Gateshead Central Library
Gateshead Libraries Annual Customer Survey 2024
We want to hear from you! We've launched our annual customer survey to hear what you love about our libraries and what we could improve. Pick up a paper survey in one of our council-run libraries or take part online before Sunday 29 September.
Gateshead's largest library provides a wide range of services and activities and includes specialist services such as the Gateshead Archive and the Sound Gallery.
Opening hours
| Monday | 9am to 7pm |
| Tuesday | 9am to 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am to 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am to 7pm |
| Friday | 9am to 5pm |
| Saturday | 9am to 1pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Our services
- books in large print
- audiobooks
- daily newspapers and magazines
- quiet study area
- community garden
- a brilliant collection of CDs, DVDs and Blu-rays from the Sound Gallery, the largest audiovisual library in the north east.
- Gateshead Archive, a local history collection with over 40,000 items including maps, photographs, books and manuscripts
- children's library
- young adult library
- art gallery
- gift shop
- Bewicks coffee shop (open 9:30am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday; closed Saturday)
- computers with internet access and Microsoft Office
- printing (a small charge applies), photocopying and scanning
- wifi
- Council information
- hearing aid batteries
- planning application maps (this service carries a charge)
Accessibility information and our facilities
- access for wheelchair users
- automatic doors
- lift to library
- accessible toilet
- baby changing
All our libraries have PCs for library members aged eight years and over and it's free to use our computers. We recommend you book a session in advance by telephoning 0191 433 8420.
We also run training courses and taster sessions for people who want support with PCs or the Internet. Visit our life skills section.
We are autism friendly. Visit our autism friendly page to find out more.
Books for health and wellbeing
Reading has been proven to help reduce stress, and we have some great mood busting books, reading well collections, and creative and social reading activities for all ages. Find out more on the Reading Agency's Reading Well website.
Friends of Gateshead Central Library
The Friends support events and activities at Gateshead Central Library. Everyone is welcome to join and it's free! Come along and support the library by helping out at author events, coffee mornings, in the garden and more. You could make new friends and enjoy being involved with community and cultural activities in your local area.
For more information, contact christinemyhill@gateshead.gov.uk
Rooms to hire
View the rooms available to hire at Central Library.To check availability and to book a room, please contact Central Library on 0191 433 8420 or email privatehires@gateshead.gov.uk (opens new window)
Contact information
0191 433 8410 (Books)
0191 433 8420 (Events, Gift Shop and Computer Bookings)
0191 433 8430 (Gateshead Archive: Local and Family History and Computer Bookings)
0191 433 8440 (Sound Gallery: CDs and DVDs)
How to find us
Public transport:
The 51 bus goes from outside the building to Gateshead Interchange
The 52 bus comes from Gateshead Interchange and on to Heworth. Bus stop is near Shipley Art Gallery.
Number 21 bus travels regularly from Durham Road nearby to Gateshead and Newcastle and to Low Fell.
