Welcome to your Library

What can the public library offer me?

A Place to Go

You do not have to be a member of the public library to use it. You only need to become a member if you want to borrow books or other items. Anyone can sit and read books, magazines or newspapers, or just find a quiet corner.

• The staff can help you if you do not see what you want and are there to answer your questions if you want to ask.
• If English is not your first language, the library service may also have books and other material in your language.

Find Information

• Public libraries are an excellent first place to go for information. You can use books and computers in the library, or take leaflets away.
• Library staff can refer you to the best people to contact for help with education, employment, health, housing, benefits. They can help you with local travel information, tell you about local services that you may need or community organisations that may be relevant to you.
• Many libraries also have rooms that community organisations may use for events and activities.

Read, Learn and Enjoy

• If you join a public library, borrowing books is free. You can usually also borrow videos, DVDs, music and other items, but there is a small charge for this.
• Staff can help you find online computer courses, learn or improve your English or number skills and get help with writing applications so that you can apply for jobs or courses.
• By learning how to use the internet you could catch up with news in your own language at the library and send messages to family and friends in other countries.
• In the libraries your children can get help with homework. There are often free storytelling and other events that children can join in especially during school holidays. There are also activities babies and their parents or carers.

If I can't come to a library, can a library come to me?

• A mobile library service may stop near where you live or you may want to ask about home library services if you cannot go out alone without help.

How do I become a member?

• You can join the library at any age.
• A proof of your identity is required when you join. Ask the staff what you need to show.
• Your proof of identity should be a recent and official document like a gas or electricity bill or a document from the Home Office if you are a refugee or asylum seeker.

Read this and more in different languages at  Multikulti