Libraries

How to join the library

Joining the library is free for everyone. You can join at any age and access all the services provided by the library. You can join online or in person. 

Joining online

You can join your library online now at LibrariesIreland.ie. If you join online, you will have access to some online services, but you will need to complete your membership in person at the library to borrow physical items. 

Joining in person

To join the library or complete your library membership you will need to visit a library and bring:

• Proof of address showing where you live
• Proof of ID

Your local library will ask you to fill out a membership form to join.

If you are under 18, you will need permission from a parent or guardian to join the library and they will be responsible for your use of library services. 

Borrowing from the library

Public libraries in Ireland have a wide-ranging catalogue of books, movies, music and more that can be borrowed for free. 

As a member of an Irish public library, you have access to the entire national catalogue, which means you can borrow items from any library in Ireland. Once you reserve an item, it will be sent to your local branch where you can pick it up and return it when you’re finished with it.  

You can borrow up to 12 items at a time. Items that can be borrowed from your library include:

• Books (including large print editions)
• eBooks
• Audiobooks
• Magazines
• Newspapers
• DVDs
• CDs
• Cassette tapes

How to borrow items from the library

Books and physical items 

If there is a book or another item you want to borrow from the library, you can search for it on the online catalogue through your library’s website or on LibrariesIreland.spydus.ie. You can also look for it in your local branch or ask a librarian to help you find it. 

When you find the item you want, you can reserve it. If it’s available in your local branch, you can pick it up. If it’s on loan or needs to be sent from another branch, you will be alerted when it’s ready to pick up. If others have also reserved the item, you will enter a queue and you will be alerted as soon as a copy is available for you. 

If the item is not in the national catalogue, you can make a request for the library to purchase it.

You can borrow up to 12 items at a time. 

Digital borrowing 

You can borrow eBooks, eMagazines and audiobooks through an app called BorrowBox. 

Once you have the BorrowBox app on your phone or tablet, you sign in with your library membership details. You can then browse what’s available and reserve or borrow eBooks and audiobooks. You can borrow up to 5 ebooks and 3 audiobooks at a time.  

What can I borrow at the library?

What you can borrow at the library depends on your age. 

Adult Members
Adult members can access all library collections, services and can use the internet*.

Young Adult (15-17)
Members aged 15-17 can access all library collections, DVDs up to 15 rating, and can use the internet*.

Young Adult (12-14)
Members aged 12 – 14 can access the children’s and young adult collections, DVDs up to a 12 rating, and can use children’s internet services.*

Children (under 12)
Members aged under 12 can access the children’s library, DVDs up to a PG rating, and children’s internet services.*

* Internet access is subject to the library’s internet access policy and may vary according to the library you are using – please check with your local library.

Returning or renewing items

Physical items like books can be borrowed for three weeks at a time. 

If you are not finished with the item at the end of the three weeks, you can renew it for a further three weeks if it has not been requested by another borrower. 

You can renew items by:

• Logging into your online account
• Visiting the library to renew at the desk or using a self-service kiosk 
• Phoning your local branch and giving your library card details

You will need your library card to renew items. 

Online items like ebooks and audiobooks on BorrowBox will automatically be returned to the library when your loan period is up, unless you renew the item before it expires.

Returning items late to the library

There is no fine or late fee for returning items late to the library. However, the sooner you return something, the sooner it becomes available for the next person. 

Although there is no fine for returning books late, if nine weeks have passed and the item still hasn’t been returned to the library, the item will be considered lost, and your borrowing privileges will be stopped until you return to the library and speak to someone at the desk.

If a book is lost or damaged, you may be asked to pay a replacement charge. Replacement charges are only applied to adult items borrowed on an adult membership card (over 18 years of age). The replacement charge can be paid at any library branch, regardless of where the item originated from.

You can check the details of your membership, including whether you have overdue items at any time, by logging into your online account.

Online library services

Many library services are available online, which means you can access your library anytime, anywhere. 

eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers are all accessible via apps on phones or tablets, and there are several online courses you can take to upskill for free through the library. 

Borrowing eBooks and audiobooks through BorrowBox

BorrowBox is the app used by Irish libraries to allow you to borrow eBooks and audiobooks. To use BorrowBox, you will first need to become a member of your local library, which you can do online at LibrariesIreland.ie. Once you sign up, you can start borrowing from BorrowBox straight away. You can then use your log-in details to access thousands of books to read or listen to on your phone or tablet. 

Online courses

There are hundreds of courses available to take online through your local library. These courses range from arts, music, culture, science, technology, engineering, and everything in between. There are also language courses available which can help you to learn over 100 languages. 

Visit your library’s website to access online courses. 

Services at your local library branch

Your local library is open to all, as a quiet space to read, study, access the internet or get information. There’s plenty you can do at your library beyond borrowing or reading books.

Events and activities

Libraries organise many events and activities that members of the public can attend for free. There are events for all ages. 

For children there are events such as story time, toddler groups, games clubs and crafts and more.

For adults there are things such as book clubs, talks, readings, exhibitions, classes, craft circles and more. 

Visit your local library or library website to find out what events are taking place, and if you have an idea for a new activity, speak to the librarian to see if it’s possible to arrange.

Community space

Libraries are safe and welcoming spaces for the community. From a comfortable space to sit and read, a quiet place to study, or a way to access the internet, the library can offer what you need. This includes:

• Study space
• Access to computers and the internet
• Space to sit and read
• Space for community groups 

Many local libraries have space that can be used by community groups for meetings and events. Contact your local library to find out if a room or area within the library can be used for an event.

Computer and printing services

Libraries offer free Wifi and many branches can provide access to computers and printers. If you would like to use a computer or access the internet at your local library, speak to the librarian who will show you how to get set up on the computer. Internet access may vary according to the library you are using – please check with your local library.

You may also be able to use printers and scanners at the library. Some branches also have 3D printers which can be used for free. 

To find out about computer and printing services at your library, contact your local branch.

Information services at your local library

Your library is there to provide information and support to access the services you need. This includes information on government services such as social welfare and your entitlements. 

Information that you can access at your local library includes information on:

• Government services
• Social welfare supports
• Local history and culture
• Health and wellbeing
• Educational support
• The environment
• Information on the European Union through Europe Direct

Healthy Ireland at your library

The Healthy Ireland initiative is a national strategy to improve health and wellbeing in Ireland. Healthy Ireland aims to spread awareness to support individuals to become healthier and stay healthy for longer. 

Irish public libraries are a key part of the Healthy Ireland initiative, providing information materials and books, running events and training, and promoting the initiative in the community. You can access a range of materials and events on looking after your health and wellbeing through your local library. 

Business and employment supports at your library

If you’re looking for a new job and you’re not sure where to start, your library can provide information and support to help you make your move. 

This support includes:

• Searching for jobs
• Researching different careers
• Preparing a job application
• Creating your CV
• Preparing for interviews
• Coping with unemployment

If you want to start or grow your own business but you don’t know where to begin, your local library has support and information available to help you take the first step. 

This includes:

• Researching for your business
• Finance and funding 
• Intellectual property rights
• How to start and run your own business

Library support for early learning, primary and post-primary school students

Your local library can offer a range of resources and activities to students from early learning and primary through to post-primary school, which can help to support children’s literacy, numeracy, creativity, and communication skills.

This support can include:

• Class visits to the library
• A teacher’s card to borrow items for the class
• Library resources provided to the school
• Support with research and project work

To learn more about the services libraries can offer school, visit LibrariesIreland.ie.

My Open Library

Accessing the library is easier than ever thanks to My Open Library. With My Open Library, certain library branches are available for longer hours, allowing you to borrow and return items, use the printer or photocopier, access the internet or WiFi and use study space.

My Open Library is an unstaffed, self-service library available from 8am-10pm, 7 days a week. Staff will be available during normally scheduled staff hours. Outside of scheduled staff hours, self-service is available. 

To sign up for My Open Library, you must be a library member and sign up through your local My Open Library branch. To find out about My Open Library branches near you, visit your local library website.