National Libraries Week 2023
To celebrate National Libraries Week 2023 (2-8 October), we're showcasing the diverse range of facilities, events and services on offer at Gateshead Libraries.
From local history to brand new digital technology and from Rhyme Time to Knit and Natter, there really is something to suit all age groups and interests. Whether you want somewhere to sit comfortably and lose yourself in a good book, or somewhere to try something new and connect with others - our libraries are warm, friendly places where everyone is welcome.
Children and young people
There's a fantastic range of books, activities and events on offer for children and young people. There are plenty of free and low cost ways to entertain and inspire your little ones - even when they're not so little any more!
The Children and Young People's Team also works with nurseries, schools and community groups across Gateshead to deliver a variety of activities, including exciting and inspiring author visits designed to engage children of all ages in reading for pleasure.
Digital technology
The Gateshead Libraries Digital Team helps people of all ages to embrace digital technology, from teaching children the basics of coding to supporting adults of all ages to use email, create and store documents, search for jobs and shop online securely.
They work with schools, community groups and residents to deliver fun, interactive sessions. You'll find free computer and internet access in all of our libraries as well as regular courses and workshops, including "Computer Skills for Beginners" and how to use the latest creative technologies in the MakerPlace.
The team offers many different workshops and group sessions in the MakerPlace, as well as tours for community groups and individuals. It's free to become a MakerPlace member (over 16s only) and you'll need to attend an induction session to familiarise you with the equipment you're interested in. Under 16s can use the equipment during library run workshops and activity sessions.
Email digitalteamlibs@gateshead.gov.uk to find out more.
Sound Gallery
Located within Gateshead Central Library, the Sound Gallery is the largest audiovisual library in the North East and continues to fly the flag for CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays with an excellent collection of 25,000 titles. As well as stocking the latest releases, there's an amazing archive collection covering all genres and tastes and if you're thinking of learning a new language, there's a selection of courses too.
At just 50p per CD hire and £1 per DVD or Blu-ray, it's more affordable than many streaming services.
If you enjoy talking about films, why not come along to the monthly Friday Film Club? And for music lovers, there's the Gateshead CD Preservation Society. This group meets monthly on a Monday night in the Sound Gallery to listen to a CD album and chat about it.
Community arts and culture
Arts and culture activities are proven to benefit health and wellbeing for people at every stage of their lives. At Gateshead Libraries, elsewhere in our communities and out in nature, we offer all sorts of opportunities for people to explore their creativity. These include:
- Art Diamonds - friendly, creative workshops for people of retirement age
- Emerald Explorers - a diverse programme of activities for all ages, designed to improve wellbeing through creativity inspired by nature and the outdoors
- Gateshead Youth Theatre - weekly sessions for young people aged 8-14 to help develop imagination, build confidence and improve teamwork whilst learning performance skills
- The Gallery at Gateshead Central Library - exhibition space showcasing professional regional artists and community arts projects
Gateshead Archive
The Archive is situated with Gateshead Central Library and it's open to everyone. Its friendly staff are ready to welcome you and help you discover your family and local history, through digital resources, old maps, newspapers, photographs and of course, thousands of books about the history of Gateshead and the North East.
Book borrowing
Our libraries have a lot to offer, but if you're worried that the diversity of our service might mean reduced provision for bookworms, that's certainly not the case.
At your local library, you'll still find a fantastic range of books for all ages, from board books for babies and toddlers to best selling adult fiction and non-fiction. Book borrowing is completely free - we no longer charge late fees and you can reserve books free of charge if they are in stock or on order.
We'd love to see you there, but you don't need to visit the library to choose your next read! Borrowbox has a great range of e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and e-newspapers - all available to download to your phone or tablet.
You can also sign up for our Readers At Home service. Each month, we'll deliver your selection of books, large print books or audio books, free of charge, directly to your door. We also deliver to sheltered accommodation and residential care.
Reading for Wellbeing aims to improve the health and wellbeing of residents through books and stories. We do this through our reading groups, Reading Ramblers, poetry walks and engagement with people in assisted living facilities, reminiscing about Gateshead in times past.
To find out more about any of these services, visit Gateshead Libraries or call 0191 433 8410 or email libraries@gateshead.gov.uk.
To celebrate National Libraries Week 2023 (2-8 October), we're showcasing the diverse range of facilities, events and services on offer at Gateshead Libraries.
From local history to brand new digital technology and from Rhyme Time to Knit and Natter, there really is something to suit all age groups and interests. Whether you want somewhere to sit comfortably and lose yourself in a good book, or somewhere to try something new and connect with others - our libraries are warm, friendly places where everyone is welcome.
Children and young people
There's a fantastic range of books, activities and events on offer for children and young people. There are plenty of free and low cost ways to entertain and inspire your little ones - even when they're not so little any more!
The Children and Young People's Team also works with nurseries, schools and community groups across Gateshead to deliver a variety of activities, including exciting and inspiring author visits designed to engage children of all ages in reading for pleasure.
Digital technology
The Gateshead Libraries Digital Team helps people of all ages to embrace digital technology, from teaching children the basics of coding to supporting adults of all ages to use email, create and store documents, search for jobs and shop online securely.
They work with schools, community groups and residents to deliver fun, interactive sessions. You'll find free computer and internet access in all of our libraries as well as regular courses and workshops, including "Computer Skills for Beginners" and how to use the latest creative technologies in the MakerPlace.
The team offers many different workshops and group sessions in the MakerPlace, as well as tours for community groups and individuals. It's free to become a MakerPlace member (over 16s only) and you'll need to attend an induction session to familiarise you with the equipment you're interested in. Under 16s can use the equipment during library run workshops and activity sessions.
Email digitalteamlibs@gateshead.gov.uk to find out more.
Sound Gallery
Located within Gateshead Central Library, the Sound Gallery is the largest audiovisual library in the North East and continues to fly the flag for CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays with an excellent collection of 25,000 titles. As well as stocking the latest releases, there's an amazing archive collection covering all genres and tastes and if you're thinking of learning a new language, there's a selection of courses too.
At just 50p per CD hire and £1 per DVD or Blu-ray, it's more affordable than many streaming services.
If you enjoy talking about films, why not come along to the monthly Friday Film Club? And for music lovers, there's the Gateshead CD Preservation Society. This group meets monthly on a Monday night in the Sound Gallery to listen to a CD album and chat about it.
Community arts and culture
Arts and culture activities are proven to benefit health and wellbeing for people at every stage of their lives. At Gateshead Libraries, elsewhere in our communities and out in nature, we offer all sorts of opportunities for people to explore their creativity. These include:
- Art Diamonds - friendly, creative workshops for people of retirement age
- Emerald Explorers - a diverse programme of activities for all ages, designed to improve wellbeing through creativity inspired by nature and the outdoors
- Gateshead Youth Theatre - weekly sessions for young people aged 8-14 to help develop imagination, build confidence and improve teamwork whilst learning performance skills
- The Gallery at Gateshead Central Library - exhibition space showcasing professional regional artists and community arts projects
Gateshead Archive
The Archive is situated with Gateshead Central Library and it's open to everyone. Its friendly staff are ready to welcome you and help you discover your family and local history, through digital resources, old maps, newspapers, photographs and of course, thousands of books about the history of Gateshead and the North East.
Book borrowing
Our libraries have a lot to offer, but if you're worried that the diversity of our service might mean reduced provision for bookworms, that's certainly not the case.
At your local library, you'll still find a fantastic range of books for all ages, from board books for babies and toddlers to best selling adult fiction and non-fiction. Book borrowing is completely free - we no longer charge late fees and you can reserve books free of charge if they are in stock or on order.
We'd love to see you there, but you don't need to visit the library to choose your next read! Borrowbox has a great range of e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and e-newspapers - all available to download to your phone or tablet.
You can also sign up for our Readers At Home service. Each month, we'll deliver your selection of books, large print books or audio books, free of charge, directly to your door. We also deliver to sheltered accommodation and residential care.
Reading for Wellbeing aims to improve the health and wellbeing of residents through books and stories. We do this through our reading groups, Reading Ramblers, poetry walks and engagement with people in assisted living facilities, reminiscing about Gateshead in times past.
To find out more about any of these services, visit Gateshead Libraries or call 0191 433 8410 or email libraries@gateshead.gov.uk.
