Local libraries are much more than places to borrow books. They’ve adapted to modern needs, giving people free access to information, technology, and community spaces.
With the closure of many branches and rising costs for everyday living, it’s never been more important to see what your nearest library offers. Here’s why you should make the most of them.
An English Library Journey is the story of one writer who decided to obtain a membership card for every library authority in England. Across 10 years, he journeys from Solihull to Slough and from Cleveland to Cornwall, to join libraries of all shapes and sizes.
From monuments to Art Decor to a converted corset factory. Engaging us with anecdotes Bill-Bryson-style, he is as interested in the people finds in libraries as the buildings themselves. A book to be treasured by library fans.
Meet Me At The Library is an American book, looking at how public libraries may be the answer to modern lonely communities. Also to understand our differences and exchange ideas.
More than 180 public libraries have been handed to volunteers (or closed) since 2016, rather than being funded by councils.
Free Access to Books for All Ages
Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one. Neil Gaiman
Librarians are just like search engines, except they smile and talk to me, and they don’t give me paid-for advertising when they are trying to help. And they have actual hearts. Matt Haig
Public libraries offer a treasure trove of books for all ages and interests. Whether you like fiction, biographies, cookbooks, or graphic novels, you’ll find something that fits your taste.
Children and teenagers can find good books too, so families can boost their child’s love of reading. Libraries help readers try new genres, without spending a penny.
One writer once noted that if you were told you could go into town and find a big shop where all the books were free, you would run there. And yet that’s just what most towns have.
You can often order books you wish to read at the library, and the authors still get a token pay-out (more if people regularly order). And usually you can borrow up to 10 books, and return them to any library in the same authority.
Ask Your Library for Books You Want!
The good news is that most libraries have ‘stock suggestion forms’, you may have to ask for them. You can then pen down the names of books you’d like to see.
Most libraries don’t stock self-published books, but they may make exceptions for say local books by historians, of special significance to the area.
The reason for this is that the books must carry the proper imprint labels etc, to be legally able to lend out and give a profit percentage to the author.
Audio Books and Large Print Collections
If you prefer listening to stories or need large print books, libraries have you covered. Audio books can be borrowed in CD format or streamed straight to your phone or computer.
They’re a lifeline for those with sight problems, or people who want to enjoy books on the move. Large print books make reading easier for older adults, or anyone who finds standard text hard to see.
Free Printers, Scanners, and Computer Access
Many people don’t have a printer or reliable internet at home. Public libraries close that gap. You can use computers for free, print out documents, and scan papers for job applications or schoolwork.
It’s a big help for students, job seekers, or anyone in need of tech support. Staff often help, if you’re not sure how to use something.
Meeting Spaces and Study Rooms
With rising costs for private meeting rooms, libraries step in. Most branches have rooms you can book for group work, study sessions, or quiet reading.
From book clubs to community workshops, these spaces serve as a safe and quiet spot. Students and freelancers find them ideal for work away from home.
Mobile Libraries for Rural Communities
If you live far from a library building, mobile libraries bring the service to your doorstep. These vans carry books and other resources to villages and remote areas.
You can request items and pick them up locally, so you’re not left out just because you live outside town. It keeps reading alive even in the countryside. Enter your postcode if you live in a village to find your nearest mobile library.
Events, Classes, and Support Services
Libraries hold regular events for all ages, including storytime, craft sessions, book launches, and tech lessons. Many run school holiday clubs, author talks, and reading challenges.
Some offer advice sessions on benefits, housing, or finding a job. They create spaces for people to learn, meet others, and get support in a friendly setting.
Little Free Libraries and Book Swaps
While not run by councils, little free libraries are popping up on street corners, parks, and bus stops. These tiny book exchanges work on trust – take a book, leave a book.
They help people swap stories in their own neighbourhood and fill a gap where local branches have closed. Look out for one in your area or start your own.
Local History and Archive Access
Libraries often keep archives of local newspapers, records, and maps. Family history buffs and students find these resources priceless.
You can trace your family tree or learn about your area’s past. Staff can help you use microfilm or online archives, if you’re not sure where to start.
Safe Havens and Social Hubs
Library buildings give people a safe, warm place to spend time, especially in winter. They welcome everyone, offering a calm space for those who need a break.
With the closure of other public buildings, libraries are more important than ever for people living alone or seeking a friendly chat.
Support for School and University Work
With textbooks, reference guides, and online learning tools, libraries are perfect for exam season. You can find quiet spots to revise, ask staff for help with research, or use the computers for coursework.
Many offer homework clubs and study help for pupils at every stage.
Who Is Demolishing England’s Libraries?
Many historic libraries have recently been demolished, leading to many local historians being aghast at the reasons why. Birmingham Central Library was not the prettiest of buildings, but it was demolished a few years back, in order to build city office space.
And nearby, Nuneaton’s iconic library that has served the community for 50 years is about to be demolished, to make way for a new building and offices.
The building could easily be retrofitted, and would preserve work by Sir Frederick Gibberd, who designed Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.
Independent Libraries Association lists all the libraries nationwide that are not owned by councils, and many are historic. These were mostly opened when there were no public libraries and only the big university libraries.
These libraries house a collective 2 million books, and are mostly in listed buildings. There are some new ones like Scotland’s Library of Mistakes, which lets people freely view how to avoid financial crashes of late.
The Working Class Movement Library charts the history of our country, in a Victorian building in Salford, near Manchester. From the industrial revolution to stories of campaigners and Irish history. A Holocaust history library in London.
Join the Little Free Library Movement
Little Free Library is a worldwide movement to share free books. Identify a location and steward, The library can be indoors or outside. some even turn old tabletop fridges into little libraries. or repurpose old furniture.
The cuble can be made without scissors or glue to build your own library for 3 books from paper.
Some free libraries look a bit like decorated birdhouses. Please don’t use these, to discourage birds from trying to nest in them. Tin bright-coloured birdhouses can overheat, and attract predators.
You could adopt an old BT red phone kiosk for a pound. Some use them for defibrillators, others for little libraries.
Send Favourite Books Around the World!
BookCrossing is the world library! Just leave a book you love somewhere public (like in a cafe) and post it online. Someone comes to collect it, reads it and then does the same, sending your book all around the world, to be read by different people.
Free Affordable Books for Adults & Children
Listening Books is a lending charity with 9000 books that are lent out to members with sight problems (including those living in care homes).
For around £20 a year, charity members pay 30% less than true costs, and free membership is available for some.
We had a quick look, and found the wonderful book Wild City, about our urban wildlife. Readers will meet the badgers of Brighton’s most exclusive postcode and black country bats, who have found havens in industrial tunnels. You can listen to a sample online.
- Living Paintings offers touch-to-see books for children & adults. Everything is dispatched for free through RNIB’s Articles for the Blind program.
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails free books addressed to children, and has so far delivered 6 million books to children in the UK at no cost. The selected children receive a free book each month, until they are 5 years old.
Donate Positive Books to Prisoners
Give a Book is a charity that donates books to prisoners, to foster positive lifestyles, before release. If someone is holed up for 20 hours a day in a cell, one of the most helpful ways to spend that time is to study or change mindset, through good books.
It has set up a reading room at Wormwood Scrubs (including children’s books for incarcerated fathers to read to their children over the phone).
Books in the Nick is project for people waiting up to 48 hours in custody. This came about after a London Special Constable gave his own book to a young man brought in at Brixton. And found an immediate positive reaction.
