Using the mobile library service

Our mobile library service visits hundreds of stops across rural towns and villages. Find out how the mobile libraries operate and how to register for this service.

How to register

If you haven't got a library card, you can join for free using our online joining form and we'll post your card to you. Alternatively, you can visit any static library or any mobile library with proof of identification and we'll register you with a library card.

It's free to join the library service. You can use your library card at any of our 45 static libraries, any mobile library stop and any of our pop-up local libraries.

How to reserve books to collect from the mobile library

You can use your library card number and the 4 digit pin issued with it to reserve items from our online catalogue.

Once you've found a book you want to reserve, make sure you select your mobile library route from the pickup location drop-down box - choose from Mobile Library: Bury, Mobile Library: Ipswich, or Mobile Library: Leiston. You can find out which mobile library route you're on by searching for your town or village on our route timetables.

We don't charge for reservations. Our friendly mobile library managers can also reserve books for you to collect on their next visit.

Loan periods and charges

Books on mobile libraries can be borrowed for 8 weeks. If you don’t return a book on time, we’ll apply an overdue charge of 15p per book per visit. The charge rises for each mobile library visit you miss.

If you don’t return your borrowed items, we’ll send overdue notices after the 4th and 7th visit you miss. We’ll send a bill for replacement after the 10th visit missed. The bill includes the overdue charge as well as the replacement cost. Overdue items are charged to a maximum of 7 visits missed.

Charges can be paid at any static library or over the phone by contacting our Customer Service team. Our mobile libraries cannot take payments.

If the mobile library is unable to visit your stop, we’ll take this into account when we calculate the charge.

Changes to the mobile library schedule

We will attempt to contact you if there are any issues with your mobile library route, so please ensure that your library account is registered with an up to date email address.

If you need to make changes to your library account details, such as a change of address or contact information, use our online form.

Need help? Get in touch with our friendly Customer Service team by emailing help@suffolklibraries.co.uk or phoning 01473 351249.

Route timetables

View our mobile library route timetables to find out where your nearest stop is and when the mobile library will next visit.

Find out more

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