Welcome to Northamptonshire Libraries and Information Service

Summer activities - Aged between 4 and 12 years old? Then this summer, why not jog down to your local library to book yourself on the Team Read Challenge. It runs from Saturday 12th July until Saturday 6th September 2008 and it's free to join the library and the Team Read. Read 6 books to win a gold medal and the chance to enter a prize draw. There are also lots of other fun things to do in libraries this summer - for more details use the Team Read link below:

• Team Read 

About your libraries and information service:

• A to Z of services
  An alphabetical directory of what we provide.
  
  
• Become a friend of your local library!
  If you love your local library you’ll love our friends of the library scheme. For a small annual fee we’re inviting you to become a friend of the library. It’s a way for you to show your support for your library - in return you’ll receive extra member benefits to help you get even more from your library.
  
  
• Book Renewals - how to do your own online 
  Renew your library books - you only need your membership number and your pin.
  
  
• Buy a book
  Order online with amazon.co.uk and part of the price will go to Northamptonshire Libraries & Information Service, helping us to improve our services. Sales of withdrawn and donated stock are held regularly in libraries across the county.
  
  
• Charges
  Libraries are free to use and you don't have to be a member, however charges do apply for some items and services and charges are made for the late return of books.
  
  
• Children and Young People 
  Your guide to our services for 0 to 15 year olds including information for parents and carers. Rhymetimes, Bookstart, Chatterbooks, Warhammer games and activities in the school holidays are just some of the fun things you can do in libraries. 
  
  
• Computer and internet services
  All 36 libraries have computers for public use - this is called the Peoples Network. Open to all - you don't have to be a member of the library.
  
  
• Enquire Direct
  Our free online and telephone information and enquiry service - for everyone living and working in Northamptonshire. If you don't know where to start - start here.
  
  
• Information Services
  We subscribe to the full online service of a wide range of information resources that you can use simply by typing in your library card number.
  
  
• Join the library service
  Joining the library service just became even easier. Apply online to become a full library member or maybe our Virtual membership is right for you.
  
  
• Learning services
  Information, opportunities and support to aid your learning, including personal knowledge adviser sessions, and computer sessions in libraries.
  
  
• Libraries 
  A complete list of public libraries including events, opening hours, facilities and contact details. Details of how to join your local library. It also covers Mobile Libraries, Home Library Service and Sound Reads Service. 
  
  
• Library catalogue, renewals and reservations 
  Check out our new look online library catalogue. It lists all materials available in Northamptonshire Libraries for you to view and reserve including books, serials and audio visual materials. Log in and renew library books you have on loan and check any charges you may have.
  
  
• Northamptonshire Studies
  This is the county's main collection of printed and pictorial material on the history of Northamptonshire, comprising books, pamphlets, maps, photographs, illustrations, parish registers and census records. It is held at Northamptonshire Central Library.
  
  
• Personal Knowledge Adviser Service
  Looking for information and don’t know where to start? Try booking a session with one of our Personal Knowledge Advisers – specialists with a wealth of knowledge and experience who are there to help.
  
  
• Plans, reports and user surveys
  Annual reports and service plans for Northamptonshire Libraries and Information Service. Surveys and consultations looking at both adults' and childrens' view of the library services.
  
  
• Reading Services 
  Reading groups in the county helping people of all ages enjoy books and reading. Literature Northants, our literature development programme featuring opportunities for writers and events celebrating reading and writing. Find out more about H E Bates and his connection to Rushden library.