How to join a library

Did you know there are two main ways to join the library?

• MyWestminster Digital Cards

This option is for adults with a smartphone and a permanent Westminster address. Through your MyWestminster account, you can download a digital card onto your smartphone, giving you access to libraries. 

• Physical cards

This option is for people without a smartphone. Read on for more details.

Your MyWestminster Digital Card

We are currently experiencing technical issues which are affecting uploading documents as part of the application. We are looking to resolve these issues as soon as possible and apologise for any inconvenience.

The MyWestminster Digital Card, for people aged 16 and over, will give you:

• automatic access to library services online
• the option to add the City Save scheme to your digital card online via your MyWestminster account.

Once you have applied for the digital card, you can add it to your smartphone wallet using Apple Wallet or Google Pay.

If you are aged 16 years old or above, you can join free of charge as an adult member, provided you have proof of ID and your permanent address is in Westminster.

Once you join, you can use the service immediately.

Find out more about MyWestminster and MyWestminster Digital Card.

Terms and conditions

By joining Westminster libraries you will have access to the library services in both Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea, and you agree for your details to be shared in the shared service.

Only Westminster residents aged 16 years or above can apply for the digital card.
We would like to contact you occasionally to keep your details up to date and to let you know of the latest books and events in your library, and council news that may affect you.

Physical library cards

Anyone 16 years old or above can join free of charge as an adult member provided you have proof of your identity and permanent address. This can include an international address outside of the UK. If you do not have proof of address, then you are welcome to join as a guest member.

Under 16’s are welcome to join but will need consent from a parent, carer or legal guardian who will need to be a member of library.

When you collect your card at your local library, please bring proof of both your address and identity such as:

• utilities bill, dated in the last 6 months
• rent, Child Benefit or pension book
• current driving licence
• bank or credit card statement, dated in the last 6 months
• building society book

This must be an original document. We cannot accept scans or photographs of documents. However, born-digital documents, such as online bank statements can be accepted.

Once you join, you can use the service immediately.

Membership types

We have different types of library membership:

Short stay membership

If you are living in short-term accommodation, you can apply for either short stay membership or a visitor's subscription membership.

Guest member

If you are visiting Westminster and are unable to provide proof of a UK address, you can join as a guest member. You can use our computers and online resources free of charge for one month, but you will be unable to borrow books. You will need to provide proof of identity for example, a passport, identity card, and so on.

Children and young people

Under 16s cannot join online unless a parent, carer or guardian does so on their behalf.

Membership for six to 15 year olds

Once a parent, carer or guardian signs the form to confirm the child's details, the child must also have one of the following:

• a parent, guardian, carer, or teacher with them to confirm the signature and address on the application form
• proof of their parent's or guardian's name and address (anything listed for an adult's membership listed above)
• the application form stamped by their school confirming the details.

Membership for five year olds and under

A parent, guardian or carer must complete the form for the child and sign the form for them.

Library contact details

See the contact details of all Westminster libraries.