LibAnswers

If you have finished with an item, or it has been requested by another user or your account is expiring, We have several options on how to return items. 

Standard loan items can be returned to any of our libraries, 24/7, either in person at our book borrowing kiosks (except at the Maughan Library, where you should use the book returns machine), or our drop-boxes outside the libraries, or by using our UK Royal Mail postal service, which is free of charge (see below).

Short Loan items and laptops must be returned to the same library that you originally borrowed them from, and cannot be returned via the postal service.

Free Postal returns for students within the UK

Packages posted within the UK can be done so free of charge. To use this service, please read the following guidance:

• Packages MUST be sent from within the UK.
• Weigh less than 20kg.
• Be smaller than 61cm (L) x 46cm (W) x 46cm (D)

Please package any books you need to send back and click on Royal Mail ‘Return Your Item’.

Follow the instructions and provide the necessary details, ensuring you give the name of the item(s) you are returning in the mandatory Library book to be returned field. Carrying this out will generate a postage label.

Once completed, you can either print out the label yourself or take the link/QR code to a Royal Mail customer service point or Post Office, and they will print your label to attach to your package.

When posted, the package will be sent as a tracked return back to King’s libraries.

We are currently unable to offer a postal return service to students returning items from outside the UK. 
If you are outside the UK and they are posted before the due date, you will not be fined. If you do post items back, please package them up securely and send them to:

Library Book Returns
Maughan Library
Chancery Lane
London
WC2A 1LR
UK

We also recommend using a tracked service to guarantee delivery.

Why are books still on my account when I've returned them?

We will endeavour to empty book drop-boxes throughout the day but you may find there is a short delay in returning items and them being removed from your account. Similarly, items that returned via the postal service may take several days before they are removed. Please check your library account online regularly and if you are concerned about any books that are still listed as being on loan to you, please get in contact.

How to use the book borrowing kiosks. 

Books can be returned using the book borrowing kiosks in each library (except at the Maughan Library, where you should use the book returns machine).

Press Return, then place your books on the platform. Check that the number of books shown on the screen matches the number you placed on the platform. Once confirmed, place the books on the trolley or in the book bin next to the kiosk. You will receive an email for each book successfully returned, provided it was on loan to your account. If you have any issues returning items, please speak to a member of staff or contact us via LibChat.

Book Box Locations

You can find the locations of our libraries here.