Introduction to the Central Library

The Central Library has the following departments:

• Central Lending Library
• Central Reference Library
• Children's Library
• Reading Aids Unit (for assistance of blind and visually impaired people)
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• Facilities are available for meetings, exhibitions, talks and there are special activities and events for children in the Children's Library. See the Library Events Calendar web page for details.
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• All departments offer internet access. Library members can have free internet access for one hour a day after which there is a charge of £1.50 per hour or part thereafter. Guests are charge 50p for half an hour and £1.50 per hour or part thereafter (excluding under 16’s or exempt borrowers).

The Opening times for these Libraries, except the Reading Aids Unit, are: 

Central Reference Library

The Central Reference Library offers a public enquiry service and Reference Only access to:

• Books
• Newspapers and periodicals
• Maps
• Government Publications
• Business Information (Company Information, Company Lists, Market Research, Trade and Business Directories etc)
• Census Data
• UK & European Legislation
• Information Leaflets

Other Services:  Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Database and Presentation software, CD-Roms, Meeting Room/IT suite for hire, Fax Service (sending and receiving), Photocopier, Scanning Facilities, Study area and study rooms.

For a full list of the newspapers and journals held in the Central Library, please see the Journal Holdings Central Library document attached to this page.

Children's Library

Any child from 0 to 16 may join the Library. An application form will need to be countersigned by a parent or guardian and proof of identity will be required. The Children's Library offers:

Lending Services:
Books, Paperbacks, Large Print Books including storybooks, Poems, Jokes, board, picture books, touch and feel, lift the flap, DVD's & Videos, Spoken Word Cassettes.

Other Services:
Reference Books, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, database and presentation software, school visits.

*Activities at the Children's Library include:
Storytelling, craft sessions, the annual Summer reading game.

Lending Library

The Lending Library is a section in Central Library which offers:

Lending Services:
Books, Paperbacks, Large Print Books, Music CDs, DVDs and Blu-Ray Discs

Other Services: 
Word Processing, Spreadsheets, database and presentation software, CD-Roms, Meeting Rooms, Scanning Facilities.

Sound and Vision Library

The music and film collection (CDs, DVDs sheet music and scores) can be found on the first floor in the Central Lending Library.

Spoken word items on cassettes and CDs are on the ground floor foyer.

Now available: Spoken word books on MP3 Disks and Digital Audio Books for loan. 

Joining the Library and Membership

To find out how to join a Library please visit the following web page:

• Joining the Library

To find out what you can borrow, and other membership information please visit the following web page:

• A Guide for Library Members

Fees and Charges

Please visit the following page for details of fees and charges: Library Fees and Charges

Events 

Please visit the following page for a list of events taking place at this library and other community libraries: Library Events Calendar

There are events throughout the areas of Doncaster. Please visit the following pages for details of what's on in and around your local area.

• Central Area
• The East Area
• The West Area