Gateshead Libraries

About

Gateshead Libraries membership is free to all and everyone is welcome in our libraries. To borrow books or use our computers you will need to join the library. You can borrow up to 20 physical books and e-items such as e-books and e-audiobooks at any one time.

Gateshead Libraries are welcoming spaces with friendly staff hosting a wide range of accessible services for young people. Gateshead Libraries host lots of inclusive activities for young people including after school library clubs such as Anime Club, Dungeons and Dragons, Pokemon, Minecraft, Readers Groups, Coder Dojo, and Code Club. They also offer book clubs, rhymetimes and story times for younger children.

A wide range of additional activities are on offer in school holidays linking to all of the above clubs and there are many digital activities too.

They also offer:

• Customised library and school visits
• Fidget toys to use in the library
• Imaginary stories: delivery sensory stories in schools and community centres
• They also host work placements for young people
• Books to support parents and carers with a range of recommended titles
• Wide selection of books for young people including dyslexia friendly books
• Free computer and internet access and free wifi

Emerald Explorer Backpacks is a project delivered by Gateshead Arts Team, with each backpack containing a nature-theme activity sheet which you can do outside. The backpacks will also include any materials you might need like paper, pencils, glue sticks and crayons. You need to be a member of Gateshead Libraries to borrow a backpack and you can borrow one just like you would borrow a book. They are available to borrow from Gateshead Central Library and Blaydon and Birtley libraries.

Gateshead Youth Theatre is managed by Gateshead Arts Team and takes place on Saturday mornings in term times in Caedmon Hall, Gateshead Central Library. Any young person aged 8 - 14 is welcome to join. Places can be requested by contacting jillbennison@gateshead.gov.uk or leaving a phone message for the Arts Team on 0191 433 8414.

All of our libraries are wheelchair accessible and have disabled toilet facilities.

Contact information 

Email: libraries@gateshead.gov.uk

Website: https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/9643/Libraries