Charges are added for overdue reserved and lost items.
If your loan has been reserved and you are in the UK, you can return it to using our book drop, self-service returns machines or via our free postal service - you will not be able to renew any items that have been reserved. Find out more on our Returns guide.
Charges can be paid online via your Library account. Please be aware that Library Charges are non-refundable after payment.
Your account will be blocked if you have charges of more than £10. You will be unable to borrow, renew or reserve items until overdue reserved items are returned, and the resulting charges have been paid. Charges on overdue reserved items cannot be paid until the item has been returned.
If you do not return books when due or tell us there is a problem, the system will assume the item/s are lost and add automatic lost item charges of £30 per item (£20 for any college library items) if they are not returned by four weeks after their due date.
If you have trouble renewing or returning your items, please contact the Library through our live chat service or by emailing main.library@durham.ac.uk.
Charges for late return of reserved items are £1 per day (up to a maximum of £20 per item).
If you believe you have good reason not to pay your library charges (for example, medical reasons or extenuating personal circumstances) you can complete our online Library Charges Enquiry Form. (Please note, you can only submit this form once the items in question have been returned, checked in and the charges have been added to your library account.)
You can attach up to three supporting documents to the form. While you do not need to disclose precise medical details, a fit note from your GP or a letter from your department or college confirming the dates in question will support your enquiry.
If you are unable to complete the Library Charges Enquiry Form online, you can ask for a paper copy at the Help and Information Desk in Bill Bryson Library, or contact us via our live chat service or by emailing main.library@durham.ac.uk.
You can get in touch through our live chat service or by email, and search our FAQs for answers to your questions.
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