Library charges & fines
Borrowing books, CDs and DVDs from Tower Hamlets Idea Stores & Libraries is free. Reservations for Tower Hamlets CDs and DVDs are free.
Your loans can be renewed by logging into your account on this site.
You can borrow up to 25 items for three weeks including a maximum of 4 audio visual items. Books may be renewed up to 10 times if there are no outstanding reservations attached; you can renew a DVD or CD only once.
Please note that these fees & charges may be subject to change.
Please note, if items are borrowed from a library outside of Tower Hamlets, charges for that library authority will apply.
Books, CDs and CD-Roms
Loan of Books, CDs and CD-Roms - Free. You can borrow items for 3 weeks.
DVDs
Loan of DVDs held within Tower Hamlets - Free. You can borrow items for 1 week.
Audio Visual Material Disclaimer Statement
While every effort is made to ensure that our CDs and DVDs are in good working order, users are responsible for checking that a CD or DVD is not damaged, and is compatible with their audio visual equipment, as Tower Hamlets Council will not accept responsibility for any damage caused.
Book Reservations / Requests
Reservations / Requests for stock held within the London Libraries Consortium (LLC) and collected from a Tower Hamlets Idea Store library - Free.
Please note, if the chosen collection library is outside of Tower Hamlets any reservation charges for that library will apply.
Request cannot exceed ten items.
Audio Visual Requests
Requests for stock held within Tower Hamlets - Free.
Lost and Damaged Items
Starting from 1 May 2025, we will be implementing the Recommended Retail Prices (RRP) for any lost or damaged items. This change is in line with The Libraries Consortium policy.
Internet access and computers
Internet access is free
Printouts - A4 B&W 30p per sheet. A4 Colour 50p per sheet
Lost membership cards
Children £1.10
Adults - £2.20
Photocopies (self-service)
Please note, we are currently not providing this service in our Idea Stores/libraries.