Service update
Libraries reopening
Bath Central, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton Libraries will reopen for customer browsing and collection of reservations from Tuesday 22nd September 2020, from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. There will be some changes in place to protect public health, and these are as follows:
- Main library areas will be available for browsing following social distancing protocols
- Face coverings are required in our libraries, unless you have a special exemption, in line with the latest government guidance on face coverings.
- The number of people entering the library at any one time will be limited
- Public computers and self-study areas will remain closed
- Books should be returned through designated drop-boxes on the ground floor of Bath Central Library, and at the entrances of Keynsham and Midsomer Norton Libraries
- Follow social distancing protocols
- Use the hand sanitisers provided
All other library services remain suspended.
You can still access our e-Books, e-Audiobooks, and e-Magazines, and check out our social media for updates on what we are doing to deliver services to you. Visit our digital facilities and resources web page for more details.
Visit our blog or one of our social media channels:
Facebook: bathneslibraries
Instagram: bathnes_libraries
Twitter: BathnesL
From the 15 July 2020, you will need your PIN to log on to the CloudLibrary (for e-Books). If you don’t know your PIN or have forgotten it, go to 'Log In' on the LibrariesWest website, and then select ‘Forgot my PIN’ and you should receive an automated email (as long as you have a current email address on your library record).
If you don’t receive one after checking your junk/spam folder, email librarieswest@somerset.gov.uk, with your name and borrower number. If you receive an error message when you log on, your membership is probably incorrect or has expired, and so you will need to create a new account
To find reopening details for each of the independent community run libraries, you will need to check their individual website or Facebook page. You can find a your local community library on our website.
19-23 The Podium, Northgate Street, Bath, BA1 5AN
(The Podium Centre is at the junction of Northgate Street and Broad Street. The Central Library is immediately to the left of the main entrance of the Podium.)
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 10am to 4pm |
| Saturday and Sunday | Closed |
What you can do
Self-service kiosks, computers and telephones are available, to enable you to access library services to borrow, renew, or return library items. Library staff can help to get you started, if you have trouble using these facilities.
You can also access a range of digital resources, including volunteers who can support you with all kinds of digital challenges.
What's on at the library
Library groups and activities
| Group/Activity | Day and Time |
|---|---|
| Baby Bounce and Rhyme | Wednesday 11.15am to 11.45am (term time only; pauses for the summer from late June until September) |
| Reading group | Wednesday afternoons, 2pm to 4pm |
| Under Fives Story Time | Thursday 11.00 am to 11.30 am (term time only; pauses for the summer from June until September) |
| Young adult reading group | Every four weeks, Wednesday afternoon, 5pm to 6pm Please register your interest with a member of staff or email: ya_reads@bathnes.gov.uk to get a list of dates and books |
Other facilities
- Public toilets available elsewhere in the Podium Centre
- Free wifi
- Free computers
- Exhibition/meeting space available for hire
- Colour and black and white printing
- Photocopying