This year our libraries are celebrating 100 years of being at the heart of the community, and our librarians are keen to welcome even more people through the doors.
Below we highlight just some of the ways our libraries can help you learn something new:
- Study and research: If you’re conducting research as part of a course, many of our libraries have dedicated spaces where you can study and focus. There’s free wi-fi in all libraries as well as computers with internet access which members can access for free.
- Borrow self-help or hobby books: We have tens of thousands of non-fiction and hobby titles for you to choose, whether you want support for your mental health, information on a country you plan to visit, cookery inspiration or tips on creating a flower-filled garden – you’re sure to find a title to suit.
- Online resources: You can access a range of free, reliable, online resources, including the British Newspaper Archive, Oxford Reference and Who’s Who.
- Learn to read: Read On is a library-run scheme for adults who want to improve their reading skills but may have limited or no reading ability.
- Research your family history: There’s lots of free help available if you are delving into your family tree or want to uncover the history of where you live. This includes free access to websites such as Ancestry and Find My Past. There’s also a guide on how to start tracing your family history and what resources are available to use, and a Local History guide for every town or village where our 36 libraries are located.
- Learn how to use a computer: Not confident on computers? Our digital volunteers offer free support on a range of digital enquiries from setting up an email account to help with online shopping or being safe online. You can also access Learn My Way which has free online courses for beginners.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for community support, fire and rescue, said: “We are keen to let residents know just how many resources there are in libraries to help you learn, for all ages and abilities, most of them completely free of charge to library members. Our libraries provide one of our key council priorities which is to help people and communities fulfil their potential.”
From Arundel and Angmering to the Witterings and Worthing, find your nearest library.
Not a library member yet? It’s free and easy to join if you live, work or study in the county.
