Libraries - Children's Library Service

CHILDREN'S LIBRARY SERVICE

There are children's collections in all of our libraries and mobiles, providing books for all ages, from babies to teenagers. It's free to join the library and you can join at any age - from the day you are born! Here are a few questions that you may like to ask.

How do I join the library?

Joining the library is easy, in fact it is possible to borrow 2 items as soon as you come into the library and let us know your name, age and address.  When your parent or carer signs as guarantor and shows ID (something with their name and address on it such as a household bill or a driving licence) you can upgrade to full membership.

How many books can I borrow?

You can borrow up to 10 items at any one time, for up to 3 weeks.  If you need to keep them for longer we can extend the loan for a further 3 weeks, as long as no one else wants them.  Just bring the books into the library or telephone us with your library card handy.

What if I bring my books back late?

There are no late charges for items borrowed on a children's library card.

What if I can't find the book I want?

Library staff are on hand to help you find what you want.  You can request any book, even if it belongs to another library in Barnsley.  Bring along your library card, fill in a request card and we'll do the rest.  Best of all requests are free for children under 14.

What can I borrow?

We have books for all ages, both stories and information books.  There is a great range of books on CD for those who prefer to listen to stories.

Here is what you will find:-

For the under 7s

Board books - small, chunky books just right for little hands. Ideal for sharing with babies.
Picture books - with lots of pictures and not too much writing. Great to read with young children. 
Learning to read - books aimed at children beginning to read on their own.

Easy to Read (7 - 9 years)

Short stories for children who have just started reading on their own. The books have large writing and plenty of pictures. This is the time to let them choose what they would like to read for themselves.  You could also try listening to a book on CD - perfect for bedtime.

Children's Fiction (8 - 12 years)

Longer stories for older children. Lots of favourite authors such as Jaqueline Wilson, Philip Pullman and Anthony Horowitz.  This is the time when children are likely to want to read independently, but never too old to be read to!  It's an important time to experiment with different types of books and discover what they like.  If a full book's too much, let them try our joke books or graphic novels instead.  There's a great collection of books on CD for this age group too.

Teenage Reading (12 - 14 years)

Stories written for teenagers. We also have some information books on subjects like relationships and health.  Encourage teenagers to chat on the internet about books.  Good sites include Teenreads.com and Bookheads.org

Information

We have a great range of information books for homework or leisure interests.  There really is something for everyone.  Want to red some Indian folk tales?  Find them at the library.  Fancy taking up wrestling?  Find out how at the library.  You can also try our great range of Online Reference Resources for help with your homework or to answer that tricky quiz question.

CDs and DVDs

There's a great range of story and song CDs that can be borrowed free of charge and you can take up to 4 at a time.  Try playing them in the car or at bedtime.  Family films on DVD can be borrowed with an adult library card and there is a small charge.  Choose from old favourites and brand new releases.

Parents' Collections

Collections of books on parenting issues are available at all libraries.  Subjects include pregnancy, child health and behaviour and education.  There are also books to use with children to help them to overcome problems and issues.  

ICT

PCs with internet access are available to use FREE in all libraries in Barnsley.  There is a small charge for printing.  Under 16s will need to have an internet permission slip (available at the library) signed by a parent or guardian in order to use the library computers.  

Story and Rhyme Times

Join in the fun - come along to any of the Story and Rhyme times held in Barnsley Libraries to enjoy rhymes, stories and songs.  All events are free of charge and open to all parents/carers with babies and toddlers.  For more details contact individual branch libraries or ring Bookstart on 773935.

What else is available?

Dont Forget!

We're here to help - if you have any questions, just ask.  Also, if you have any suggestions as to how the Children's Library could be made better, we would like to hear from you.  Here are the contact details for the Central Library:-

Children's Services
Central Library
Shambles Street
Barnsley
South Yorkshire S70 2JF
Telephone 01226 773952
e-mail BarnsleyLibraryEnquiries@barnsley.gov.uk