Library service in Oxfordshire

Your library service

There are 43 libraries and five mobile libraries in Oxfordshire. We can give you lots of useful information about your local library.

Such as:

• opening times
• contact details
• events that might be happening.

Borrowing books and hiring DVDs and music CDs

We have many items to borrow and hire.

For example you can:

• borrow up to 20 books
• hire DVDs
• music CDs
• audio packs  
• language packs.

Some items have charges, but concessions are available.

Making things easier

As well as going to your local library you can do lots of things over the internet.

Such as:

• joining a library and applying for a library card
• renewing and reserving books
• searching for a book
• ordering DVDs, music CDs, audio and language packs
• paying a fine.

Internet and computers in our libraries

Library computers are free for everyone to use in all of our libraries. You can use them for up to 60 minutes but you will need to reserve a space.

This can be done over the internet.

Each library has a scanner and all computers have aides such as screen magnifiers and screen reading software to make them more accessible.

There are no costs for using our computers but there are charges for printing. 

Newspapers and magazines in libraries

We have  newspapers and magazines for you to read in some of our libraries.

Local and family history in libraries

Every library holds information about the history of the local area.

Some libraries have a local history centre with a larger collection of materials about Oxfordshire.

You can search for things such as:

• your local family history
• old pictures of your village or town
• finding out how old your house is.

Help for carers

We can help people who care for someone at home, or work as a professional carer.

You might care for someone who:

• has a visual impairment
• has mobility difficulty
• has a physical or mental disability
• has dementia
• is unable to leave their home on their own.

You can borrow:

• books
• DVDs
• large print books and audio books
• CDs.

Mobile libraries

Our mobile libraries stop at 500 places in Oxfordshire

The mobile libraries bring books and information to adults and children in local communities.

All mobile libraries are free to library members and have easy access if you find steps difficult.

Free books for babies and young children

Bookstart is a national programme which gives free books to all babies and young children.

Each pack includes:

• two books
• information about sharing books with your child
• library information.

Reading groups

Reading groups meet regularly to discuss books.

They range from a few friends getting together to more organised groups set up in libraries.

They are relaxed, informal and, above all, fun.

Library book suggestions

You can tell us if we don’t have a book that you are looking for.

We will act on your suggestions but we cannot guarantee to purchase every book you suggest.

What do I do if I lose my library card?

If you lose your card you can get a new card. There will be a small charge for this.  

You are responsible for any items taken out on your card until you report it missing.