Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where are the public libraries in Worcestershire?
2. Do I have to join a library to use it?
3. What do the libraries have in them?
4. What is the History Centre? 
5. What about the Internet?
6. What other services do libraries have?
7. Mobile Libraries    

Answers

1. Q. Where are the public libraries in Worcestershire?
   A. There are 21 public libraries, plus the History centre in Worcestershire, ranging from large buildings on several floors to small part-time libraries.
   
    Directory of Libraries.
   
   Libraries are in towns and villages across the County. Mobile Libraries go to rural areas without their own library.

   Back to top

2. Q. Do I have to join a library to use it?
   A. Anyone can use reference and information services and the catalogue computers in the library. You do not have to have a library card to use these services.
   
   To borrow books and other items, and to use the Internet computers, you must be a member and you must have your library card with you. Your membership card can be used in any public library in Worcestershire. Membership is free and is open to anyone.
   To join the library you have to show proof of your name and address if you want to borrow books or other items. i.e. driver's license, passport, utility bill etc.
   
   If you are over 16 you can join the library by visiting one of our branches, or online by completing the form and your ticket will be posted to you.
   
    Join the library online form 
   
   People under the age of 16 must have their parent or guardian's signature as a guarantor on the membership form. To use library Internet computers, people under 16 must also have the consent of their parent or guardian to use the computers; the consent must be given on our official form, therefore we cannot offer online joining to under 16's at this time.
   
   If you just want to use the computers and you do not have proof of address, we can give you a card for computer use only, valid for a short period.
   If you are not a member and are just passing through the county (for example, if you are a tourist who is in the county for only an hour or so and you wish to check your emails, etc) we can give you a card valid for one use only.

   Back to top

3. Q. What do the libraries have in them?
   A. All Worcestershire's public libraries have books, sound recordings, videos, newspapers and magazines. Many also have DVD's for lending.
   
     Browse the online library catalogue.
   
   The size and nature of the facilities will vary according to the size of the library. All libraries have information and books for business, leisure, local studies, hobbies, and general interest, with larger libraries having larger and more comprehensive collections. For more details about your local library and what it has to offer, see the libraries directory and select your local library.
   
    Directory of Libraries.
   
   Items can be reserved from our library catalogue for collection at your local library for a small fee (no charge for under-18s).
   

   Back to top

4. Q. What is the History Centre?
   A. The History Centre (full name Worcestershire Library and History Centre) is a service operated jointly by Worcestershire Library and Information Service and the County Record Office.  It has books, microfilms, census material, and other resources, for family and local history.  These items are all for reference only and cannot be taken away from the centre.  The centre also has Internet computers.  The staff of the centre are skilled at dealing with enquiries relating to family and local research.
   
   

   Back to top

5. Q. What about the Internet?
   A. All of our libraries have computers giving access to the Internet. Access is free of charge. Internet terminals are often heavily used, so you may have to book a session. You can just walk into a library and use the computers if one is free and not booked and you have your library card with you (see "Do I have to join a library to use it? " above). To use the computers, or to book a session on a computer, you must have your library card with you. You can book in a number of ways:
   
   You can book a computer online. Click on the links, type in your library card number when asked, then follow the instructions to choose the library, date, etc.  Please make a note of the number of the computer you have booked, to make it easier for you to find in the library.
   
   You can book a future session from a computer that you are already using in the library (go to the above web page and following the same procedure).
   
   You can telephone any of our libraries and ask them to book a session at a computer in any of our libraries (see the list of libraries on the right of this page and follow the links).
   
   You can ask in person at the Information desk or counter in any of our libraries.
   
   Please remember: you will need your library card with you if you want to book a computer session or to use a computer. People under the age of 16 must have the permission of their parent or guardian (given on our official form) to use library Internet computers.
   
   All Internet access through any Worcestershire County Council computer is filtered to prevent access to unacceptable site (usually pornographic, violent, or racist sites, or sites carrying illegal material).  You need to be aware that no filter can screen out all such sites, and you use the computers at your own risk. Worcestershire County Council accepts no liability if such sites are accessed through its computers.
   
   
   

   Back to top

6. Q. What other services do libraries have?
   A. Meeting Rooms
   Many libraries have rooms which can be hired for meetings, please ask at the individual library.
   
    Standard hire charges for Library meeting rooms   (25 KB)
    Summary of conditions for hiring Library meeting rooms  (10 KB)
   
   Activities for Children
   Most libraries have regular story times for young children, and special story times or other events during school holidays.
   
   Events
   Performances and talks for adults and young people are organised for special occasions such as National Science, Engineering and Technology Week. Other events are held from time to time in different libraries. Look out for publicity in the libraries and elsewhere.
   
   Fax / Internet / WiFi / Public Computers
   Some libraries have fax agency facilities. For a fee you may be able to send or receive faxes. Most libraries have public computers for internet access and several libraries now have WiFi access available.
   
   See the library pages for the facilities at each library, links on the right of this page.
   
   The Schools Library Service provides services to schools within the County.
   

   Back to top

7. Q. Mobile Libraries
   
   A. Rural areas are served by Mobile Libraries based at the following places:-
   
   Bromsgrove (N Worcs area)
   Evesham (SE Worcs)
   Malvern (Area surrounding Malvern Hills)
   Stourport-on-Severn (NW Worcestershire)
   

   Back to top