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Using Libraries in Sheffield
Welcome to your library
We aim to offer everyone the best possible library service. Most of our services are free. People often like to spend time in a library reading a newspaper or meeting friends.
Read on for more information about libraries, the pleasure of reading and accessing information.
You can pick up a copy of our "Welcome to your library" leaflet in the following languages at your local library:
- Arabic
- Bangla
- Chinese
- English
- Somali
- Urdu
Find your local library
There is a local library in your neighbourhood. The Central Library in the city centre houses a large collection to lend and for reference use. 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 be asked to complete the application form which you can downloaded from the bottom of this page and show one form of identification, then you can start borrowing straight away.
You will need to register separately to use the People's Network and Sheffield Archives and the Sports Library.
If you genuinely cannot show proof of address, you can still join but with limited borrowing rights - see our Adults without Identification section.
Free Internet Access
Every library in Sheffield has computers for you to use for free. 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.
Resources for citizenship and learning English
Use the Life in Great Britain Citizenship self learn course and try the mock tests free at all Sheffield libraries.
If you are working towards the citizenship test you may also find these items helpful. They can be borrowed for free from any library:
We have lots of resources to help you learn English. You can search the online catalogue for books in any library in Sheffield, or use these quick links to resources about:
There are various courses in Sheffield to help you learn English. These often run in community centres across the city.
Community Languages
Lots of our libraries have books, magazines, and newspapers in community languages. Burngreave, Highfield and the Central Library hold special collections of books by black authors and books on black issues. Some community libraries and the Central Library have Asian film collections.
Telephone interpretation service
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.
Local Information
Sheffield Information Service is a specialist library service based in the Central library. They have information about voluntary and community clubs and groups, information about where asylum seekers and refugees can get support in Sheffield and about events in Sheffield.
Bookstart
Offers books and resources to very young children and families. Every child can get 3 free packs of books suitable for their age. At Burngreave Library we work closely with refugees and asylum seekers to offer books in different languages.
24 hour services
When you join Sheffield Libraries you also get access to our 24 hour services 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 - CREDOreference, CREDOStudent, Encyclopedia of Popular Music, Grove Art, Grove Music, KnowUK, Oxford Reference Online, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford Islamic Studies Online, Oxford Language Dictionaries Online, Who's Who & Who Was Who
- Access online national, regional and local newspapers using NewsUK, including the Sheffield Star or look through our online magazines & journals using Infotrac Custom Journals
- 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. It is hosted by the People's Network with the active participation of staff from our own library service in Sheffield.
Downloads
Downloadable copy of application form for joining Sheffield Libraries, Archives & Information (820 KB)
Downloadable copy of Sheffield Libraries, Archives & Information Services application form to join the library (829 KB)
Downloadable copy of list of Acceptable Proof of ID to join Sheffield Libraries, Archives and Information Services (574 KB)
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