FAQ

When are you open?

Our normal opening hours are:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9.30am to 5pm

Wednesday: 9.30am to 1pm

Saturday: 9.30am to 12.30pm

(Closed Sundays and Bank Holiday weekends)

How do I join?

Just pop in to the library and bring along your ID to be given a Low Fell Community Library card. Children can join from birth, we will just need a parent/guardian signature.

or click Join us

It is completely free to join.

Can I use my Gateshead Libraries card?

If you have an existing Council library ticket, it will continue to work in the 12 council operated libraries and the mobile library but it cannot be used at Low Fell Library.

Your Low Fell Community Library card cannot be used interchangeably with any other Gateshead Libraries.

What facilities and resources do you offer?

Our traditional book stock collections include:

- Fiction and non-fiction
- Reference
- Local history
- Large print and audio books
- Young adult
- Children’s books including baby board, junior, non-fiction and reference books.

Our electronic facilities include:

- Free WiFi
- Kindle devices for children (temporarily unavailable)
- PC and internet facilities
- Photocopying, scanning and printing

We have a sizeable community room and exhibition space available to hire.

You can purchase hot and cold beverages in the library to enjoy during your visit.

Is your WiFi free?

Yes, it is.

What activities do you have?

Find out about our regular community groups or culture events here.

If you would like to set up your own community group or hold profit-making activities as part of your business, you can find our rates for room hire here.

How do I book the community room/exhibition space?

Our sizeable community room can permit up to 60 people in the room with seating around the walls only with standing in the center of the room. In theatre layout a maximum of 32 people are permitted.

We also have valuable exhibition space in the community room and the foyer.

Click here for pricing information or contact the library with any questions you may have.

How long can I borrow books for?

The loan period is 3 weeks. You can ring the library to renew your book for a further 3 weeks.

What fees do you charge?

PC and internet access

Free. You need to be a library ticket holder or, for occasional visitors, you need to complete a computer use form

Wi-Fi

Free public wi-fi

Replacement tickets

£2.25

A charge will also be made for the replacement of lost or damaged books.

How can I get involved?

Volunteer - We are often on the lookout for people with expertise to help out in all sorts of ways, from staffing the desk and housekeeping to specialist advice.

Donate - We are grateful for offers of books, resources, and financial donations (you can donate online if you wish.)

Participate - Would you like to run a group or activity for the local community? Please feel free to get in touch.

How are the books arranged?

Adult fiction books are arranged first by genre e.g. Crime, Science Fiction, Family Saga, and then alphabetically by author surname.

Adult non-fiction books are arranged in a numerical sequence from 000 to 999 using the Dewey decimal classification system.

What is the Dewey decimal classification system?

It is the most widely used classification system in the world. Libraries in more than 135 countries use Dewey to organise their collections. Dewey categories non-fiction books into ten main divisions which are: