What we've been doing at our libraries since the 2015 consultation.

Volunteering

We have a new volunteering programme, which includes opportunities to help with:

  • computer code clubs for children
  • chess clubs 
  • storytimes in other languages
  • IT support
  • reminiscence groups
  • comic clubs
  • shared reading groups
  • author events

Events

We run a wide range of events including:

  • lunchtime lectures
  • theatre tours 
  • the annual summer reading challenge for children
  • Shakespeare in the library
  • storytime and bounce and rhyme
  • story walks

Go to the Bristol Libraries events page for details of our latest events.

Work with partners

We work with:

  • NHS on storytime takeover
  • health visitors and Children’s Centres to run Bookstart
  • museums
  • Community Access Support Service to give free resources to families to improve mental wellbeing

Service improvement and modernisation

We have:

  • learning toys available in our libraries
  • improved our Wifi networks to 100Mbps
  • introduced eBooks to loan
  • introduced free reservations
  • reduced unplanned closures by 88%
  • opened two new libraries in Bishopston and Lockleaze
  • made extended access available in three libraries, so you can go into them when there aren’t staff there by using your library card