Can't get to a library?

We offer a range of opportunities for people unable to access their local library.

Your membership is valid for every library in North Tyneside so if you haven't visited a library building recently, you're in for a pleasant surprise. You will find a large selection of books, including audio and large print, plus films and music, computers and social events.

• Access our online catalogue to search.
• Log on at My Account to renew, reserve and check your loans.
• Download eAudiobooks and eBooks.

Our mobile library visits communities across North Tyneside on a fortnightly rota. It carries hundreds of books for you to choose from, including fiction, non-fiction, books in large print and audio books on CD.

We are planning to resume our homes visits in the near future and currently the Mobile Library is visiting Tynemouth Front Street every Monday and Friday, 9:30am – 3:30pm.

For more information, please contact North Shields Library on (0191) 643 5270.

We can supply collections of books to residential care and sheltered homes in North Tyneside. These are changed every eight weeks, and are tailored to the residents' requirements.

For more information, please contact North Shields Library on (0191) 643 5270.

Do you know someone who is currently finding it difficult to get to their local library or perhaps can't attend anymore? If you would like to help them, then why not sign up to our Library Good Neighbour scheme?

Being a Library Good Neighbour makes it easy to borrow items on behalf of a friend, relative or someone you care for,

Joining the scheme means:

• library staff can choose items that they would like and have them ready for you to collect
• there are no reservation fees for items that are in stock
• no fines if you renew or return their items late

To sign up for the scheme, please download the enrolment form at the bottom of this section and ask your 'neighbour' to complete it or, if necessary, help them fill it out.

Please return the form to your local library or post it to:

Library Good Neighbour Scheme
North Shields Library
Northumberland Square
North Shields
Tyne and Wear
NE30 1QU

Forms are also available from your local library or by calling (0191) 643 5270.

The form will give you and library staff an idea of what type of materials your 'neighbour' enjoys, e.g. thrillers, romances or biographies. It also helps decide what is the best format for them, e.g. ordinary print books, large print, audiobooks, DVDs or MP3.

Once you've signed up to the scheme, you can contact your local library in advance so staff can have items ready for you to collect. Alternatively, if you would prefer to choose them yourself, staff will be happy to help you.

On the rare occasions you cannot return the items on time or forget to renew them, there will be no overdue charges.

Reservations from the library catalogue are free but standard charges apply to inter-library loan requests.

The service is available for individuals of all ages who are unable to access our libraries in person, either on a temporary or permanent basis. North Tyneside Libraries in partnership with the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) delivers a library service to people unable to leave their own homes.

You can borrow hardback and paperback books, large print books and books on CD and cassette. We also have a selection of films on DVD and some music CDs. Library staff will contact you to discuss what you require and then a RVS volunteer will visit you regularly in your home to deliver an appropriate collection of books and other items. RVS is one of the UK's largest charities and volunteering organisations. Through its voluntary work, RVS aims to give older people the opportunity and choice to get more out of life.

For further information or to apply, call your local library or North Shields Library on (0191) 643 5270 and ask for advice about the best service for you.