'Our Promise To You' is the Sandwell Library Service Charter, which sets out the promises we make to our customers about the services they can expect.
We have involved our customers in writing this charter but we would welcome any other comments you would like to make.

• We will make it easy for you to join and use the library

• Adults can join with one proof of identity, children without any
• We will consult with users with disabilities, and act on the findings, each year
• We will be courteous and helpful at all times
• We will answer the telephone within 6 rings and reply to letters and emails within 10 days
• All libraries will open for a minimum of four hours on Saturdays
• Sandwell library charges are the lowest in the Black Country

• We will provide books to read and listen to for all ages, free of charge and CDs and DVDs for a small charge

• We will buy at least 36,000 adult books and 14,000 children's books each year
• We will buy at least one copy of the top ten DVDs (including Bollywood DVDs)
• We will provide books, newspapers, CDs and DVDs in community languages

• We will provide services for children and young people

• Toy Library sessions in every Town (on average every 8 weeks)
• Help with homework in every library
• Holiday activities (at least 4 each summer holiday) in every library
• Summer reading challenge in every library

• We will answer your enquiries or refer you to someone else.
  • At least 90% of library users will rate staff knowledge as "good" or "very good"
  • We will provide free Internet access in all our libraries
  • The Community History and Archive Service is available in Smethwick Library for all the people in Sandwell

We will consult you at least once a year in each library and report the findings back to you.

April 2008

We welcome comments and feedback about the promises we make to you. Please use the online form to send us your feedback.