Borrowing
We stock a wide range of story books and information material, reflecting the needs of the local community, which uses its resources.
Information books
Our library stock includes books on all major subject areas; you can find travel guides, drama and literary criticism, cookery, computer books and manuals, books on the Second World War and celebrity biographies. Hobbies and interests are also well catered for and whatever your interests are, gardening or do it yourself, you are sure of finding something to suit you. There are large collections of health books, which provide information on a broad range of topics including healthy living alternative therapies and diet and nutrition.
Languages
You can find books in the main community languages used in Sandwell. There is also material for those wishing to learn a new language either for work or pleasure, with courses on cassette and CD, books on grammar and vocabulary.
Large Print and Spoken Word
In addition to books in standard print, we also offer books in Large Print as well as a wide range of spoken word material including classic authors and contemporary fiction, Shakespeare, poetry and comedy.
Stories for everyone
At your local library you can always find something interesting to read, anything from classics to cult fiction, from works by long-established authors to debut novels by new writers.
- From scary stories to tales of the sea you are sure to find something to fire your imagination and keep you entertained.
- There are books written by Black and Asian authors and these features major writers from North America, the Caribbean, Africa and South Asia as well as young Black British and British Asian authors.
Teenagers and young children are well served by an extensive collection of story and information books. You can also find Graphic Novels using a combination of words and pictures to tell a story.
Multimedia
There is an extensive collection of DVDs, videos and CDs representing all types of music and film for all tastes ranging from feature films and classic comedy and drama through to educational and recreational titles.
Check out your local library to see what services they offer!
Music categories include:
- Rock & pop (including recent chart material)
- Asian
- Classical music
- Folk
- Light Music
- Jazz and Blues
- Films and shows
- Reggae
Every library in Sandwell has stocks of Children's films ranging from old favourites such as Sooty and Paddington Bear through to newer titles such as Tweenies and Bob the Builder.
Sandwell Central Library offers the widest range of multimedia items and you can find blockbuster movies sitting alongside classic movies of yesteryear.
- There are standard charges for the hire of these items. Loan periods vary according to the type of material.
Books, language courses and spoken word titles are loaned for four weeks, and may be renewed for a further period if no-one else has asked for them.
Compact discs are loaned for two weeks and may be renewed for a further period if no-one else has asked for them but there will be a further charge.
DVDs and videos are loaned for one week and may be renewed, if no-one else has asked for them but there will be a further charge.
Requests
If there a particular item you require but cannot find, why not let our request service help you?