49, Alfred House Gardens Colombo 03 00300
Telephone number
+94 (0)11 7521 521
Telephone number
info.lk@britishcouncil.org

About

Become a member of the Colombo 03 British Council library and get access to our top quality digital collection, borrow books/magazines/DVDs, free Wi-Fi access* and free internet access* from any of the library computers. The membership also entitles you to join events free of charge such as story telling, reading challenge, movie screenings, open mic, developing skills, career guidance, O-level and A-level English literature workshops, evening talks and special events. (conditions apply)

The library has three main sections: the children's section, the English learning section and the lending section. Our collection of periodicals attracts many members and the internet browsing facility offered free for members, is a very popular feature. 

We also provide free reference memberships to our teaching centre students and IELTS exam candidates with the aim of supporting their learning journey. 

*provided only to members of age 18 years and above

Library tours

We now have library tours every Saturdays at 11.00 a.m. Walk in to register and learn about our library facilities.

Our charges and loan period

 Library Material loan period

  • Books, Magazines and DVDs for a period of 03 weeks (21 days) 
  • IELTS material for a period of 01 week (07 days)
  • CAE material for a period of 01 week (07 days)

Overdue charges
Per Book - Rs. 20/-  (per day)
Per DVD - Rs. 50/- (per day)
Per IELTS book - Rs. 450/- (per day)
CAE material - Rs. 25/- (per day)

Other charges
Items reserved - Rs. 25/- (per item)
Replacement of lost/damaged membership card - Rs. 500/-
Lost/damaged barcode of borrowed item - Rs. 100/- (per barcode)
Lost/damaged library material - charges will be calculated accordingly to the value of the item
Lost/damaged RFID tag - Rs 500/-

Additional services*
Membership upgrades
Transfer your membership to another branch

*To find more details on these services, please get in touch with a customer service officer 

MAKING PAYMENTS

Payments can be made by cash or card at Customer Services from 08.00 a.m. – 05.30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday.

Contact and location

Library opening hours

Day Opening hours
Tuesday - Saturday 09.00A.M. – 06.00P.M.
Sunday 09.00A.M. – 04.30P.M.

Customer service opening hours

Day For payments For enquiries
Monday - Saturday 08.00A.M. – 05.30P.M. 08.00A.M. – 06.00P.M.

Library holidays for 2020

  • Wednesday 15 January, Thaipongal Day
  • Tuesday 4 February, National Day
  • Sunday 12 April, Tuesday 14 April and Wednesday 15 April, Sinhala and Tamil New Year
  • Friday 1 May, May Day
  • Friday 8 May, Day following Vesak Full Moon Poya  
  • Friday 30 October, Holy Prophet's birthday and Vap Poya
  • Friday 25 December, Christmas Day

Library memberships

Join our exciting library and get access to:

  • an ever-expanding collection of over 75,000 and online resources
  • more than 50,000 of the latest books covering various subjects
  • resources to help you improve your English and prepare for a range of different exams including IELTS, Cambridge English, IGCSEs, O-levels and A-levels.  
  • a huge collection of CDs and DVDs 
  • specially designed workshops, events and reading activities

Access our library collection 

Once registered, you can login to our library collection online  using your unique username and password provided.  Here you can: 

  • search, reserve and renew your books online 
  • view the library material you have borrowed  and find out about new book releases
  • check real-time availability of books and other material online.

Our English Learning Services (ELS) and Children Section.

Our Colombo library offers two areas specifically designed to cater to your information and learning needs:

  • Our English Learning Services (ELS) hosts English language teaching resources, a reference section and resources to help you prepare for exams such as IELTS and Cambridge English. The English Learning Services comprises of listening booths where members can practice their English listening skills. In addition to the vast collection of books and CDs, the English Learning Services also hosts various workshops, events and activities for library members and non-members.
  • Our Children Section provides computer access for children learning English and a collection of over 15,000 children's books. We host a variety of workshops, including reading programmes and interactive story-telling sessions to help children start reading at an early age while developing a life-long love for books.  

CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 MUST BE SUPERVISED BY THEIR PARENTS/GUARDIANS AT ALL TIMES.

Membership Benefits

Register Now

To know more about our membership offer, walk-in to the library and request for a tour from one of our library service officers! We are happy to help you around!
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