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Magazines
Each Cheshire Library takes at least one local and one national newspaper and subscribes to a selection of periodicals and magazines covering interests and hobbies.

Meeting Rooms
Many of our libraries have meeting rooms and tea and coffee making facilities for community groups and businesses. If you wish to use these facilities, please ask a member of staff for details. There is a charge for this service.

Minicom Text phones
A minicom is a small machine that can be used with a telephone, to receive and transmit messages which are typed into it.  Some libraries have a Minicom. If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can use the library minicom free of charge to phone anywhere in the UK. 

Mobile libraries
We have mobile libraries which take books for all ages into the rural areas of Cheshire. They provide a fortnightly service. See the mobile libraries pages for details of routes.

Mobile libraries also operate from the Education Library Service; these take books to schools throughout Cheshire.

Multicultural Services
Books and tapes/CDs on learning English as an Additional Language (EAL) can be borrowed or reserved at any library. Libraries can also offer information on local courses. Visit our multicultural services web page for further information.

Multimedia
Most libraries have Multimedia sections, where you will find the latest CDs, DVDs, console games, videos and CD-ROMs. There is a charge for the loan of these items. The current charges are listed on the Library Charges page, and are on display in all libraries.

Museums and Heritage
The Museums and Heritage Service provides information on the Salt Museum, Stretton Watermill and other museums in Cheshire. Find out about events and activities, as well as education and lifelong learning opportunities. Discover Cheshire's archaeological background.

Music
The array of artistes and styles available on CD in Cheshire Libraries will be music to your ears!  If you cannot find the title you wish to borrow at your local library, you can reserve it if it is in stock at another library in Cheshire.  You can reserve items via the library catalogue using your library card number and PIN or in person at your local library.  If you don't have your PIN you can obtain it by sending us an email containing your library card number, name and address or you can ask at your local library.  There is a charge for the loan of these items.

Music Scores
Single or multiple copies of music scores can be ordered directly from Bibliographic Services at Hoole Road, Chester, but can be collected from the library of your choice. There is a fee for borrowing multiple sets; please ask for details. See also sheet music. Phone 01244 976048/6 for details.

Newspapers
Each Cheshire Library takes at least 1 local and 1 national daily newspaper, which may be read in the library. Most libraries also keep backdated copies of local newspapers. Historic collections of local newspapers are held at the Cheshire Record Office.

Ordering items
You can reserve in-stock items online through our library catalogue.  To do this you need your library membership number and PIN.

You can also order or reserve items which are not currently available at your local library in person. Simply fill in a Reservation Form and we will send you a postcard or email to let you know when the item you have reserved is ready for you to borrow. Use our suggestion forms for books and multimedia items not already in stock, we'll do our best to add them to our collection.

Parish Records
In addition to collections at the Cheshire Record Office, some of our larger libraries hold local collections of Parish Records. Please contact the individual libraries for details.

People's Network
All libraries have People's Network computers available for you to use. These allow you to access the Internet, library catalogue, homework resources, the Virtual Reference Library, send email, use Word and other Office software.  Many of the resources available on our library computers can also be accessed on any computer if you have a library membership number and PIN.

Computer use is free for one hour each day.  Most libraries have self-service computers which you can drop in and use with your library card number and PIN.  They also have computers which you can book to use, contact the individual library to do this.

Terms and conditions (PDF 54 kb) of use apply.

If you are not a library member just bring along one form of ID (which must show your address) and join on the day!  Under 16s will need a signed parental consent declaration form (PDF, 54KB) before using the computers. Joining if you are under 16.

Printing and scanning facilities are available in all libraries. Demand for use can be high so booking in advance is advisable. Please contact your local library for details.  There are charges for printing.

We have special screens and speech synthesisers for people who are visually impaired.

 A variety of computer courses are run at Chester Library and Ellesmere Port Library.  These range from complete beginners courses to ECDL level.  For details call 01244 977386 for courses at Chester and 0151 333 8058 for courses in Ellesmere Port.

Photocopiers
All libraries have black and white coin operated photocopiers for you to use.  Some larger libraries have colour photocopiers.  There are charges for using the copiers.

Photographs
Larger libraries will have some photographs relating to their locality. There is also a countywide collection of photographs, slides, prints and other images at the Cheshire Record Office.

Some of these images are being stored digitally and made available on CD-ROM in larger libraries. Please phone 01244 603018 for further details. Digital images created from original materials held at the Record Office and in Libraries are available online at the Cheshire and Chester Archives and Local Studies digital image website. 

PIN
A PIN is required to access the details of your loans and reservations and to reserve and renew items on the Cheshire Libraries Catalogue. If you do not know your PIN , contact your local library or e-mail librarynotifications@cheshiresharedservices.gov.uk, quoting your library card number, and confirming your name and address.

Playgroups and Nurseries
Playgroups, nurseries and parent/toddler groups can borrow books for use by children in their care. 'Big books' are also available for loan in some libraries.  Local Authority nursery schools can use the Education Library Service.  For details of crèches, nurseries, holiday play schemes, childminders, out of school clubs and parent/toddler groups please contact the Family Information Service on 0800 0852863.

Plays
Hoole Library has a special collection of plays.  Single and multiple copies of plays are available for loan. A list of new titles is available on request.

One act play collection : colour coding.

• Light green - comedy - mixed cast - 1-6 characters
• Dark green - comedy - mixed cast - 7+ characters
• Light brown - drama - mixed cast - 1-6 characters
• Dark brown - drama - mixed cast - 7+ characters
• Light red - comedy - female cast - 1-6 characters
• Dark red - comedy - female cast - 7+ characters
• Light blue - drama - female cast - 1-6 characters
• Dark blue - drama - female cast - 7+ characters
• Yellow - all male cast - any cast size

A full list of plays (PDF: 1,212 kb) is available. Please contact Hoole Library on 01244 347401 for further details.

Prison library
We provide a library service at HM Prison in Styal.

Publications for sale
The following items are available for sale from some of our libraries:- local postcards, booklets, greeting cards, and educational posters.

Randolph Caldecott Collection
Randolph Caldecott, artist and book illustrator, was born at 150 Bridge Street, Chester in 1846. He was educated at King Henry VIII School in Chester. He died in Florida in 1886, and there is a memorial to him in Chester Cathedral.
Chester Library has a collection of about 140 volumes by Caldecott, including his contributions to The Graphic Magazine, Washington Irving's 'Old Christmas' and 'Bracebridge Hall' and his series of picture books such as 'The House that Jack Built', 'Babes in the Wood' and 'Ride a Cock Horse'. Please contact the library in advance to view the collection, as it is located on closed access.

Readers
Whether you are looking for literature events, reading groups or inspiration, the Readers and Writers website has something for you.

Reading Groups
If you are interested in joining or setting up a Reading Group, we can offer information and multiple copies of a range of titles; ask at your local library for details.  The Readers and Writers website also has details about the Reading Group Collection and contact details for existing reading groups.

Records and Archives
The Cheshire Record Office collects and cares for the principal collection of records and archives for the county of Cheshire, from the 12th century to the present day. Members of the public can consult these archives in the search room, free of charge and by appointment.

Reference collections
All Cheshire libraries have a collection of reference books for answering everyday enquiries and checking elusive facts in almanacs, atlases, dictionaries, directories, encyclopedias and yearbooks.
The larger libraries have more extensive collections for students and have trained staff available to handle more complex enquiries. Study facilities are also available.

The Virtual Reference Library is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are a growing number of excellent information resources at your fingertips; simply log onto the Virtual Reference Library and enter the number on your library card when prompted.

Renewing items
Books should be returned within three weeks. If you can't bring your books back by the return date, in order to avoid paying fines items can be renewed in the following ways:

• By telephone at any library
• In person at any library
• Library Catalogue, you will need your library card number and PIN
• By email, quoting your name and library card number
• By post, quoting your name and library card number
• On the 24 hour renewals phone number 0845 148 0148, you will need your library card number

Renewals will be for a further three week period unless the item is requested by another borrower.

Books can be renewed without coming into the library up to eight times, and then must be brought into a library for returns or a further renewal.

Multimedia items such as CDs and DVDs may also be renewed if not required by other borrowers. Such renewals will incur a further charge at the rate of the original loan. Multimedia items will be issued for a further week. After this date a daily fines rate will apply.

Reserving and requesting items
If the library you use doesn't have an item you want, they can try to borrow it from another Cheshire library. The stock of our libraries is listed the library catalogue.  If you have not used this before staff can show you how to search. There is a charge for reserving items. You can now reserve items yourself online via our library catalogue.  You will need your library card number and PIN to log on.

If you would like to reserve an item that is not held by any Cheshire Library, our Interlending Unit can provide items from other UK libraries or even a library outside the UK if necessary. Just go into a library to place your reservation. Charges apply to these services.

Romany Collection
Romany was the name used by the Rev . George Bramwell Evens (1884-1943) in his BBC Children's Hour radio broadcasts Out with Romany in the 1930s and 40s. His mother was a true gypsy and the caravan, or vardo, he used for his outings can still be seen outside Wilmslow Library, along with the memorial to his dog, Raq.
Wilmslow Library holds a collection of Romany's books and copies of the Romany magazine, published annually by the Romany Society, which can be accessed during library opening hours for reference only.

Rhyme times
Rhyme times for under 5's are offered at various Cheshire Libraries. A full list of rhyme times is available, covering all Cheshire Libraries. You can also check the individual library pages for details.

Salt Museum
There has been a Salt Museum in Northwich for over 100 years. The museum runs a programme of events and exhibitions, and caters for members of the public, school parties and researchers.

Schools
Advice and resources for schools are provided by the Education Library Service. Teachers can also take their class to visit the local public library by arrangement.

Sheet Music
Most libraries have some sheet music, but bigger collections of music scores are available at the largest libraries. Sets of vocal scores are also available on request for a small fee.

Silk Industry Collection
Macclesfield Library holds a large collection of books and pamphlets on the Silk industry and the textile industry in and around Macclesfield, dating from 1825. The collection can be accessed for reference only during normal library opening hours. It is housed in glass cabinets, so please ask staff for assistance.

Skills for Life
Figures show that up to 20% of the population need some extra help with reading, writing and mathematics. Cheshire West & Chester Libraries provide some materials to help, and can also supply details of local courses. Libraries are welcoming places, and staff are always willing to give advice. You can also visit our Skills for Life web page for further details of services provided.

Special Collections
Although these collections are housed in various libraries, items from selected collections can be reserved through any library in the county. These are a Militaria collection based at Chester Library; Agricultural at Reaseheath College, Nantwich; Plays at Hoole Library; Vocal Scores at the County Reserve Store and a Special Needs collection for children at Chester, Crewe, Macclesfield and Winsford libraries.
Through a special arrangement the 'Railway' collection at Widnes Library is also available to Cheshire borrowers.
Other special collections include the Romany Collection at Wilmslow Library, the Silk and Tunnicliffe Collections at Macclesfield Library and the Whitfield Collection at Knutsford Library. Please note that these collections are for reference use only in the host library. Items within these collections are not available for loan and cannot be reserved through any Cheshire library.

Special Needs
We have a collection of books and other materials for use by parents/carers with children who have special needs - visual, audio, physical, emotional or learning difficulties. For special needs provision for adults, see disabilities.  Contact the Inclusion and Special Projects Officer on 01244 976025 for details, or visit our additional library services web page.

Story Time
Storytimes for under 5's are offered at various Cheshire Libraries. A full list of storytimes is available, covering all Cheshire Libraries. You can also check the individual library pages for details.

Stretton Watermill
Stretton Watermill is a working mill set in beautiful rural Cheshire. It is one of the country's best preserved demonstration water- powered corn mills. Discover the history of the mill or come along to one of our summer events.

Supernova
Supernova provides a method of magnifying computer screens, including the internet and email, and gives a range of colour options to help people with various eye problems. It can also convert text to speech, for those who are unable to read the screen. Supernova is currently available in many libraries, and we hope to install it in all libraries by the end of 2009. Please contact your local library for information.

Talking books
All libraries have collections of talking books, most of which are complete, unabridged recordings. There is generally a small charge for borrowing these items, but persons who have difficulty in reading or handling books may borrow them free of charge. Catalogues in various formats, including Braille, are available for adults and children.

Teenagers
There is a teenage section in every library with books chosen for young people. These include both popular series and classics. All parts of the library are open to teenagers; this includes the Reference area, MultiMedia and information and study areas.
Each library has a Teenage Fact File (PDF, 43KB): a reference collection of leaflets on subjects that concern young people. Contact LINC for further details.

Teenspace
The place for teens in Cheshire Libraries. Teenspace links to a range of websites and services aimed specifically at teenagers. It's for you, for lifestyle and learning!

Tunnicliffe Collection
Macclesfield Library holds a collection of books and ephemera from 1933 about the work of, or written or illustrated by C F Tunnicliffe (1901-1979), a local author and illustrator born in Langley. His illustrations were predominantly of flora and fauna and wildlife, particularly birds. Some of the books contain notes made by Tunnicliffe. The collection includes Brooke Bond Dividend Tea cards, greetings cards and postcards illustrated by Tunnicliffe.
The collection can be accessed for reference only during normal library opening hours. Ask staff for assistance, as the collection is housed in glass cabinets.

Video caption readers
If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can borrow a video caption reader free for home use when you borrow videos from the library. Simply plug this small machine into your TV and video player and it will generate captions onscreen. Make sure that the video you borrow bears the videocaption symbol. Since the advent of DVD, these readers are now only available in a small number of our libraries.

Videos
You can borrow a range of videos from Cheshire libraries, including our unique Special Interest Collection - a range of videos to help you get the most from your leisure time.  There is a charge for this service. If you need to use subtitles, video caption readers are available.
There is a small central collection of audio-described videos for people who are visually impaired.

Virtual Reference Library - VRL
The VRL provides access to an extensive range of reference works at the click of a mouse.  Britannica, The Dictionary of National Biography, newspaper databases, Kompass Business Directory and many more can be viewed by logging on to the Library homepage and entering your library card number when prompted. The majority of resources may be used from home or work, and all can be accessed at your local library via the People's Network computers.

Visually impaired
All libraries have collections of books in large print, as well as talking books on cassette. People who have difficulty reading print or handling books are not charged for the loan of talking books.
Some of our larger libraries also have extra facilities for the visually impaired. The library can provide information on other talking book services and general services - both local and national - for visually impaired people.
There is a central collection on visual impairment (PDF, 85KB), including a number of audio-described videos, and a catalogue is available. Visit our visual impairment page for full details of services available.

Walter Crane Collection
Walter Crane, the illustrator, designer and painter, was born in Liverpool in 1845, and appointed director of design at Manchester School of Art in 1893. He died in Sussex in 1915.  Chester Library has a small collection of about 60 volumes by Walter Crane, including the series of Toy Books, nursery rhymes and fairy tales for very young children, and his writings on decorative art such as 'Decorative Illustration' and 'Ideals in Art'. Please contact Chester library in advance to view the collection as it is located on closed access.

Whitfield Collection
Knutsford Library holds a collection of books about Mrs Gaskell and her works, which was collected by Professor A Stanton Whitfield (1900-1975). He was teaching English Literature in Japan whilst writing his book, Mrs Gaskell: her life and work, resulting in several items in the collection being in Japanese. The collection contains many of Mrs Gaskell's novels, biography, journals, foreign language editions, dramatisations of her novels, literary criticisms, cuttings and miscellaneous background material, and can be accessed during normal library opening hours.

Wordprocessing and World Wide Web - see Computers

Writers
The Readers and Writers website provides information for writers. Whether you are looking for literature events, writers groups or competitions we have something for all writers. You can also find details of the Cheshire Poet Laureate.

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