Join the Library
Please Note that any Proof of Address documentation must have been issued within the last three months.
When you become a member of Milton Keynes Libraries you can borrow items from any of the nine libraries and items can be renewed at or returned to any library.
Membership Categories:
Different criteria for joining the library may apply to specific memberships. Select the category for further information:
- Adults and Over 16s
- Children Under 16
- Basic Skills and ESOL Students
- Foster Carers
- Pre School Playgroups
- Reading Group Co-ordinators
- Registered Childminders
- Visually Impaired
- Libraries Xtra
Related Information:
- Proof of Address/ID/Signature
- Quick Membership
- Joining the Library Online
- If your personal details change
- Renewing your library membership
- What to do if your library card is lost or stolen
- Would you like to receive library notices by email?
- Your Library PIN Number
Adults and Over 16s
You can join at any library and someone will be available to help you if necessary.
Full Membership:
You will need to visit a library to register and show some current form of identification as proof of address. It is helpful if you can also show a copy of your signature.
You can join online if you prefer.
If you are between 16 and 18 years old you will need your own proof of address and proof of your age.
If you are under 16 years of age, your parent or guardian will need to be with you and show proof of address.
Once you have registered, you will be given your library membership card and PIN and you can borrow up to 15 library items, download eAudio books or access online databases from your home computer straight away. Please remember that you will need to have your card present for any transaction.
If you do not have proof of address at the time of joining, you have the option of registering for a Quick Membership.
Please remember to tell your local library if any of your personal details change, for example, your address, telephone number or email address.
Children Under 16
We welcome new members and anyone may become a member of Milton Keynes Libraries. There is no age limit and you can join for FREE at any library in Milton Keynes. Someone will be available to help you if necessary.
Full Membership:
You will need to visit a library to register and if you are under 16 years of age, you will need an adult guarantor (preferably your parent/carer) who will need to be with you and show proof of their address. It is helpful if they can also show a copy of their signature.
There is no lower age limit - parents are encouraged to join their babies as soon as they wish.
If you can't make it into the library, your adult guarantor can still join you but they will need to bring proof of your identity (for example a birth certificate or passport).
If you are between 16 and 18 years old you will need your own proof of address and proof of your age.
Once you have completed the registration, you will be given your library membership card and PIN and you can borrow up to 15 library items straight away. Please remember that you will need to have your card present for any transaction.
If you do not have proof of address at the time of joining, you have the option of registering for a Quick Membership.
Please remember to tell your local library if any of your or your child's personal details change, for example, the address, telephone number or email address.
Basic Skills and ESOL Students
You can join at any library in Milton Keynes and someone will be available to help you if necessary.
If you are attending a Community Learning MK (CLMK) Basic Skills or English for Speakers of Other Languages course you can join the library in the following way:
- Go to your local library accompanied by your Community Learning MK tutor, we will not ask for any proof of identity or address from you as Community Learning MK already has your contact details on file.
- Go to your local library on your own and take a letter which includes your name and address from Community Learning MK and confirms that you are booked on to a Basic Skills course such as Literacy or ESOL, we will use this as proof of your identity and address and not ask to see anything else.
Once you have completed an application form, you will be given your library membership card and PIN and you can start borrowing library items or downloading eAudio books straight away. Please remember that you will need to have your card present for any transaction.
Please remember to tell your local library if any of your personal details change, for example, your address, telephone number or email address.
BookShare for Foster Carers
To help you support the children in your care with their learning, Milton Keynes Libraries offers a special Library Card for foster carers. The items borrowed on this card are specifically to support the child/young person’s learning needs.
Library membership is free.
Your card entitles you to borrow up to 25 items of which 4 can be storybooks on CD/Tape, free of charge, for the children in your care. Please note library staff are not permitted to allow you more items than this allowance.
Foster carers are not charged fines, but you should ensure that books are returned or renewed on time.
You can get a Foster Carer's library card from any library in Milton Keynes.
You must take with you your Foster Carer's Identity letter together with one proof of identity.
Once you have completed registration, you will be given your library membership card and PIN and you can start borrowing items straight away. Please remember that you will need to have your card present for any transaction.
Please tell us if any of your personal details change, for example, your address, telephone number or email address.
If your library card is lost or stolen you must notify the library as soon as possible because until we are notified you remain responsible for any items borrowed on your card.
You and the children can still have your own personal library cards entitling each of you to borrow 15 items on each card. This can include books for leisure reading and CDs - there is a charge for borrowing CDs.
This service is provided by Milton Keynes Libraries and the Education Department working in partnership with Foster Carers/Parents and Looked after Children to encourage families learning together.
Pre School Playgroups
You can choose from a fantastic range of board books, colourful picture books, enchanting story books and amazing fact books for children, and a wide range of childcare information books.
Membership is free. Playgroup leaders can enrol the playgroup at any library in Milton Keynes.
You must take with you proof that you work for your playgroup, such as a letter together with one proof of identity.
Take all of these items to any library in Milton Keynes. Once you have registered, you will be given your library membership card and PIN for borrowing up to 25 books. Please remember that you will need to have your card present for any transaction.
Please tell us if any of your personal details change, for example, your address, telephone number or email address.
If your library card is lost or stolen you must notify the library as soon as possible because until we are notified you remain responsible for any items borrowed on your card.
The loan period is 3 weeks. Books may be renewed for a further period if not requested by other readers.
Reservations for children's books are FREE.
Storytelling, holiday activities and help with choosing children's books are available at Milton Keynes Libraries. Visits by groups of children to the library are welcomed. Please contact us for more details.
We have a collection of over 250 large format picture books held at the Central Library and can be viewed on request. These books can be borrowed by playgroups and pre-schools for use with storytelling. The collection is restricted to 2 loans per group at a time and requests can be made for specific titles.
Reading Group Co-ordinators
These guidelines on borrowing book sets are for reading group co-ordinators
Why should I join my group to the library?
Your Milton Keynes Reading Group ticket entitles you to:
- Borrow from the Reading Group Collection
- Pay no fines on Reading Group loans
- The Reading Group ticket ensures that your individual entitlement is not used for Reading Group purposes.
How do I get a Reading Group Ticket?
One person will need to act as guarantor for the group and be responsible for all items borrowed using the group’s card. They will need to complete membership registration and show some current form of identification as proof of address. It is helpful if they can also show a copy of their signature. They can join at any library in Milton Keynes and someone will be available to help them if necessary.
Please tell us if any of your personal details change, for example, your address, telephone number or email address.
How do we borrow books?
Once they have completed an application form, they will be given the reading group’s library membership card which they can use to borrow sets from the reading group collection. Please remember that you will need to have your card present for any transaction.
We currently have over 100 sets of reading group titles. Each set contains 10 copies of the same title, a large print and audio book title may also be available on request. There is a hire charge for each set of books borrowed.
We serve over 30 reading groups so it is advisable to book titles well in advance. Please try and return all copies together. A list of the titles available can be viewed online or requested from your nearest library.
This collection is also used by Buckinghamshire Library Service and it is advisable to request titles well in advance of the date they will be needed. These titles must be returned with all copies present.
We can try to obtain multiple copies of a title from normal library stock. Please note that we will not be able to do this for new and popular titles. It is advisable to check with library staff as to how many copies are available. Again it is a good idea to request well in advance.
What if somebody doesn’t return a book?
Missing and damaged items will need to be replaced or paid for. The guarantor will be responsible for this.
For new groups or groups with members who don’t know each other very well it may be a good idea to have some sort of deposit scheme. For example the average cost of a paperback book is approximately £7. Members of a group could pay a deposit of £7 to be held by the guarantor. This would be refunded when they leave the group providing they had returned all items borrowed.
What if I leave the group?
If you are the guarantor and you leave the group, you will need to let the library know that you are no longer responsible for the ticket.
If you pass the ticket on to someone else without informing us you will be held responsible for the items borrowed on that ticket.
The new guarantor for the group will need to come into the library and fill out a group membership form and provide appropriate identification. The group ticket can be passed onto them once the library has been informed of a change.
We will put a stop on the ticket until the new guarantor has been in and filled out the forms.
Updated February 2012
Registered Childminders
As a registered childminder, you can borrow from a fantastic range of board books, colourful picture books, enchanting story books and amazing fact books for children, and a wide range of childcare information books.
Joining the library is free. Registered childminders can enrol at any library in Milton Keynes. You must take with you proof that you are a registered childminder, such as a letter together with one proof of identity.
Once you have registered, you will be given your library membership card and PIN and immediately be able to start borrowing up to 25 books. Please remember that you will need to have your card present for any transaction.
Please tell us if any of your personal details change, for example, your address, telephone number or email address.
If your library card is lost or stolen you must notify the library as soon as possible because until we are notified you remain responsible for any items borrowed on your card.
You can borrow books for 3 weeks.
Books may be renewed for a further period if not requested by other readers.
Childminders are charged fines on books that are returned late.
Reservations for children's books are FREE.
If you lose or damage an item that you have borrowed, you need to report this to the library as soon as possible.
Details of storytelling and holiday activities at libraries in Milton Keynes can be found on our What's On page.
Visits by groups of children to the library are welcomed. Please contact us for more details.
Visually Impaired
You must join the library before you can borrow items.
Visually impaired members are exempt from most hire charges. We will need to see a registration card or supporting letter from your doctor.
You will need to visit a library to register and show some current form of identification as proof of address. It is helpful if you can also show a copy of your signature.
You can join at any library and someone will be available to help you if necessary.
Once you have registered, you will be given your library membership card and PIN and you can borrow up to 15 library items, download eAudio books or access online databases from your home computer straight away. Please remember that you will need to have your card present for any transaction.
Libraries Xtra
Kingston Library is the first of the Milton Keynes Libraries to offer Libraries Xtra.
Libraries Xtra is our way of giving you access to the library when it suits you. You can use your library card to enter the building beyond the staffed hours and use the library.
Using automated systems your library card becomes your key to open the doors and allow you to use the library during extended hours. You will need to know your PIN and have your card with you each time you visit during the Xtra hours.
To register for the Libraries Xtra scheme you will need to upgrade your membership by visiting Kingston Library and speaking with a member of staff.
Proof of Address/ID/Signature
The following are the recommended forms of ID although other documents may be acceptable at the discretion of library service staff.
Proof of address documents must have been issued within the last three months:
- driving licence
- bank/credit card statement
- electricity, gas, water or phone bill
- rent book
- council tax document
- state benefit document
Proof of Signature:
- Driving Licence
- Credit/Debit Card
- Bank Card
- Passport
- Student Union Card
- Connexions Card
Quick Membership
If you do not have proof of address at the time of joining, you have the option of registering for a Quick Membership which allows you to borrow up to three books or magazines. You still need to complete the registration process in the same way and provide ID with a signature. Proof of address can be brought in later and your membership updated to a Full Membership.
Please remember that you will need to have your card present for any transaction.
Joining the Library Online
Once you complete the online registration procedure, it is valid for 28 days and permits you to:
- reserve items from the online catalogue.
- create a profile.
To start borrowing library items, downloading eAudio books or accessing online databases from your home computer you must visit one of our libraries with the correct ID and proof of address within one month of creating your online membership. Please remember that you will need to have your card present for any transaction.
Our staff will then issue you with your library card and PIN. Once you have been given your library membership card, you can start borrowing library items or downloading eAudio books.
If you are between 16 and 18 years old you will need to bring your own proof of address and proof of your age.
Please remember to tell your local library if any of your personal details change, for example, your address, telephone number or email address.
You do not have to be registered with the library to use the Reference and Information Service.
If Your Personal Details Change
We need to know. We will keep the details of your membership in our database, but we will need to ask you to confirm the information from time to time, particularly if you have moved.
If you have moved since you joined the library you will need to confirm the old address we have on our records and confirm your new address. Your membership record will be updated and you can start borrowing straight away.
Please also tell us if your personal details change, for example, your telephone number or email address or if you change your name.
If you have your library card and PIN, you can update your details online by logging into your account.
Renewing your Milton Keynes Libraries Membership
We will keep the details of your membership in our database, but we will need to ask you to confirm the information from time to time, particularly if you have not used your card for a while.
You will be asked to confirm the address we have on our records. If you have moved since you joined the library you will need to confirm your new address. You will also need to provide one proof of signature.
Your membership record will be updated and you can start borrowing straight away.
Lost, Stolen or Damaged Library Membership Cards
Until you notify the library that your card is missing, any items borrowed on your card remain your responsibility.
You can email us to report your library card lost. Please provide your name, address and postcode. At the earliest point, the card will be marked as 'Reported Lost' until you next visit a library with relevant ID and choose to either reinstate or replace your card.
There is a £3 charge for replacing a library card.
If your card has been stolen and reported to the police, you can present your Police Crime Number to library staff and there will be no charge for the replacement.
To obtain your replacement card you will need to come to the library with proof of your current address dated within the last 3 months and proof of your signature.
Your replacement card will be issued to you immediately and you can start borrowing.
Library Notices and News by Email
Milton Keynes Libraries can email you about Library Notices and Information which includes:
- Renewals - reminding you that your items are due back a few days before the due date.
- Reservations - allowing us to notify you more quickly when the item you have reserved is ready for collection.
- Loans - we can email you a record of what you have just borrowed instead of printing a receipt.
- Library news and events.
PLEASE NOTE: These notices are a courtesy service only and it remains your responsibility to return your items by the due date.
How to set up the Library emailing service:
You will need your library card number and PIN to Log in to My Library
- Go to the Personal Details section to check that we have your current email address. You can change your email address at this point.
- Choose which is your nearest library from the drop down menu.
- Tick both boxes if you would like to receive library notices and library information by email.
- To receive an email record of your Loans, choose your preference from the Receipt Preference box.
- Remember to click on Update to save the changes you have made and Log out.
Your Library PIN Number
Why do I need a Library PIN?
You need a four digit PIN and your library membership card number if you want to renew or reserve library items online or access your free computer session at libraries. Please remember that you will need to have your card present for any transaction.
You will also need to know your PIN and have your library card with you each time you want to use the Library Xtra service to access libraries outside of staffed hours.
You can also choose to receive an e-mail warning you that your books and CDs are due back. It is then very easy to renew items if you need to keep them longer.
Lost or forgotten your PIN? How do I apply for a PIN?
If you do not know your library PIN but we have your email address on record you may use the Forgot Your PIN option on the My Library screen. Enter your library card number and surname and we will then email you your PIN.
If you don’t have an email address or we don’t have it on record, please contact your local library either in person or by phone to obtain your PIN. You will need to have your library card number to do this.
