Join a library

Membership of Southampton City Libraries is free and open to anyone living, working or studying in and around Southampton. You can join the library online or at any branch by showing proof of your name and current address. You can join the library at any age, either in our libraries or online, but under 14s will need a signature from their parent or guardian.

You can register either:

• Online through Southampton Spydus. You will receive a temporary Borrower ID to use while you wait for your library card to arrive in the post to your home address within five to seven working days. To complete registration you will need to validate your card within three months at one of our libraries
• In person at any branch of our libraries. You will need to bring with you proof of your name and your current address

Proof of name and address can be:

• Current driving licence
• Gas, telephone or electricity bill
• Bank statement
• Addressed envelope received at home

Please note: Library cards from other authorities, including Portsmouth and Hampshire, are not valid for use in our libraries but you can also join ours. Additionally you must live, work, or study in and around Southampton to join. 

Be sure to check our full terms and conditions before joining.

Concessionary cards and Home Library service

We do also offer a concessionary library card that offers free loans and reduced charges on some items if you meet certain criteria.

This can be done before or after you have registered with us. Find out more about a concessionary library card. 

For people who are unable to get to their local library, we offer a home library service.

Temporary membership

Temporary membership options are available if you are a visitor to the city or do not have a permanent address. They are valid for three weeks and give you access to our computers and allow you to borrow a maximum of two items.

Speak to a member of staff in any branch of our libraries for more details and to obtain a temporary membership.