Best Library in Newcastle: The Newcastle City Library

Newcastle upon Tyne, or simply Newcastle, is situated in England on the banks of the Tyne River. It is a city and metropolitan borough in Tyne and Wear, England. The city initially developed around Pons Aelius, which was a Roman settlement. It later took the name of the castle built by Robert Curthose in 1080. So, if you live in Newcastle and hope to find the best library in Newcastle, then here’s an easy guide!

Historically, the city was deemed one of the largest shipbuilding and repair centres. Today, it thrives on science, tourism, education, nightlife, etc. In all ways, it is an excellent hub for books, culture, and an authentic English feeling.

Newcastle Libraries are great places to socialize, build a strong community, and read peacefully. They provide a collection of books for bookworms and have an overall unparalleled ambience. 

1. Best Library in Newcastle

Newcastle upon Tyne is home to several libraries that provide a lot of amenities like free wifi, public computer access, and countless books. They also grant several free sessions and events to keep the local citizens entertained throughout the week. Local history and culture can also be easily reconstructed with the aid of these amazing libraries. 

Among several libraries of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle City Library and West End Library can be rightly adjudged the best ones. It is due to their ambience, atmosphere, and amenities. However, City Library has always been at the top of the list in terms of service and atmosphere. 

2. Newcastle City Library

Newcastle City Library is also popularly known as the Charles Avison Building. It is named after the famous 18th-century Newcastle composer. The library is located in the city centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

The building was opened for public use by Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh on 6th November 2009. Currently, it serves as the city’s main public library. It also has a spectacular long glass box, which serves as the main attraction for tourists and readers alike. 

2.1 Newcastle City Library Location

Albert Einstein once remarked, “The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” Here’s how you can locate the City Library.

It is placed in the heart of the city, on the corner of John Dobson Street and New Bridge Street West.

• The blue box, referred to as the main entrance, has automatic doors and level access leading to Level 1. It also has facilities like lift access, a staircase and a well-defined structure of 6 floors.
• Princess Square provides a second entrance and has level access and automatic doors leading to Level 2. The library also has ample local bus links and a nearby metro station. It also has cycle racks, on-street parking, electric car charging points, etc. A very convenient point to travel!

2.2 Services Offered by Newcastle City Library

There are some amazing facilities that are provided by the Newcastle City Library. Some of them are mentioned below. 

• Your research paper, college assignments and office work can be easily done once you step inside the library. It provides a lot of services to its visitors, ranging from reading through books to using public computers for productive purposes.
• Forget about slow mobile data; it has free wifi and printing and photocopying devices for easy accessibility.
• Literature enthusiasts will find everything from Shakespeare to Marx to Rowling. The library caters to various reading tastes, from fiction to nonfiction, and includes local history as well.
• The library additionally has a well-defined pattern for browsing books for children and adults alike.
• Visitors can also use public computers and scanners for up to three hours daily.
• Apart from books, it also houses DVDs, toys, board games and a comprehensive BorrowBox app. It helps to navigate quickly through eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines. You and your little munchkins are always welcome on board!
• They also have adult nonfiction books, computers and a shop on Level 1.
• Level 2 comprises 15 minutes of use of computers and a cafe.
• Children’s area, computers and adult fiction compose Level 3.
• Level 4 is for computers and a gallery with a book display.
• Staff members are only permitted access to Level 5.
• Level 6 is known as the heritage floor, and local history items and books are displayed here.

Each floor also has a staff desk for helping out visitors with any enquiry. The library has efficient, friendly and helpful staff who maintain the ambience. They have also built a Calm Zone on Level 3 for times when it might get noisy due to many people. 

2.3 Newcastle City Library Timings

The library is open on all days except Sundays.

• On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, they are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tuesdays and Thursdays, they close at 7 p.m.
• On Saturdays, they close at 4 p.m.

2.4 Events at Newcastle City Library

Are you a fun-loving person? Always on the lookout for new activities and events? The library at the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne also hosts several events. Some are free to register, while some require a minimal fee. A few of their events include Basic Computer Training, Tech Tea Party, Teen Tuesdays, Crocheting Workshop, etc.

They also have weekly events like Tea and Newspapers, Knit and Natter, Recycle and Reuse, Rhyme and Rhythm, etc. Bookings are required for specific events and can be done by contacting the library authorities. The events are great efforts at community bonding and spreading awareness and general knowledge about various topics.

The Newcastle City Library is the best in Newcastle for all the above reasons. It is a place to enjoy books peacefully.