Did you know that Surrey Libraries are the learning, social, economic, and cultural hubs right at the heart of communities across Surrey? We have plenty of services suitable for students. Here are just a few we believe that are particularly of interest to you plus some useful information.
Libraries: a free and welcoming place
Joining the library is free, but you don't have to be a member to come in. If you'd like to join, you can do so online or you can visit your local Surrey Library. You can bring a letter from your higher education facility like the University of Surrey or Royal Holloway as proof you study in Surrey if you don't have any other official documents with your name and a Surrey address on it. We will also accept your student ID as proof that you study in Surrey.
We also have several study spaces in our libraries including at Guildford, the nearest physical Surrey Library to the University of Surrey, and Egham, the nearest physical Surrey Library to Royal Holloway. Students can use our free Wi-Fi and members get free access to public computers. You can also use our photocopying and printing facilities (charges apply).
Your health and wellbeing
We have specialist reading materials supporting your mental health and wellbeing, including all titles from the Reading Well collection the help readers develop strategies for coping and improving their health and wellbeing. We also have a substantial LGBTQ+ collection including films and books that celebrate the art, experience, and culture of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender population.
As well as books and resources to support your mental and physical health, we also loan out free health and activity trackers (smartwatches) in partnership with Active Surrey.
Free period products are available to all who need them.
At the heart of your community
Coming to the library in person can be a great way to meet people. We offer plenty of events and activities, from Author Events to Crafting Circles, Rhymetimes and Storytimes for the Under-5s to new LGBTQ+ Reading Friends groups currently at Guildford, Horley and Woking Libraries.
Another great way to meet new people, learn new skills and make a difference in your community is by volunteering. We have a variety of roles, including Digital Support and Events and Activities Volunteers. To find out more, please see our volunteering webpage.
We care about our environment. In partnership with Zero Carbon Guildford, the Guildford Library of Things houses a small but useful collection of items which can be borrowed by library members. It includes a sewing machine, spot carpet cleaner and DIY tools amongst other items. Library of Things is also available at Godalming and Haslemere Libraries.
Digital library
When you are a Surrey Libraries member, you have free access to our Digital Library services, including BorrowBox (eAudiobooks), Libby (eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eComics) and PressReader (access to today's national papers, regional papers and newspapers from around the world as well as a wide selection of magazines from over 120 countries in more than 60 different languages).
Other digital resources including subscriptions to BFI Replay, Access to Research, British Newspaper Archive and Which? available via public computers in libraries.
Surrey libraries app
We also recommend you download the free Surrey Libraries App to search the catalogue, reserve physical books and renew your loan.
You will have access to books from 400+ libraries via our reservation service (small fee may apply. For more information, please see how to request a title.
Contact us
- Email: libraries@surreycc.gov.uk
- Telephone: 03456 009009
Social media
Follow us on Social Media to join the conversation and find out what is happening in libraries.
- Instagram: Surrey.librariesUK
- X (formerly Twitter): SurreyLibraries
- Facebook: SurreyLibrariesUK
