This Spring, grow your potential in one of Northamptonshire’s Libraries

17 February 2025

This Spring – Northamptonshire residents are being invited to grow their potential at one of the many Libraries across the county. 

The LibraryPlus service has 33 libraries across the county including 6 operated by North Northamptonshire Council, 9 operated by West Northamptonshire Council, and 18 community libraries managed by charities and community groups. 

These days Libraries provide so much more than the traditional book-lending function and offer a comprehensive resource of services and activities for all ages. 

All of the libraries are fully accessible, being inclusive spaces that are dementia and autism friendly.  

Families and children will feel right at home with access to educational resources, activities including Rhyme-Times and the flagship Summer Reading Challenge. 

Students can take advantage of free wi-fi and online reference resources, and printing, photocopying and scanning for a small fee. 

While businesses and professionals can access support at the Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire – offering one-to-one advice, workshops and webinars. 

“Our Libraries are absolutely wonderful, inclusive places that provide a haven where people can find a space to expand their knowledge, realise their potential or build friendships through activities.

“From the very young to the very old, Libraries provide a hub for the whole community, expanding each year to offer more and more.

“We have many regular visitors, whom we appreciate enormously but we may also have those who may not been in for many years, so we are keen to welcome them back and pay their local Library a visit to see just what is on offer.” Cllr Helen Howell, Deputy Leader of NNC and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism

“Our libraries are fantastic spaces offering so much more than just books. They provide a wide range of cost-effective and sustainable services, from accessing digital archives and specialist collections to joining community activities and volunteering. 

“Whether you're diving into history through Ancestry, participating in a language café, or borrowing music sets for a fraction of the cost, there’s something for everyone. 

“Libraries truly are the hub of the community where residents can explore, learn, and connect, all while being mindful of their budgets and the environment.” Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture, and Leisure at WNC

Did you know? 

Here are some of the fantastic services and activities offered by Northamptonshire libraries: 

• AnswersPlus: Free information and enquiry service for anyone in Northamptonshire. 
• Digital archives: Access exclusive archives like Ancestry and BFI Replay. 
• Request service: For a small fee, request any item in stock across the county for delivery to a library of your choice. 
• For the Love of Books digital book club: Open to all. 
• Events for all ages: including walking groups, language cafes, craft groups, coffee mornings, scrabble groups, and history talks. 
• Volunteering opportunities: from delivering children’s activities to customer support. 
• Health and wellbeing: books, eBooks, and audiobooks endorsed by health professionals. 
• Music and drama enthusiasts: hire music and playsets for choirs and drama groups. 
• Specialist collections: alternative language books, and resources for sustainable living. 

Additional community services: 

• Blue Badge application assistance: help applying for badges. 
• IT Buddies Sessions: helping people with digital skills and upskilling. 
• Knit and Natter Groups: open to all. 
• WNC Wellbeing Team: health & wellbeing support. 
• Adult social groups: with themes like crafting, Chatty Café, and Reading Friends. 
• Health Visitor Appointments. 
• Northampton Association for the Blind Mobile Sight Centre. 
• Community Help & Information Point: Citizens Advice Bureau and Social Prescriber services. 
• Financial Advice: from Barclays and Halifax. 
• Nordic Walking: starting and ending at the library. 
• Playlist for Life: Dementia support through meaningful music. 
• Adult Social Care Drop-in and Welcoming Spaces. 
• Study Happy: creating a conducive study environment for students. 
• Homelessness Support/Signposting: including Duty to Refer and Street Link. 
• Information and support around employability, Pension Credit, cost of living support, mental health self-referral (IAPAT), and more. 

Explore how your local library can support you with these cost-friendly and sustainable resources and become a member today.