By Pauline Stewart
Over the past 25 years, Joyce has always been incredibly helpful and knowledgeable whenever I’ve visited the library in North Shields, especially when I was new to North Shields with young children and feeling a bit isolated. It’s truly wonderful to see how the library continues to serve the community, providing such an important service, and I hope it will continue to do so for many years to come. We are all so grateful for everything the library offers to our community. We asked Joyce for her message to those benefiting from current library services
The libraries we have today offer much more than just books—they are now hubs for a wide range of activities. Alongside reading, we provide creative and social activities that help connect individuals and combat loneliness while improving wellbeing. We offer books in print, online, and audiobooks. We also promote reading for pleasure from a very young age, such as gifting books to babies through Bookstart, hosting rhyme times for parents and small children, and running the Summer Reading Challenge to keep kids reading during the holidays. The Northern Children’s Book Festival lets children meet authors and illustrators. We also offer a variety of events, from local history talks and summer fayres to Christmas parties, performances, and writing groups.
Additionally, we offer free access to PCs, the internet, and Wi-Fi, as well as support for getting online. Our Reading Well collections provide books to support mental health, dementia, and long-term health conditions. In North Shields and Wallsend Libraries, you can even check your blood pressure!
Libraries serve as the ‘face’ of the council, helping residents access vital services, including housing and benefits advice.
North Shields Library
Location: Northumberland Square
