Getting a library card

Anyone can use a Suffolk library just by walking into it. You can use the enquiry service and read books, newspapers and magazines completely free of charge.

Anyone can use the web site which offers links to a wide range of selected internet resources arranged by subject.

To borrow titles from the library and to use the subscription services on the  Virtual Reference Library you need a library card.

Getting a library card

Getting a library card doesn't cost anything, and there are no age limits. Just go to your nearest library with some official identification which shows your name and local address and we will give you a library card which you can use right away at any Suffolk library. Or complete the online form in Suffolk libraries direct.

Children and young people up to the age of 16 need an adult to act as their guarantor.

Replacement library card

If you have had a Suffolk library card before, we will still have a record of you. You can update your record and get a replacement library card by taking official identification into any Suffolk library. There is a charge of 55p for a replacement library card.

New charge for a replacement library card from 3 November 2008: £1 for adults and 50p for young people.

Membership details

You can check and update your details at the library or online. 

PIN (Personal Identification Number)

You need a PIN to use Suffolk libraries direct services on the internet or to renew your loans by phone. If you do not know your PIN, visit or phone your local library or email Suffolk libraries direct. You will need to be able to give proof of identification or sufficient details for staff to identify you.

You can change your PIN at any time. Log on to Suffolk libraries direct with your library card number and current PIN and choose "PIN" from the options.