New in Sheffield?
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The library service is open to everyone and most of our services are free. People often like to spend time in a library reading, using computers or meeting friends.
Find a Local Library
There is a local library in your neighbourhood. The Central Library in the city centre houses a large collection of books, reference materials, audio visual materials and computers. Library staff will be happy to show you around.
How to Join the Library
Library Assistants will help you join the library - it is really simple.
You will need to complete an application form and show one form of identification. You can collect an application form from any library or download a form from this website.
The application form is available in 25 languages.
If you cannot show proof of address, you can still join but with limited borrowing rights - see our Adults without Identification section.
Library assistants in some libraries can speak a variety of languages. However, if you need interpretation we can use a telephone service to help us talk to you.
Free Internet Access
Every library in Sheffield has computers. All computers are free to use. They all have access to the Internet, Word, Access, Powerpoint and Excel. They can be booked in advance, or you can drop in to use one. You must agree to these guidelines, and show one form of ID before using.
Citizenship Support
We have lots of resources to help you work towards citizenship:
- Use the Life in Great Britain Citizenship online course and try the practice tests. This course can be accessed for free through this website. To use the course you just need to be a library member.
- You may also find these books helpful. They can be borrowed for free from any library
Learning English
We have lots of resources to help you learn English.
- You can search the online catalogue for books in any library in Sheffield. We also hold resources on our online catalogue for:
- English Language
- English vocabulary and words
- Learning English as a second language
- Many libraries also have 'Quick Reads, ESOL and Literacy' books aimed at adults learning English. These books may be helpful to people attending ESOL courses. Many of these books are also available for groups to borrow in sets of 10.
- There are various courses and conversation clubs in Sheffield to help you learn and practice English. These often run in community centres across the city.
- Conversation Clubs run by community members take place in Darnall and Burngreave Libraries at the following times,
- Darnall Library - Every Monday, 10.00 - 12.00 (Mixed Group)
- Burngreave Library - Every Wednesday, 9.30 - 11.15 (Women), every Wednesday, 11.15 - 12.30 (Men)
Community Languages
- Books are available in 24 different languages. Many libraries also have magazines, and newspapers available in community languages.
- Burngreave, Highfield and the Central Library hold special collections of books by black authors and books on black issues.
- Central Library, Firth Park, Darnall, Tinsley and Burngreave Libraries have Asian film collections.
Local Information
Local information is available from every Sheffield Library. The following services may be particularly helpful.
- The Reference and Information Library, based at the Central Library provides information on local clubs, groups and support services in Sheffield for new arrivals.
- The Help Yourself Database contains details of clubs, groups and services across Sheffield .
- Event Sheffield provides the best guide to events happenning in Sheffield.
- Other Useful Websites can be found using the Internet. We have listed a selection of websites which may be of use to you.
Diversity Calendar
This is a list of dates with important religious and cultural significance. Many of these occasions are celebrated in Sheffield and around the world.
Bookstart
This service offers books and resources to very young children and families. Every child can get three free packs of books suitable for their age.
24 Hour Services
When you join Sheffield Libraries you also get access to our 24 hour services available online, including:
- You can check and renew items you have on loan and also reserve items using the online library catalogue. You need a Personal Identification Number (PIN number) to request an item or view your membership details on the library catalogue.
- Go beyond Google and use our free 24/7 online reference libraries in your library or at home
- Access online national, regional and local newspapers using NewsUK, including the Sheffield Star or look through our online magazines & journals using Infotrac Custom Journals
- Look through our ebooks
- Use PN Enquire - Is a free 24 hours, 7 days a week online service that enables anyone to ask a question at any time day or night, so people do not need to wait until their local library opens.