Books and much more

These days you will find that the traditional book service has been complemented by the addition of free public computer access along with a wide range of audio and film products for you to borrow.
Please use the pages in this section links to find out more.

24 Hour Library

Through our 24 Hour Library we subscribe to a wide range of internet services that members of Bristol Libraries can use, free of charge. Most of these resources can be used from home, your very own 24 hour library.

At Home Library Service

For people who are unable to visit a library, there is an 'at home' service available, where staff bring books to your home. We visit every four or eight weeks to exchange the books.

Clubs and Societies

Search for over 900 local community in our Local Organisations database, voluntary and self-help groups, clubs and societies, and other resources and facilities in Bristol (and occasionally beyond).

Computers and the internet in Libraries

Bristol Libraries has over 200 PCs - all free to use. We offer free Internet and email, the only cost is for print-outs. See the 'Charges' page for details. Word processing, spreadsheet, database, publishing and presentation programs from the Microsoft Office 2007 suite. You can self-book our computers with your library card and pin number, but only from a library computer (not from home). Bookings can be made from home but only via library staff over the telephone. Please contact the relevant library directly to make a telephone booking.

eAudioBooks

If you just want to listen to books being read to you then this is the service for you. All you need to do is log in to the LibrariesWest eAudioBooks website (using your Library card and PIN number), create an account and then download some software to your computer and then download books you can listen to onto your portable MP3 player.

eBooks

If you like reading lots books at your own pace but either can't get to the library or find the books too heavy, try out our eBook service. All you need to do is log in to the LibrariesWest eBooks website (using your Library card and PIN number). Next download and install some software. Soon after this you'll be reading books on a portable device. Please note this service uses the ePub format for eBooks which will not work on the Amazon kindle.

Facebook and Twitter

The Library service has both a Facebook page and a Twitter page where new developments are posted.

Learning Centre

Based on the first floor of the Central Library, the Learning Centre offers free adult public access to 28 computers. Scanning facilities are also available. University and college prospectuses are available for browsing. A collection of books on a variety of careers is available for loan as is a collection of books devoted to business information and startup

Library Services for Communities

We have a range of dedicated Library Services for African and African Caribbean, Asian, Disabled and LGBT communities

Local Organisations Database

Search for over 900 local community in our Local Organisations database, voluntary and self-help groups, clubs and societies, and other resources and facilities in Bristol (and occasionally beyond).

Newspapers, magazines and periodicals

A selection of mainstream publications is available to browse with varying lengths of back holdings, some for 6 months some for several years.

Reading Groups for Adults

Most of our libraries host reading groups for adults. These groups:

• Meet and discuss books in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
• Generally meet monthly, although some are fortnightly.
• Usually meet for around an hour.
• Are open to all.
• Are free to join.
• Provide books free of charge.
• Encourage members to choose the books for discussions themselves.

If you'd like to join any of the groups meeting in libraries, please contact the relevant library.

Dates, times and venues of adult reading groups.

Reference Services

The Reference Library is the largest public reference library in the South West with a collection that was originally founded in 1613 with the first Bristol Library on King Street. The current book stock numbers over a third of a million titles. There is room to seat 80 people in the Main Reading Room.

WiFi

WiFi is available in most Bristol libraries already. There is no charge and no need to login. Go to Library Finder. Look up the library in question and scroll down to 'Internet and computers- equipment' to see if WiFi is on offer at that location.