Join, library cards and PIN
Anyone who lives, works or studies in Kent can join a Kent library. There are different ways to join.
Before signing up, you may want to check the terms of our library membership.
Reserve up to 3 items straight away using the online catalogue by joining online.
You can also access our range of free e-services including e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines and e-newspapers.
Visit one of our libraries with any official identification showing your current address and you can become a full member. We will give you a library card and PIN number.
As a full member you can really make the most of the library, including:
- borrowing up to 30 items at a time (including 12 DVDs or CDs)
- accessing online resources including eBooks, eMagazines and audiobooks
- access to websites just for library members.
If you don't have identification or you do not have a permanent address, you can get a temporary library card and take out up to 3 items.
Library Extra gives you access to some of our libraries outside of normal opening hours using your library card and PIN to enter the building through the automated system.
Visit the library to sign up or upgrade your existing library membership.
With Library Extra, you can:
- browse the books
- find quiet space to study
- borrow and return books using the self-service machines
- use the public computers and printers.
Library Extra is available at:
- Deal Library
- Higham Library (no printing available)
- Paddock Wood Library (no printing available).
There are no staff in the library during these opening hours. Library Extra is not available on bank holidays. For more details read our Library Extra terms of use (PDF, 100.4 KB).
If you have a disability, mental health needs or are an informal carer, you can get a concessionary card. With a concessionary card you will enjoy:
- a 6 week loan period for books and audio books CDs
- no overdue fines if you return items late
- no charges for reserving items from Kent libraries
- no charges for borrowing CDs
- free computer use for 2 hours a day with accessibility software to support planning, reading and writing. Under 16s need parental permission to use the internet
- free black and white printing and photocopying (up to 20 pages)
The loan period is 6 weeks for holders of concessionary library cards. The longer loan period does not apply to DVDs and music CDs.
You still have to pay to reserve items from a library outside of Kent.
We also have a range of services especially for people with disabilities and elderly people you may be interested in.
For more information, speak to your local library.
You need a library card to take books, films and music out of the library.
To get a library card you need to join the library. If you join online you will get your card when you first visit a library. If you join in a library you will get it when you are there.
Lost or damaged your card? Find out how to replace it.
You need your PIN to use library computers and access eMagazines, eBooks and other online resources from home.
We can only give the PIN to the library card holder or to the parent if the card holder is a child.