’s tickets do not accrue fines; lost items are still charged at replacement cost.
Digital magazines through PressReader do not count against the physical loan cap of 12 items.
What’s on in September
| Date | Branch | Event | Who |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Sep | Riverside | Job club; CVs and interviews | Adults |
| 4 Sep | Parkside | Rhyme time | Under 5s |
| 6 Sep | Northgate | Riverside holds desk (boiler closure) | All |
| 7 Sep | Eastfield | Code club | 8–12 |
| 8 Sep | Riverside | Local history: the 1962 dock fire | Adults |
| 10 Sep | Hillcrest | Knit and natter | Adults |
| 11 Sep | Parkside | Rhyme time | Under 5s |
| 13 Sep | Riverside | Saturday cinema: Paddington | Families |
| 15 Sep | Northgate | ESOL conversation hour | Adults |
| 17 Sep | Eastfield | Board-game evening | 12+ |
| 20 Sep | Riverside | Author: N. K. Marlow reads Quay Stories | Adults |
| 22 Sep | Parkside | Homework club | School age |
| 24 Sep | Hillcrest | Digital helper: phones and scams | Adults |
| 27 Sep | Riverside | Family Lego build | Families |
| 29 Sep | Northgate | Book group: The Harbour Clock | Adults |
Joining
Bring one proof of address dated within three months and photo ID. Children under 16 need a parent or guardian. Non-residents who work in the city may join with a payslip. There is no joining fee.
Catalogue services
Search the catalogue from any branch, place up to eight holds, and choose a collection branch. Audio and large-print titles can be delivered to a branch twice a week.
Digital library
Borrow ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, and language courses with your library number and PIN.
Home delivery
Residents who cannot visit because of disability or temporary illness can request monthly delivery.
Rooms, equipment, and study space
| Branch | Quiet desks | Meeting room | Scanner | 3D printer | Booking window |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside | 42 | up to 18 people | yes | yes | 14 days |
| Northgate | 16 | up to 8 people | yes | no | 14 days |
| Eastfield | 12 | up to 6 people | yes | no | 7 days |
| Hillcrest | 8 | community table | no | no | 7 days |
| Parkside | 10 | family room | no | no | 7 days |
Learning and support
- Weekly job club offers CV reviews, interview practice, and basic digital-skills help.
- Digital helpers can assist with phone settings, online forms, and avoiding scams; they cannot give legal or financial advice.
- ESOL conversation groups are free and do not require a library membership.
- Schools may book class visits four weeks ahead through the Riverside learning team.