Gateshead Council has a network of 18 libraries throughout the borough offering a wide range of services. You can also access information about our libraries, including our
online catalogue, on this website.
Large Print and Talking Books Each library offers a range of large print books and 'Talking Books' (books on audio cassette). Contact your
local library for further details.
Readers at Home Service If you are unable to get to a library yourself, you can apply to become a member of our
Readers at Home Service. They have two vans that deliver books to you in your own home fortnightly or monthly.
The Readers at Home Service has a large selection of Talking Books and publishes lists of titles available for people using the service. Talking Books can be delivered from their vans and can also be posted out to visually impaired readers.
The Readers at Home Service also provides books to sheltered or residential home accommodation on an individual basis or by "bulk loans" to a "bookcase collection" which is changed regularly.
They also provide a twice-weekly ward round of books to hospital patients in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
If you are interested in applying for the Readers at Home Service, please telephone Sunderland Road Library on 0191 433 6415 or fax 0191 477 8836.
Computers and Internet Access Gateshead's libraries have over 150 computers which library members can use free of charge. As well as offering Microsoft Office and Internet access, each computer has Dolphin Supernova screen reading and magnification software. Membership of the library is free and if you would like to join the library, please contact your local branch or ring the Central Library on 0191 433 8400 for more information.
Visually Impaired Readers' Groups We have two groups - one in Blaydon Library, meeting on the fourth Wednesday afternoon of each month, and one in Central Library, meeting on the second Thursday of the month.
Members all share a love of reading, either in Braille or large print, or by listening to Talking Books. At each meeting they discuss the book they have just read and get their next book. If you are interested in joining either group, please contact AIRS on tel. 0191 433 8453. We can assist with transport if necessary.
