The clocks have gone back, it's getting colder and the nights are drawing in, what better way to spend your evening than snuggled up with a good read or two?

As our opening hours have extended, now is the perfect time to return your old books and pick up some new titles.

If you can't make it outside at the moment, we have a fantastic choice of digital reads available to download from the comfort of your home.

• Our libraries are now open additional days which includes a Saturday session at North Swindon Library.

• Central Library has extended its Quick Choice service and opened the whole first floor to browsing.  Pre-booking is not required at Central Library when using this service.

• Pre-booking is also not required when using the Quick Choice service at West Swindon Library.  As West Swindon Library is located within another public building however, if visiting for any of our services you will need to provide personal details in order to comply with the government’s requirements for NHS Test and Trace, either scan the QR code for the NHS app or complete the paper slip provided.  See the service Privacy Notice for information about how we will use the information you provide.

If you are planning on visiting a library, please ensure you arrive wearing a face covering as you will be required to wear this for the duration of your visit. 

Please use the hand sanitiser provided and follow social distancing guidance at all times.

Please do not visit the library if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.

Our available services remain the same within our Core Libraries.

• Click, Call and Collect: Let our staff choose a selection of books on your behalf.

• Quick Choice: Browse a small selection of books at your chosen library.
  • Booking is required at Highworth, North Swindon and Park Libraries.
  • Booking is no longer required at Central or West Swindon Libraries.   

• Public Use Computers: Book a session to use one of our public computers.
  • Printing is currently unavailable.

• Reservations: Using our online catalogue, reserve your books at home for free and collect them once they are available.

• Returns: Return any outstanding books.

We have an extensive digital offer available, which our members can access from home. These digital resources include:

• An expanded range of eResources giving you free access to premium websites
• An increased and improved selection of eBooks and eAudio books through our Borrowbox app
• An impressive range of eMagazines and eNewspapers through our RBDigital app.
• For the first time, a range of eComics and Graphic Novels are now available through RBDigital too
• A series of regular online story times, quizzes and crafts are now shared on YouTube

If you know someone who is not currently a library member, they can sign up using our digital membership form. It only takes a few minutes.

If you're unsure how to register for our eReading services, we have created a guide for you to follow.

The month of November is dedicated to Movember, a campaign focussing on men's mental health and suicide prevention as well as promoting an awareness of prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

Discover where to find support within Swindon and check out some of the titles available in our libraries that support mental health and wellbeing.

Since 2013, World Nursery Rhyme Week has been promoting the benefits of children learning nursery rhymes.

Every year, five rhymes are chosen and families are encouraged to sing along to at least one rhyme a day during the week. Are you up for the challenge? 

Working with local artists and authors, the Library Shop holds a wonderful selection of gifts, cards and books celebrating our love of Swindon – and of course our passion for books.

Our Shop, Select and Collect service allows you to browse the stock online before placing an order and collecting.

How to use the service:

• Browse the stock through social media or our unique blog
• Email us at askthelibrary@swindon.gov.uk with your order and telephone number
• We will then call you to confirm your order and take payment
• Collect your order from Central Library

If you're having trouble deciding on the right gift, we now have gift vouchers available too.

To our library members who have visited us since we began our re-opening process, we are grateful that you have adapted to new processes so well and thank you for the positive comments we’ve received when you’re visiting – together we’re making things work.

For the latest news and information follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Wordpress.