Individuals don't need to join a Hillingdon Library to use, read, study or work in it. Everyone is welcome.
If you are a refugee or are seeking asylum, you can use any of our libraries, including our mobile library, to relax, meet family and friends, read books, join in with events and activities, and connect to the internet.
Information, help and advice
Come along to one of our libraries and our friendly library staff can:
- help you with any questions you have about Hillingdon
- signpost you to council services, as well as local education, health and wellbeing services
- tell you about our library services
- give you a tour our the library
- help you get a temporary membership.
Free wifi
In every library, you can connect your device to the wifi for free internet access.
Free data SIM cards
If you are unable to afford an internet connection to meet essential needs, you may be able to receive free mobile data through the National Databank project.
Library membership for refugees and people seeking asylum
We offer a free temporary membership for people seeking asylum. This temporary membership lasts for 3 months and allows you to:
- borrow books from any Hillingdon library
- use some of our newspapers and magazine apps for free
- use our library computers.
You don't need to provide identification to get a temporary library card. Simply visit one of our libraries in Hillingdon and ask a member of staff..
With ID, you also have the option to get full library membership for additional library benefits.
Books to borrow
- Books in different languages: We have books for children and adults in different languages, including Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, Polish and Ukrainian. Dual-language children's books are also available in all libraries.
- Borrow books to take home: Children and adults can borrow 3 books at a time. You can borrow books for up to 21 days and then return them to the library.
- Borrow books and access our digital library to learn and improve English: In our libraries, we have copies of 'English for everyone' and basic story books in English for beginners. Through our digital library, you can access Transparent Language, which has English as a second language courses.
Reading newspapers and magazines online in your own language
- PressReader: Download the PressReader app onto your phone and read newspapers and magazines in Arabic, Ukrainian or English.
- Borrowbox: Download the Borrowbox app onto your phone to read eBooks and listen to eAudiobooks in English or Ukrainian.
Computer access
There are computers and scanners available to use for free in each of our libraries.
Printing is also available at a small cost.
For more information on how to download these apps, visit our Hillingdon Digital Library section.