Library and Information Service
Welcome to Sandwell Libraries' website, where you can find information about our services and events, renew your items on loan, search the library catalogue and much more.
Use the links on the left or right, or listed below, to find the range of services available.
New book/DVD Issuing System and Online Services.
In January, Sandwell Libraries completed the move from our old Catalogue, Book/DVD Issuing System to a new, £500,000, state of the art, one.
The new system, Civica Sydus, will greatly improve the services we can offer our customers. Our Online Services have been completely overhauled, with the way in which customers can request and reserve items improved to enable our customers to get what they want quicker.
For more information see the Library News
Cradley Heath Reopened
Cradley Heath library reopened on Wednesday 10th March 2010 - providing a reduced service. It is possible the library may have to close again in a few weeks time to allow further work to be carried out.
Online Services
We are pleased to announce that our Online Services are now available. Unfortunately, technical problems caused a delay in the completion of the improvements to these services, for which we apologise.
What’s changed:
- Improved search facility to help you find books and DVD’s on our catalogue.
- More control over your account.
- More control over how and what you want to reserve.
- Access to your previous/current loans and reservations.
If you are an existing library member who has never used this system before, there is no need for you to renew your membership to use the Online Services. You will need to obtain a PIN from a member of library staff. Please contact us by phone, email or visit to do this. Contact details can be found on the Contact Us page.
Selected libraries will be running drop in help and taster sessions for these new services. Details of forthcoming events can be found in our What’s On in Libraries section or contact us by phone, email or visit for more information.
Libraries for the Future
Blackheath Library is to undergo a landmark £1.9m build. The three story venue will house the library on the first floor. Facilities will include customer toilets, a refreshment area and space for training courses.
Work also began this summer to create a three story building for Oldbury Library on the site of the old bus station in Oldbury. The £6m flagship venue will be called Jack Judge House, named after the Oldbury-born songwriter who wrote ‘It’s a long way to Tipperary’.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for culture and leisure Cllr Linda Horton said: “This wave of investment by the council and its partners on new and revamped premises will ensure we can continue to offer the standards of service our customers deserve.”
Great Bridge Library Closure
Great Bridge Library will be closing to the public on Friday 23rd October at 7pm in order for refurbishment of the library to take place and the building of a brand new Children's Centre
The library and children's centre will re-open in late March/early April 2010 and we look forward to welcoming our customers to our new look building.
Online Resources
Search the catalogue to find items in stock at Sandwell Public Libraries and Sandwell College Libraries.
- Search the catalogue
- Join the library
- Directory of Local Organisations - information about all kinds of organisations, groups, clubs and societies in Sandwell
Library members can register to:
- Renew your items on loan
- Reserve items in stock
- Use our online electronic resources - such as Britannica Online and Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
News and Events
All the latest news from the Library Service and details of some forthcoming events.
Books and Reading
A wide selection of books, and spoken-word audio on CD and cassette. We also have author events, storytelling cafes and reading groups.
Children's Services
We offer Games Zones in our Learning Centres, Homework Clubs for study and our Toy Library allows you to borrow toys.
Help and Information
Our specialist staff will answer your enquiries, and we stock reference books, maps and directories as well as a wide selection of newspapers and magazines. Our online resources can provide access to a huge range of information.
Computers and Learning
Our Learning Centres provide free access to 250 computers, where you can search the Internet, check your email, or use our office software. We also offer computer courses from beginners to advanced.
Media Services
As well as books, Sandwell Libraries provide DVDs and CDs which may be borrowed. These include the latest movies, chart music and a selection of children's DVDs.
Customer Service Excellence in Sandwell Libraries
Sandwell Library & Information Service has successfully reached the Customer Service 'Excellence' standard. This is a formal Government assessment which shows commitment to providing excellent customer service.