February is Sign Up Month for libraries in B&NES. This month we are celebrating all that is great about libraries and busting some myths.
We are hosting our first Festival of Libraries and the Mobile Library is going on tour! Look out as we park up at unexpected locations, come on board to meet staff and partners and to sign up as a member.
There are over 3,600 public libraries in the UK and libraries issue almost 165 million books a year. Amazingly we estimate that less than 20% of B&NES residents are library members and this February we are on a mission to change this. Libraries offer so much more than books and this month we will be busting myths and shouting about why we love them so much.
*Figures based on average cost of book, consumer spending on books in the United Kingdom in 2023 (Statista) and an estimation of £2.4 million based on borrowing May-November 2024 x two (12 month data not available due to change in library management system).
In B&NES you are never very far from being able to access a library. There are public libraries in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton, Community Run Libraries and the Mobile Library which travels on routes across B&NES.
You don’t even have to visit us to join. Sign up online for access to digital content including audiobooks and your favourite e-magazine or e-newspaper 24/7. If you want to get full access to all our collections, come in and we will set you up.
Haven’t visited for a while, or maybe never joined your local library? Here’s why you should!
It’s free! Join to access millions of books, eBooks, eMagazines and more through our LibrariesWest partnership.
Its a warm, safe space to study, read or just take some time away from the busy outside world
For adults and young people we have reading groups, social groups, host partners who give free advice, offer access to computers, tablets and free Wi-Fi
For children we offer free storytimes, events, computers and activities
Here are some of our favourite myths to dispel:
You need to be quiet. No. We do have quieter areas of our libraries but we also host noisy Baby, Bounce and Rhyme sessions and have groups in – we even have a café in Keynsham Library, so we don’t mind noise!
We don’t have the newest books or booktok trends. Not true. 60% of the stock we purchase is new releases. Our Stock Lead tells us more below.
A library only has books. Not true. We run events, have Sensory Spaces, a Lego Lab, tablets and computers for you to use as well as study areas.
There are fees and costs. No. We still want our books back on time but if you happen to return them late, don’t feel embarrassed. We’re just glad to see our books returned. If you have charges on your account, come and speak to us.
You have to come to us. No. Our Mobile Library travels all around B&NES and you can access our digital library without even leaving home.
You can’t eat in the library. We don’t mind as long as you take your mess with you.
Librarians and libraries are boring or antiquated. Not true – look at the pictures below from 1974 and 2024 – a lot has changed.
What else can you access when you are here?
All of the above plus:
- Charging points and Wi-Fi
- Comfy chairs
- Wide range of groups/activities
- Digital library including eAudiobooks/eNewspapers
- Dementia Resources
- Partner Services at Bath Central Library and Bath Housing, Welfare & Advice Service including Citizens Advice, Housing Options & Wellbeing Services
- B&NES Residents Discovery Card, available at Bath Housing, Welfare & Advice Services
If you live, work or study in Bath & North East Somerset, BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole), Bristol, Dorset, North Somerset, Somerset or South Gloucestershire you can join the library for free online.
How do we choose which books to buy?
- We buy the top rated newly released fiction books
- We buy top rated nonfiction and supplement this by checking bestseller charts
- We look at what’s popular across various platforms; what the big book shops are talking about and what’s trending on BookTok and Bookstagram
- We look at the top awards throughout the year and make sure we at least have their shortlists available on our catalogue
- We look at what our borrowers are requesting; we buy more of the same titles when they are hugely popular
- At least 40% of what we buy is based on what our borrowers are requesting as stock gaps
- We make sure to repurchase copies of titles that remain popular – this is particularly the case with children’s book series
Have you used our Sensory Spaces?
If you are visiting during our Festival or need a quiet, safe space try using our Sensory Spaces. All three are free to use. Ask a member of staff or book online.
We welcome everyone to use these spaces but they are primarily for families and small groups with children and adults with additional needs. Ask staff about our Sensory Explorer Bags too.
During the Festival we are also holding Library Introductions for SEND Families which are bookable on Eventbrite. Book a session to find out about the library’s special resources for SEND families. Spend time with a staff member talking about our books and special resources and visit our Sensory Space. Ask questions and sign up as a member if you aren’t already.
Find a Library or Information and Advice Service
Bath Central Library
19-23 The Podium, Northgate Street, Bath, BA1 5AN
Bath Housing, Welfare and Advice Services
3 to 4 Manvers Street, Bath, BA1 1JQ
Keynsham Library and Information Service
Civic Centre, Market Walk, Keynsham, BS31 1FS
Midsomer Norton Library and Information Service
The Hollies, High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DP
Mobile Library
Click the title to see the Mobile Library schedule
