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There are thousands of books which you can borrow for free in Oxfordshire's libraries, but that's only part of the picture.
Anyone can use the library but if you want to borrow items you need to join.
It's completely free of charge, either ask at your local library or find out more on the Oxfordshire Libraries website.
What else is at the library
You can also get your hands on:
- Information books for homework or fun
- Graphic novels
- Magazines for young people
- Free high-speed access to the internet
- Word processing and image scanning
- Email facilities (small charge for printing)
- DVDs and Music CDs
- Information about places to go, local clubs and groups, health and much more
Joining your local library
Anyone who lives, works, or studies in Oxfordshire, or is a resident of one of the neighbouring local authorities, can join an Oxfordshire library. Joining the library is free. If you want to join the library, you'll need:
- Under 15? A parent, guardian or headteacher will need to sign your registration form for you. The form has details of your name, address and date of birth, and the person guaranteeing you. The library will need to see proof of their name and address. The person who signs the form for you is accepting responsibility for the safekeeping of the books and other items you borrow.
- Over 15? You can fill in your own registration form, but you need to take along some identification which confirms your name, and address and signature, like an official letter, a new-style passport or your driving license. Young people under 18 also need proof of their date of birth.
Once the form is filled in, you are issued with a card and can start borrowing things right away.
Find your local library:
Using your local library
Libraries have lots of books, CDs and DVDs that you can borrow for free, or for a small fee. Depending on what you've borrowed, you can enjoy it for one to three weeks, before returning it to the library.
If you haven't finished a book, you can renew it by visiting or phoning the library, or online.
Libraries also contain lots of books for reference, which you can look at in the library, but not take away. Libraries have lots of desks where you can sit and read, for as long as you want.
There are also lists, noticeboards and useful local information.
Experience: I didn't have space for books
When I came up to Oxford, I was living in a tiny room, and didn't have much space for books. Also, I couldn't really afford books that weren't relevant to my course, especially the stuff I was into, like graphic novels, Japanese woodcuts and Black & White photography. The local library had lots and lots of books about art and photography, and the teenage section had a pretty good set of graphic novels available. This was by the kids area and I started re-reading some of my favourite picture books, too. I was really impressed by the illustration and found it really inspirational. Jo, 19
Links
These websites will help you x:
- Oxfordshire.gov.uk/libraries
Look up libraries, browse catalogues, renew, join, more - Bookheads
The home of the Book Trust's teenage fiction prize - Oxford Literary Festival
Oxford's festival of books, reading and more
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