Let your local County Durham library open your mind and fuel your imagination through books, learning opportunities, events and activities. You’re never too young or too old to join.
Your local library
We have 39 libraries across County Durham. Find out about the location, address, contact details, opening hours, services available and a map of your local library by visiting the branch library page.
You can also visit our library events online database.
Library Online
If you would like to browse the library catalogue, request an item or renew an item already on loan, please visit Library Online. This facility also offers members of our library service full and free access to a range of websites including Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Grove Music Online and Encyclopaedia Britannica Online.
Mobile libraries and Books on Wheels
If you don’t live near a library, maybe we can bring a library to you. We have a fleet of five mobile libraries, all with disabled access, that stop in more than 380 locations in villages and communities across County Durham. Mobile libraries are well stocked with books and talking books to suit all tastes and ages. Friendly staff can provide information and deal with enquiries and book reservations.
Books on Wheels is a free service that delivers books to people who have mobility problems and who can't use their local library, or have no-one to go to the library for them. The Bookbus provides a mobile library service to older people and people with disabilities in residential homes, day care centres and sheltered housing schemes throughout County Durham. The Bookbus visits over 50 homes, centres and schemes on a three weekly rota.
My library - Book on Wheels.pdf (2 pages, 433kb)
What services do libraries offer?
Books
Our libraries offer a wide range of books for everyone with three quarters of a million titles to choose from. You can borrow up to twelve books and two talking books for three weeks at a time. Borrow and return your books to any County Durham library.
Computers and the internet
All libraries have free internet access with a range of software and high speed broadband internet. You can book a computer session in person, by telephoning your local library, or via Library Online.
Accessible library services
Libraries in County Durham are accessible and offer a range of services to help customers with specific needs.
HealthZones
Every library has a HealthZone with books to borrow and leaflets and information to take away. From alternative remedies to self-help programmes and healthy cooking books, you’ll be sure to find information to help and inspire you.
Local history
If you are interested in local and family history, local libraries are a good place to start your research. The type of resources available depends on the size of the library, but many local libraries have a small local history collection.
Sale of books and publications
Sales of unwanted stock are held every year at selected libraries throughout the county. Each sale usually lasts for a month and takes place during normal library opening hours.
My library - information for adults.pdf (2 pages, 219kb)
My-library - information for young people.pdf (2 pages, 165kb)
My library - information for children.pdf (2 pages, 171kb)
My library - computer services.pdf (2 pages, 456kb)
How do I...
Join a library?
You can join at any of the 39 libraries in County Durham or on Library Online. All you need to join is one proof of identity and address. Your library card now allows you to borrow books from any public library in England, Wales and Northern Ireland but you must return them to the library you borrowed them from if they are not in County Durham.
Inspire North East allows members of public lending libraries to access specialist reference collections held by partner libraries throughout the region. Whether you are following an educational course or just pursuing a special interest, if your own library can’t supply what you need, you can now visit most other libraries in the region.
Renew my loans?
You can renew your items by visiting or telephoning your local library or by using Library Online. Register for our email reminder service on Library Online and we will email you to remind you that your items are due back soon.
Reserve items?
You can reserve items for a small fee by visiting or telephoning your local library or by using Library Online. We’ll contact you once the item is available at your local library so you can arrange to collect it.
My library - user guide.pdf (2 pages, 185kb)
Library Bylaws.pdf (1 page, 909kb)
Fees and charges
Although most of our services are free, we do make charges for services in some areas. Our current fees and charges are as follows:
Libraries Fees and Charges 2012-13.pdf (1 page, 59kb)
School library service (Durham Learning Resources)
Durham Learning Resources is County Durham's library service for primary, nursery, special and secondary schools.
Toy library
Our toy library offers a wide range of toys and equipment suitable for children up to the age of eight years old. The library is available for all registered childcare providers in County Durham.