Membership
Membership is free. Any Bermuda resident aged 17 or older can join with Bermuda photo identification, or with photo identification and proof of local address. You can also apply online.
| Valid identification | Proof of address |
| Bermuda driver's licence | E-bill |
| Special person's card | Utility bill |
| Senior person's card | Any correspondence with a valid address |
| Voter's registration card | Lease or rental agreement |
| Passport | |
| Work permit with photo | |
| Employee ID with number |
Types of membership
Regular membership. Includes access to in-library collections, plus eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies (Kanopy) and classes through the Libby app.
Student membership (ages 14–17). A parent or legal guardian must sign the student up, presenting their local photo ID and proof of address. The student also signs the form, which allows them to use any library material, including internet access. Children under 14 are encouraged to use the Youth Library.
Repeat visitor. Free for people who are in Bermuda for a total of 4 weeks each year. You'll need an overseas passport and proof of your overseas address, which can be included in an official letter from your hotel or guesthouse. If you're staying at a private home, provide the mailing address and the host's name and phone number.
Temporary membership. For people in Bermuda for at least 30 days after sign-up. Cards are valid only for the length of your stay.
- Visitors: An overseas passport (not an overseas ID), a local address and proof of your overseas address. Length of stay can be verified with a plane ticket, hotel reservation or vacation rental contract.
- Guest workers: A work permit and a local address.
Renewing your membership
Cards expire two years from the date of sign-up. To renew, visit in person, email library@gov.bm or call 441-295-2905.
Replacement cards
Lost or damaged cards are replaced once for free. After that, replacements cost $5.
Borrowing
You can borrow up to six items at a time. Unless stated otherwise, borrowing is free.
Lending periods
- 14 days: New books, including bestsellers, which stay on the New Book Shelves opposite the Circulation Desk for three months. DVDs and circulating magazines also have a 14-day lending period.
- 28 days: All other books and audiobooks on CD.
Renewals
Renew items by calling 441-295-2905 or emailing library@gov.bm. Two-week books, magazines, DVDs and graphic novels can't be renewed.
Reservations
Current members can reserve materials by calling 441-295-2905 or emailing library@gov.bm.
Fines and fees
| Item | Overdue fine | Maximum |
| Two-week books | 25 cents per day | $10 per book |
| 28-day books | 10 cents per day | $20 per book |
| DVDs | $1 per day | $20 per DVD |
Lost materials: replacement value plus a $5 processing fee. Maximum fines don't include replacement costs.
Services
Computers and Wi-Fi
- Internet terminals: Five terminals are available, and you don't need to be a member to use them. Ask at the Circulation Desk to reserve time.
- Word processing: A computer with Microsoft Office is available for up to one hour. Sign up at the Circulation Desk on the ground floor.
- Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet is available. To connect, you'll need to agree to the Wireless Internet User Policy. Staff can give basic connection instructions, but can't provide technical support.
Printing and copying
All printing and copying is black and white and costs 50 cents per copy. This covers the computers, Wi-Fi printing and the self-service copier. You're responsible for all copies you make.
Microfilm
The Bermuda Sun, The Mid-Ocean News, The Bermuda Times, The Bermuda Recorder, The Royal Gazette and Bermudian Magazines (1934–1993) are available on microfilm. Staff will show you how to use the machines, but can't help with personal searches.
Microfilm articles can be printed or emailed on request. Submit a Microfilm Request Form at least 3 days before you need the article. Printed copies cost 50 cents each, and emailed copies are free.
Outreach Delivery Service
We deliver books (including large print), magazines, DVDs and audiobooks on CD to seniors' rest homes and private homes. To apply, call 441-295-2905 or email library@gov.bm.
Ready reference questions
Staff at the information desk can answer quick reference questions, taking up to 15 minutes, by phone at 441-295-2905.
Our collection
We have approximately 100,000 items available.
- Books: Shelved using the Dewey Decimal System.
- Paperbacks: About 1,000 on the ground floor, including mystery, suspense, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, Black fiction, general fiction and non-fiction.
- Reference collection: Research books that can't be borrowed, including Bermudiana.
- Newspapers: The Royal Gazette is available in the first-floor reading room and can't be borrowed. Back issues are kept until they're microfilmed.
- Magazines: Local and international weekly and monthly magazines are in the first-floor reading room. Issues from the past 12 months can be borrowed for up to two weeks.
- eBooks: A selection for adults and children is available to all members.
- DVDs: Educational and recreational DVDs are free to borrow for up to 14 days.
- Audiobooks on CD: Available to all cardholders for up to 28 days.
- Portuguese language materials: Located on the upper level.
Visit us
Bermuda National Library, Adult Services
Par-la-Ville, 13 Queen Street, Hamilton HM 11
Phone: 441-295-2905
Email: library@gov.bm