While accepting a general duty of care to safeguard all its users, it should be recognized that the University Library offers an environment principally intended for use by adults.

If you are aged 14-18 and wish to use the University Library unaccompanied by an adult as a visitor, or to join the Library to borrow books, the Library requires written permission from a parent, primary carer, or teacher.

This is because as a user aged 17 or younger, you are unable to legally agree to the conditions and regulations for using the Library. Written permission can be given by a teacher (if you are visiting for school or college work) or by your primary carer (parent/guardian).

Whoever completes the form and signs it must fully understand the conditions and regulations of usage, (available on Library web pages and in print copy at the Ask me Desk), and take full responsibility for you while you are in the Library.

Permission must be given on the understanding that the Library is established and understood to be an adult environment, and resources available to users may include items considered unsuitable for those under the age of 18; or which are certificated for those over 18.

Permission forms are available from the Ask me Desk or can be printed from the following link:

Please bring two completed and signed forms, as well as some proof of address, with you and show them to the Reception Desk on your first visit. We will keep one and you should bring the other one with you each time you visit the library. You will be asked to fill in a visitor pass form and will be given a visitor pass, valid for 3 months (renewable) Please bring photo ID. You will be asked to provide an email address.

If you join the Library as an external member (for borrowing rights) you should still bring the permission form with you and hand it in to the member of staff at the Ask me Desk. 

For enquiries about under-14s and the Library:

Email: library-enquiries@surrey.ac.uk

Or telephone: 01483 689235/683202

Please note that children aged 14 years or younger may only visit the Library if accompanied by a parent or guardian, or adult otherwise authorised as primary carer, i.e. school teacher, personal tutor, etc.