Gateshead Libraries

Discover more at Gateshead Libraries

Your local library offers much more than books, so why not discover something new?

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. We offer free Wi-Fi and public access PCs, an onsite Bewicks café and a gift shop where you can pick up local themed or literary gifts, cards for any occasion and much more.

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 with our full programme of regular and special events. Regular events include a range of monthly book groups; well-being and heritage walks around Gateshead; a rolling programme of artworks in the Gallery and throughout the building, and teen groups such as Anime Attacks and Pokemon, to name a few! 

At Central Library, we also host an exciting range of activities for children and families throughout the school holidays. We also have activities for adults, such as art and craft classes, writing and poetry groups and job clubs for help with CVs and job searches.

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,

We host regular events for pre-school children and families throughout term times and holiday fun when the schools are closed. We have a warm and welcoming children’s library, with a range of fiction and non-fiction for children of all ages, from babies onwards, as well as a parents collection. There are public access PCs for children to use with parental supervision and our lovely library garden, so you can enjoy a book outside or join our monthly Book Butterflies for some outdoor fun!

Discover more for teens

Gateshead Central Library also has its own library for teens and young people. Discover the latest BookTok sensations, collections of graphic novels and manga, and public access PCs, all in a comfortable dedicated space. We host regular groups, such a monthly young adult reading group, Dungeons and Dragons and Warhammer meetups, as well as our Anime Attacks group.

Discover more local and family history

Gateshead Archive is situated with Gateshead Central Library and is 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 our other branch libraries and our friendly staff hold regular family history sessions to help you get started.

The Archive also hosts activities, such as talks and regular heritage walks around the local area. As well as a large collection of historical newspapers, the Archive also stocks a daily selection of current newspapers, as well as being home to Central Library’s public access PCs. A selection of Gateshead Archive’s photographs and resources can also be found online.

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. You can browse our catalogue online or pop into any branch to peruse the shelves or ask our helpful and friendly staff to help you track down something specific.

We'd love to see you there, but you don't need to visit the library to choose your next read! Our digital library, 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.

Membership is free and children can join at any age. You can join in the library or online, we only ask for a document confirming your address. We also offer a free Readers at Home service, delivering books to your home if you can’t visit us in the library. 

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. Based in Gateshead Central Library, MakerPlace is our innovative space for digital-assisted craft and design. Use our computer-controlled equipment to turn your ideas into reality. 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 in to relax or work at Gateshead Central Library.

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to your local library!