Join in person at a library
It is free to join the library. If you have proof of address with you we will give you a library ticket right away and you can borrow up to 14 items.
If you don't have proof of address with you, you can borrow seven items right away and we will post your ticket to you. Once you get your ticket in the post you can borrow the full 14 items.
If you are under 16 we will also write to your parent or guardian telling them that you have joined the library.
Join online
To join online go onto the library catalogue and follow the form through to register as a library member.
When you do this you will initially be given a temporary number to use online. Simply bring this into the library and exchange it for your library ticket.
Don't have an address?
We have special arrangements that allow homeless people to join the library and borrow items even though they do not have an address. Please ask about this at any library.
Where can I use my library ticket?
Once you have joined, you can use your ticket at any of the Southend libraries and also at any SELMS library. So if you live in Southend, but work in Camden, for example you can use your ticket there as well.