Redditch Library

15 Market Place,
Redditch.
B98 8AR

Tel: 01527 63291
Fax: 01527 68571
Email: RedditchLib@worcestershire.gov.uk

(AW.C.MF.MR.EX.RP)

Mon: 9.30 - 8.00
Tues: 9.30 - 5.30
Wed: 9.30 - 5.30
Thurs: 9.30 - 8.00
Fri: 9.30 - 8.00
Sat: 9.30 - 5.30

A map of how to get to the Library

Community Library Manager - Angela Wright

The library has books, videos, DVDs, talking books, printed music, languages courses and compact discs for loan.

We have available for public use, 50 Peoples Network terminals, some of which are specifically designated for use by children.Terminals can be booked for 2 hour sessions to use either the Internet or Microsoft Office facilities

Why not try our "Book and Brew" area where you can sit and relax and enjoy a drink.

Childrens Services
Storytimes
Storytimes for children aged 2 and a half years and above take  place every Saturday between 11.00am and 11.30am. Parents must remain with their children. This is a free activity.

Homework Centre
Redditch library operates a homework centre Monday to Friday 3.30pm - 5pm and Saturdays 2.00pm - 3.30pm during term time.  During these times children can surf the net for free, do word processing and have up to 5 free photocopies, provided the photocopies are homework linked.

Look for children's activities advertised in the library on a regular basis..

Reader Development Services

Readers Group

Poetry Group

A poetry group meets in the library on the first Tuesday of each month at 2.30 pm to share and discuss published poetry.

Please contact the library or a ask a member of staff for more details about these groups.

Local Collection
The collection contains books, maps, photographs and newspapers concerning the Redditch area.

Of particular interest are the following:

Reports of excavations and books about BORDESLEY ABBEY.

There is a small collection of articles and booklets relating to the history of NEEDLEMAKING;.
Information on the CYCLE industry, including a large collection of microfilmed press cuttings and photographs relating to the Enfield company.

Material on Redditch NEW TOWN. There are several reports, and a history by Gordon Anstis, "Redditch: success in the heart of England", published in 1985.

Other items of note include:
The Redditch Indicator, the local newspaper, which began in 1859.
Local tithe apportionments and maps
Ordnance Survey maps, large scale, 1880- 1981.
Needle District Almanacks, annual directories, 1873-1936.
Redditch and district census schedules 1841-1891.
International Genealogical Index for Worcestershire & Warwickshire.
Registers of 'Redditch Parish Church 1770-1970.
Richardson, Ralph. The Book of Redditch. 1986.

The collection is for reference only, but copies of many local books are available for loan from other departments in the library. There are entries for these loanable items in the library's catalogue.

A microfilm/fiche reader-printer, a microfilm reader and a photocopier are available for public use.

Mobile Library Service

This Service operates from the library to serve the outlying districts and villages of Redditch. The Mobile Library Service page gives dates and locations for all mobile libraries serving rural Worcestershire.

Housebound Service
The library offers a housebound service to those readers who find it difficult to get into the main library or use the mobile service.  Books are chosen by the staff according to readers' preferences and are delivered monthly by volunteer drivers.

Space Available in the Library
Market Place Gallery is the landing between Level One and Level Four Libraries. It offers continuous boarding measuring 53ft x 4ft

Upright Glass Display Case with 5 shelves on Level Four which is lockable and secure.  Overall height is 5 ft 3 in, depth 15 in,  width 15 in and maximum height between shelves is 11 in

Two Display Boards for posters by groups or organizations on Level Four

Winged display board : total of 6 boards - both sides can be used
2 large centre boards 3ft high x 3ft 10in wide
4 smaller side boards 3ft high x 1ft 10in wide
Triangular display board: total of 6 boards
All boards measure the same:
2ft 11in high x 1ft 10in wide

Children's & School art work space on Level One

There is a meeting room available for hire. For details please contact Jacky Perry on 01527 63291
Full rates per hour are:
Summer (1st May - 30th Sept)   £13
Winter (1st Oct - 30th Apr)           £14
Concessionary rate (per hour) to apply to non-profit making activities 50% of the above.
Activities promoting the work of the Libraries Department: Free

Exhibitions held in the Library
There is a constant programme of exhibitions held in the Library's Market Place Gallery.

Happening

For events and happenings in and around Redditch and Bromsgrove, view or print your own  copy of our publication 'Happening'  (144.77 KB)