Self-service opening

Self-service opening allows eligible library card holders to use our libraries during unstaffed opening hours. 

You can:

  • borrow, return and renew items using the self-service kiosks
  • use a computer
  • photocopy and print
  • pick-up your Select and Collect requests

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Who can use self-service opening

To use self-service opening you must be:

  • aged 18 and over
  • aged 14, 15, 16 or 17. Your parent will need to sign a form to give you permission 

Children may use self-service opening when accompanying a registered adult member (over 18).

How to register for self-service opening

Visit any Barnet Library in staffed hours you'll need to:

  • fill out an application form 
  • show us your library card if you have one

We'll give you a new library card and PIN or upgrade your card so you can use self-service opening.

How to use self-service opening

Once you have registered your card, you can use the library in self-service opening hours

Put your library card in the card reader by the main library door.

Place your card with the barcode facing upwards.

The automatic doors will open and you can enter.

Watch our video for details.

How to leave the library

15 minutes before the library closes we will make an announcement to tell you the library is closing soon.

The computers will close down 15 minutes before the library closes.

Press the door opening pad to exit through the automatic doors.

Please take all your belongings with you.

What to do in an emergency

If you hear or see the alarm leave the building.

Do not come back until you are told it is safe.

The emergency lights will come on if there is a power cut.

To call emergency services, use the emergency phone next to the staff desk. Dial 999

The operator will ask which library you are in and for the telephone number. You can find this in the Self-service Opening Information Guide on the staff desk. 

Assisted emergency evacuation

If you think you might need assistance during an emergency evacuation, please speak to us in our staffed hours.

You can tell us how we can assist you in an emergency in staffed hours.

We will advise you on what to do in Self-service opening.

Rules to keep you safe

You must sign-up to use the library in self-service opening

Do not let anyone else use your library card to access the building.

Be careful not to let anyone enter the library behind you.

Please leave the building when the library closes and take all your belongings with you.

Use the library and all equipment responsibly and keep the library space tidy.

If you are over 18, you can bring children with you. You must stay with your children at all times.

There are separate areas of the library dedicated to children and teenagers. Please respect these and only use them if you are a child, teenager or an accompanying adult.   

CCTV

All libraries are fitted with CCTV and are monitored throughout by a trained person (who is off-site) during self-service opening. Learn more about our CCTV policy

Toilets

Toilets may not be available in self-service opening. 

What to do if you have a problem

Tell us about any problems by completing a feedback form. You can find these on the staff desk.

Put the form in the red postbox next to the staff desk.

More information

You can find out more about how to use the library in self-service opening in our Information Guide. Find this on the staff desk during self-service opening hours.