Introduction to Community Libraries

Many people may know of the lending and information services that are available from all of the 40 Community Libraries in Birmingham. Free and unrestricted access to your local library allows anyone of any age to discover books, CDs, videos, DVDs, magazines and web sites of interest to you.

We provide a safe and welcoming place for you to read, study and learn - and borrow things for all sorts of purposes. It's an important service in your community, offering everyone the opportunity for free access to thousands of items and a link to city-wide resources and beyond. You only need to tell us who you are and where you live if you want to borrow something. Your community library is a major open and free service for all citizens of all ages and circumstances. It provides an information and enquiry service, support for learners and promotes reading for all purposes, plus:

• An informal drop-in atmosphere
• Activities and events
• Help for people on low incomes, unemployed, lone parents, people from minority groups
  

Libraries support community activity by:-

Providing resources and services relevant to local need

• Books for children under five
• Homework resources
• Books and newspapers in Community languages e.g. Urdu, Vietnamese
• Information on learning opportunities
• Resources to help learn English or improve reading skills
• Information for parents and help with sharing books with children
• Talking books and books with large print
• Information on the history of the local area
• Recommended reading for all ages
• Music in community libraries
  

Supporting local groups

Community groups can borrow books and music to support their work. Groups can visit the library and we'll show you how it works so that you can get the best out of it. In most libraries there is space for groups and organisations to display information about their work. Some libraries also have planning applications

Working with local partners

Libraries work with local partners to improve services and encourage reading, literacy and learning. We work with schools, Adult Education and local community groups to improve access for everyone.

We join in with important local and national events

Displays and activities provide information for: Carers Week
Black History Month
Birmingham Carnival
World Mental Health Day
Birmingham Pride Festival
Adult Learners Week
National Poetry Day
Young Readers UK
World Book Day
Bangladeshi Festival

ICT facilities

All community libraries are now linked to the city-wide network that offers free access to the Internet, e-mail facilities and CD Roms - Computers in Birmingham Libraries
Joining the Library in Birmingham for Adults
Reading and Writing Menu
Library Learning Centres
Publications from Birmingham Libraries