Join the library

Coronavirus (COVID-19): change to service

Following advice from the government regarding the  Coronavirus (COVID-19) we have started reopening our libraries, see the latest Library service information

See further information about changes to services

Membership is free. You will need to bring in one piece of identification (printed or electronic) which shows both your name and current home address.

Join the library online

Join the library on the LibrariesWest websiteand read our terms and conditions.

You need to be 16 or over to join online and you'll get a temporary membership number and PIN, so you can reserve items straight away.

To use any other library services, you'll need to pick up your membership card from a library of your choice and bring in proof of identification.

On joining Poole Library Service, you agree to abide by the  Library Byelaws and our  terms and conditions.

Library membership entitlement

As a member of Poole Libraries you have access to:

• a free library account where you can check and renew your loans and reserve items from any library. To access it you need your library card number and PIN
• books– including large print
• eBooks and audiobooks
• DVDs, Blu-Ray and CDs
• newspapers and magazines– both in hardcopy and online
• enquiry service – ask us anything
• free online reference resources– the password is your library card number
• children’s library– including weekly rhymetimes and storytimes, plus special events and activities
• computers and free internet access
• self-service kiosks to avoid queues
• photocopying and printing

Your library PIN

When you join we give you a PIN which you will need together with your library card number to access extra library services from any computer.

With your pin you can:

• renew books online(you should click on 'My account' before entering your card number)
• click and collectitems you have found on the library catalogue
• view what you have on loan
• change your PIN(login under 'my account' then click on 'change your PIN')
• access library computers

Lost library PIN

You can reset your PIN online by going to Libraries West, clicking on 'My Account' at the top right and then clicking on 'Reset your PIN'. As long as we have your current email address on our records, you will get an email telling you what to do next.

Alternatively, either ask a member of staff in the library, or email libraries@poole.gov.ukquoting your name, address, library card number and date of birth.