Discover more at Gateshead Libraries
Your local library offers much more than books, so why not discover something new this spring?
Gateshead Libraries provide a diverse range of facilities, events and services to support the wellbeing of all age groups. From local history to brand new technology and from Rhymetime to Knit and Natter, there really is something to suit all age groups and interests. Whether you want a comfortable space to work or lose yourself in a good book, to develop new skills or make new friends - our libraries are warm, friendly places where everyone is welcome.
Discover more events and activities
Visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/whatson or pick up a copy of Gateshead Live from your local library for details of our vibrant and varied events and activities programme. Get creative, hear from authors and experts, learn something new and connect with others - there's plenty going on.
Discover more for kids
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!
Discover more local and family history
Gateshead Archive is situated with Gateshead Central Library and it's open to everyone. Take a look at family history resources, historic maps, newspapers, photographs and of course, thousands of books about the history of Gateshead and the North East. Many of these can also be accessed from other libraries and our friendly staff hold regular sessions to help you get started.
Discover more 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
Discover more great reads
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 bestselling 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 free of charge.
Discover more digital tech
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.
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!
Discover more support and local services
Our libraries are flexible facilities that are adapting to the changing needs of Gateshead residents and as such, we're working closely with other council teams and community partners to make support services easily accessible to everyone who needs them.
Your local library is a warm, friendly place where everyone's welcome. We're committed to the Warm Spaces charter, which means anyone who needs somewhere to stay warm will be welcomed and treated equally, with dignity and respect.
We're looking forward to welcoming you to your local library!
Your local library offers much more than books, so why not discover something new this spring?
Gateshead Libraries provide a diverse range of facilities, events and services to support the wellbeing of all age groups. From local history to brand new technology and from Rhymetime to Knit and Natter, there really is something to suit all age groups and interests. Whether you want a comfortable space to work or lose yourself in a good book, to develop new skills or make new friends - our libraries are warm, friendly places where everyone is welcome.
Discover more events and activities
Visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/whatson or pick up a copy of Gateshead Live from your local library for details of our vibrant and varied events and activities programme. Get creative, hear from authors and experts, learn something new and connect with others - there's plenty going on.
Discover more for kids
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!
Discover more local and family history
Gateshead Archive is situated with Gateshead Central Library and it's open to everyone. Take a look at family history resources, historic maps, newspapers, photographs and of course, thousands of books about the history of Gateshead and the North East. Many of these can also be accessed from other libraries and our friendly staff hold regular sessions to help you get started.
Discover more 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
Discover more great reads
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 bestselling 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 free of charge.
Discover more digital tech
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.
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!
Discover more support and local services
Our libraries are flexible facilities that are adapting to the changing needs of Gateshead residents and as such, we're working closely with other council teams and community partners to make support services easily accessible to everyone who needs them.
Your local library is a warm, friendly place where everyone's welcome. We're committed to the Warm Spaces charter, which means anyone who needs somewhere to stay warm will be welcomed and treated equally, with dignity and respect.
