Library Membership
Note: During the Covid-19 pandemic, library access and services may be impacted, and the information below may not be current. Please refer to our home page and social media accounts for updates. Have a question? Use our 'Ask-a-Librarian' service, available via the Libraries' home page.
You can join the library by visiting any branch or registering online.
If you are under the age of 18 you must get the permission of a parent or guardian who must sign the necessary form.
To join, simply visit a library, bringing photo ID and proof of address (e.g. a bill for gas, electricity, telephone, mobile phone; a bank statement, issued within the past 6 months) with you.
If you register online you will have three months to visit a branch - bringing photo ID and proof of address - and get your library card. Registering online entitles you to reserve one item at the time of registration.
Membership is governed by Regulations, Terms and Conditions.
Your library account
Your library card also gives you a library account that lets you request and reserve materials online. To access your account you will need to enter your name, library account number (this can be found on your card) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
To get your PIN number, present your library card at any branch. It is important that you attend in person so that your identity can be verified. This is to prevent unauthorised people from gaining access to your personal record. You can also request a PIN online.
If you register your email address to your library account you can:
- receive a courtesy reminder that your books are due back three days before they are due,
- receive a courtesy reminder when your library membership is up for renewal, and
- be notified by email when an item you requested is ready for collection.
To register an email address, login to your library account and select 'edit account'. Enter (or amend) your email address and select the option 'I would like to receive my notices from the library by email'.
Borrowing and Returning
As a member of the library you can borrow up to 12 items for three weeks. This includes books, DVDs and audiobooks.
You can borrow and return items using the self service kiosks in place in all libraries, or by using the library app.
Items you borrow can be returned to any public library in Ireland.
Using our online services you can also borrow up to five eBooks and five eAudiobooks for three weeks, unlimited graphic novels and comics for two weeks, and unlimited digital magazines for three weeks.
Renewing
You can renew your loans online, in person, or by telephone.
To renew online, enter your name, library card number and your Personal Identification Number (PIN). If you don't know your PIN, please call to your local library. You can also request a PIN online.
If renewing by telephone, please be ready to quote your library card number or the number of the item (located at barcode).
You cannot renew an item that is reserved by someone else, or where its renewal limit (5 renewals) has been reached.
Reserving an Item
Using the library catalogue you can reserve books and DVDs which are currently on loan, are available from other libraries or are on order. Libraries receive deliveries a number of times each week so hopefully you won't be waiting very long.
If you want something that isn't in the catalogue you can place an order for it in your local branch library. We will do our best to get it for you. There is no charge for reserving materials, but you can only have a maximum of 12 active reserves at any one time.
Renewing your library membership
Your library membership lasts one year. You have to renew your library card in order to continue using library and online services. To renew, call into your local library with your library card and photo ID. If you have changed address in the previous year, you will need to bring along proof of your new address.
Charges
Membership of the libraries is FREE.
There is **no charge** for requests for items in the catalogue.
Since the 1st of January 2019, library members have not had to pay fines for overdue items and any pre-existing fines are not collected.
If we have to order an item from the British Library Document Supply Centre or a similar mechanism, we charge €5.00 per reserve. You will be advised of this charge when placing the reserve.
Photocopying and printing
For information on charges for printing and photocopying see Print, Scan, Copy.
The Dublin City Libraries Mobile App
The library app gives you a quick and easy way to manage your account and search the library catalogue on your smart phone or tablet. Once you're a member you can use the app to:
- access and manage your library account
- issue and return items
- reserve and renew items
- locate your nearest branch library and see its opening hours
- view a list of upcoming library events
- download eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, eComics and eGraphic novels
- access online resources
You can download the app for Google Play - Android and iTunes - iOS.
If you have any other questions about using Dublin City Libraries visit our FAQs page.