Gateshead Libraries: an essential services for digital inclusion in our communities
About our libraries service
The libraries and heritage service has a diverse offer across the borough, helping our communities to thrive with access to health and wellbeing resources, activities and groups all year round.
The statutory library offer comprises of 8 libraries - Gateshead Central Library and libraries in Birtley, Blaydon, Chopwell, Crawcrook, Leam Lane, Pelaw and Wrekenton. In addition, services are delivered in a range of other community venues through partnership working.
Supplementing this offer are 6 libraries operated by volunteer associations, which complements the statutory offer of book lending and computer access in more locations across the borough.
In 2023
- 6064 new members joined the library
- 388,496 books and audiobooks were borrowed
- 109,407 digital loans (eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines)
- 43,668 books delivered to readers at home
- the arts team engaged 3200 participants in creative workshops
- 10,000+ historic maps, books, images and documents were added to the Archive
- 1484 people attended reading activities in libraries
- we supported 29 reading groups with 272 members
- 629 people attended reading activities in the community
The impact of Gateshead Libraries Digital Team
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.
Last year we provided 29,672 hours of computers use to residents. This is often invaluable to those who want to access an essential service or to submit an application online. We have a unique offer of informal support with digital skills from any library as well as a programme of digital activities. Capital investment has meant we can increase the provision of comfortable and flexible space for laptop users. The libraries digital team supports priority groups such as jobseekers and refugees to be online through device donation and free data schemes, working in partnership with Good Things Foundation.
You'll find free computer access and wifi in all of our libraries. Printing and photocopying is available for a small charge and we offer regular courses and workshops, including 'Computer Skills for Beginners' and how to use the latest creative technologies in the MakerPlace. Print your own t shirt, laser cut wood and acrylic designs, embroider with digital sewing machines or get to grips with 3D printing... the possibilities are endless!
The digital team delivers a programme of creative activities to over 2,000 children a year, including code clubs and holiday activities and works with schools to deliver creative digital workshops including STEM and coding.
Supporting people in Gateshead to thrive
The libraries support our communities by improving digital inclusion across the borough giving them access to new technology, learning, health advice and accessing services online.
Our communities are brought together in a warm safe space and given the opportunity to connect and socialise through activities whihc enrich their lives.
Rachel Ridley, Service Manager for Libraries and Heritage at Gateshead Council, said: "We're very proud of our digital services offer at our libraries and how they support our communities by improving digital inclusion across the borough. From applying to jobs to learning how to access health advice and services online, including booking GP appointments, digital inclusion is hugely important for our communities to thrive."
A Gateshead resident said: "I find this place great because of the quiet surroundings. It helps me to concentrate well."
Register for a library membership to Discover More at Gateshead Libraries