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Ironman event - service disruption

The Ironman event takes place this Sunday 14 September in Dorchester and Weymouth. As some roads and car parks will close there will be delays, please check your route before travelling. Weymouth Recycling Centre will not be open and access to Dorchester Recycling Centre will be disrupted.

Full library membership

For full library membership, you need to visit your local library, fill out a membership application form, and show staff proof of ID confirming your name and address. See a list of the types of identity proof we can accept.

Library membership gives you access to e-resources as well as books, audiobooks, and DVDs.

Digital library membership

Online digital membership gives you access to e-resources including e-books, e-audio, e-magazines, e-newspapers, e-comics and e-reference.

You can convert your digital membership to a full membership by visiting your local library with proof of address. Once you have done this, you will be able to borrow books, audiobooks and DVDs. See a list of the types of identity proof we can accept.

Download the LibrariesWest app and make the most of your library membership on the go.

Extended Access library membership

With an Extended Access membership, you can access certain libraries beyond staffed hours on Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm.

Extended Access is currently offered at Verwood Library. This service will be available at Sturminster Newton, Sherborne and Gillingham libraries soon.

To get an Extended Access membership, you will need to:

be a full library member and 16 or over
complete an induction course
agree to the terms and conditions and the Library Code of Conduct
read the CCTV processing notice

Inductions can be online or in person.

Full library membership - where you can use your membership card

You can use your card in any of the 31 libraries in Dorset.

You can also use your membership card in any LibrariesWest libraries in:

Dorset
Bath and North East Somerset
Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole
Bristol
North Somerset
Somerset
South Gloucestershire

You can borrow, return and reserve items to libraries in these areas. You can also use the library computers.

You’ll get a temporary membership number and PIN. You can reserve items straight away.

Proof of address

We accept:

driving licence
gas, telephone, or electricity bill, within last 3 months
bank statement or credit card statement, within last 3 months
addressed envelope received at home, within last 3 months
recent wage slip showing address
tenancy agreement

If you’re joining as a visitor, you can also use one of these items instead of proof of address:

bank card
passport
photo ID
library card from any library

We don’t accept:

TOTUM cards
bus, rail, or coach passes
business cards or workplace ID

If you have no fixed address, you don’t need any proof of address.

I've lost my card

You can replace a lost membership card in any library for £2 per card.

Making reservations

Visit the LibrariesWest website to reserve books, CDs, DVDs and more.

Alerts for reservations

Have you requested a book, film or music? We need contact details to let you know when your item has arrived.

We don't contact you by phone anymore, so we need at least one of the following:

email address (this is the preferred option)
mobile number
current address

Speak to a member of library staff if you need to update your contact information.

Library terms and conditions

By joining Dorset Libraries, you agree to our regulations and byelaws.

Data protection

Find out how we use your library membership information and data.