Find your local library

There are libraries in every area of the city, welcoming places with lots of facilities and friendly staff to help you.

Become a library member

Joining the library is quick and easy. Once you are a member, you can borrow all kinds of things either free or for a small charge. These include books, CDs and DVDs, including films from all over the world. Improve your English with our free language courses on CD, which include IELTS course materials.

For many languages, including Farsi, French, Polish, Chinese and Hindi, you can borrow novels in your own language. Ask the library staff if we have books in your language.

Please make sure you return items on time to avoid being charged fines.

Use our computers to stay in touch and find information

You can also use computers to keep in touch with family and friends, for information and for leisure.

We have lots of electronic reference books that you can use, including the "Life in Great Britain" software, to help you to prepare for the British Citizenship Test. Infotrac newspapers gives access to many magazines and newspapers, and you may be able to translate them into your language and also have them read to you.

Practise your English

Several of our libraries run conversation classes, so you can enjoy practising your English language skills while you meet new people and share your ideas on lots of interesting topics. These take place weekly on:

• Tuesdays 11.00am - 12.45pm at Meadows Library
• Wednesdays 1.00pm - 2.45pm at St. Ann's Valley Library
• Thursdays 3.00pm - 5.00pm at the Central Library - Floor 1 Meeting Room
• Fridays 10.30am - 12.00 noon at Hyson Green Library

Meeting times may vary during holiday periods. Please contact Juliet juliet.line@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or Jason jason.mccormack@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or phone them on 0115 915 1180 for details and other further information.

The Language Cafe - Teach or learn another language (including English)

• Language Cafe: Weekly on Saturdays between 1.00 and 3.00pm at Nottingham Central Library.

A fun and informal way to learn new languages, practice your teaching skills and meet people from all over the world. No formal qualifications are needed to teach, just a knowledge of another language and a desire to help others learn.

Anyone with an enthusiasm for language is welcome, whether you want to surprise your neighbours by greeting them in their mother tongue, or improve your conversation skills.

Meeting times may vary during holiday periods. Please contact Juliet juliet.line@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or Jason jason.mccormack@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or phone them on 0115 915 1180 for details and other further information.

Join us at an event

You will also be welcome at the many events which take place in our libraries, from author visits to craft sessions for adults and children; from the opportunity to see birds of prey to enjoying a concert or visiting a health fair.

Find out more

Please speak to one of our staff if you need more information about the Nottingham area and where to go for help. You can also contact Jason jason.mccormack@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or Juliet juliet.line@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or phone them on 0115 915 1180.