Learning Opportunities in Libraries
Learning for Everyone
If you are interested in learning a new skill or taking up a new hobby your library will have access to a range of books you may find helpful. From beginners guides to more advanced projects we have the book for you. Our stock covers everything from cookery and painting to fishing and DIY. All our titles can be reserved through library online.
If you are intersted in developing and new hobby and meeting people why not have a look at the lists of local groups and clubs available on our Community Information Online. The database contains details of local organisations ranging from photographic clubs to local history societies, some of which even meet in local libraries.
If you are studying or undertaking research we offer a comprehensive reference and information service. We can obtain books on a range of topics ranging from basic guides to academic texts. Details of all our books are available on Library Online or you can call into your local library where staff will be happy you help you find the information you need. If you require books or journal articles not currently in our stock we will also be happy to try to obtain them for you from outside our authority although there is a charge for this service.
Registered members of the library have free access to a range of Online Reference resources (e.g. Britannica Online) which can be used in support of home study. These resources can be accessed via Library Online.
Learn a language
Why not get ready for your holiday by learning the language? At the very least you'll be able to ask for directions to the beach! You could prepare for a business trip abroad or simply choose one you always wanted to learn. There is a wide range of languages on offer from tourist Spanish to Russian, Afrikaans to Urdu. You can find out more and order courses to borrow from your local library or from Library Online for either 3 weeks or 3 months depending on the level. The normal reservation fee applies to 3 week loans but 3 month packs are charged for at a higher rate, please see our charges for further details.
We also have a number of books in other languages available for loan.
Get Webwise!
We are one of thousand organisations around Britain who have teamed up with the BBC to give free " crash courses" on the World Wide Web. Webwise is designed to help people who still want to take their first tentative steps on the Internet.
Whether you're a mystified Mum or Dad who wants to reclaim the family computer, or you simply want to know the difference between a hot link and a search engine, then help is at hand. Webwise is available in all of the libraries throughout County Durham, so to arrange a session, simply contact your local library from the list of library opening hours.
