Library Learning in Sunderland

Wherever you live in Sunderland you are not far from a Library.

There are libraries of varying size across the City offering a range of services; the two largest libraries are the City Library and Arts Centre and Washington Town Centre Library.

In addition there are mobile libraries visiting selected areas which do not have easy access to a library.

To view more information on your local library click Here.

City Main Library
The City Library and Arts Centre opened in 1995 and provides a range of services including:-

• The main library and information service for the City
• The Local Studies Centre
• The Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art
• A well stocked Craft Shop
• High quality meeting facilities, which are available for hire

Address
Fawcett Street, Sunderland, SR1 1RE, Tel: (0191) 514 1235, Fax: (0191) 514 8444, Email: Enquiry.desk@sunderland.gov.uk

Opening Hours
Monday 9.30 am - 7.30 pm
Tuesday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm
Wednesday 9.30 am - 7.30 pm
Thursday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm
Friday 9.30 am - 5.00 pm
Saturday 9.30 am - 4.00 pm

Services
Activities for children, Advice sessions, CD-ROMs for Loan, Community Information, Disabled Access, Exhibition Space for hire, Family History Day, Family Reading Groups, Fax Bureau Service, Hall for Hire, Homework Club, Housebound Services, Language Courses, Large Print Books, Learning Centre, Local History Talks, Local Newspaper Index, Local Publications for sale, Local Walks for sale , Mother-tongue Language collections, Music CD for loan, Music scores for loan, Newspaper files, Nursery Unit and Playgroup Loans, Photocopying, Reading Clubs, Storytimes for children, Study facilities, Talking Books Text phone, Videos for loan, Ward Surgeries.

People's Network in Sunderland Libraries
The People's Network is a project which has connected all public libraries to the Internet as part of the Government's commitment to give everyone in the UK the opportunity to get on line.

Lottery funded by the New Opportunities Fund and managed by
Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) more than 4000 library centres have been created through the initiative. City of Sunderland libraries have been able to extend and improve their network of public access computers as a result of the People's Network.

WHAT CAN I USE THE COMPUTERS FOR?

To support access to lifelong learning opportunities
To provide access to Microsoft Off ice applications and desktop publishing
To send and receive e-mails
To find a range of up to date high quality information
To scan and print items
WHO CAN USE THE COMPUTERS AND INTERNET?

Anyone - you just have to be a library member. It is easy to join the library - you only need to provide two forms of identification showing both name and address. If customers under 16 want to use the Internet they need to have an Internet Disclaimer Form signed by a holder of parental responsibility.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

All use of computers is free including Internet access. Charges are made for printing and floppy disks are available for purchase at the displayed cost. Children who are members of a Homework Club receive free printing during Homework Club sessions.

HOW LONG CAN I USE A COMPUTER?

Sessions are for one hour although you can use a computer for a maximum of two hours if it is not required by another customer. After this it is recommended for Health and Safety reasons that a break is taken.

CAN I BOOK A COMPUTER IN ADVANCE?

Computers can be booked with library staff before use, either in advance or at the time of use, in person or by telephone or email. City Library users can book using the computer booking system. This allows you to book a machine either the same day or up to seven days in advance.

WILL YOU TRAIN ME TO USE A COMPUTER?

We don't offer formal training in using computers and the Internet, however we can advise you on where you can receive training - often in a library based Learning Centre. Library staff can however provide you with basic advice, support and guidance on using a pc and the Internet.

CAN I DOWNLOAD AND SAVE INFORMATION?

Yes but our policy is that you can only save information onto a floppy disk. You can buy floppy disks in the library if you need one.

CAN I SHOP OVER THE INTERNET?

We do allow financial transactions using the Internet but City of Sunderland Libraries will not be held responsible for any losses or problems that may occur.

DO YOU PROTECT AGAINST COMPUTER VIRUSES?

Yes - all the computers have anti-virus software that is regularly updated. All floppy disks will be virus checked before use.

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

The use of public access computers is controlled by an Acceptable Use Policy. A copy of this is displayed next to machines in all libraries. It is intended to provide customers with guidelines for use of computer workstations. Persistent misuse of public workstations by a customer can lead to a three month ban.

FREE Internet Access Points in Sunderland
In Sunderland we are passionate about opening up the benefits of the Internet to all - and are really behind the Government's latest campaign to get everyone started.

We have a whole range of free internet access points across the City, and in our designated UK Online Centres they will be able to get friendly help to get surfing.

So if you know someone who might want a little help in getting started, then point them to one of the UK Online Centres or Electronic Village Halls in the City and you could be opening up a whole new world for them.

Special Needs Services
We are able to provide the following services for your assistance:

• Large print books
• Talking books ( 2 free per to those registered blind & partially sighted)
• Videos with subtitles
• Textphone for those with hearing difficulties Tel: 0191 510 2825
• Braille books for children
• Disabled toilet on 2nd & 3rd floors (City Library & Arts Centre)
• Books on wheels service for those not able to access the main library.
• Hospital patient library service
• Residential homes and sheltered accommodation book loans