Old Town Library
Opening Times
Old Town Library is closed today (Friday 8th May) and will reopen tomorrow, Saturday 9th May, as usual.
Monday – Friday: 11am – 4:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 1pm
Quick Links
Join The Library
It’s free to join the library, follow the link below to signup online!
Once you have completed the form make a note of the code number. Bring your code number into the library with ID that has your name and address on it, a member of staff will then be able to activate your account.
Get the apps!
Check out our Old Town Library Video!
Latest News
Events
Story & Rhyme Sign Up
Please use the forms below to sign up to Story & Rhyme
Tuesdays - 11:30am - 12:30pm
Fridays - 11:30am - 12:30pm
CHILDREN
Our dedicated children’s library is a bright and welcoming space for babies, toddlers and younger children to explore and develop a love of reading for pleasure. It is well stocked with baby board books, picture books, early readers, chapter books and junior fiction.
New books are constantly arriving and if we don’t have what you want it’s free to order books in from other Swindon libraries on a children’s library card.
Please note children 11 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Need some help? Staff are on hand to discuss any questions you may have or suggest what to try next!
SCHOOLS & PLAYGROUPS
We welcome visits from primary schools and playgroups within South Swindon Parish Council. Visits can be booked by emailing the library and are scheduled at 9.30am – 10.30am, before the library opens. Children will learn about how a public library works, how they can become a member, have a story read to them and enjoy some time to browse and read for pleasure before choosing a book to take back to class.
We are fully booked with primary school and nursery visits for the academic year 2023/2024. We will be accepting bookings for the academic year 2024/2025 from September2024
STORY & RHYME – Booking information
Story & Rhyme is a fun family session designed to encourage early literacy skills in babies and preschool children.
The first 30 minutes is a structured session of rhymes, songs and a story. Adults, your participation, and interaction with your child/children is required for you both to get the most out of the fun and learning!
Due to high demand for this family session, we have changed the booking procedure. Families are invited to book for the whole term (6 weeks) using the online form above, you will need a Swindon Libraries card for your child to book.
If you would like to attend, please read the information below:
- Your child/children must be library member/s
- To express interest, submit the online form beside the StoryTime events poster
- The library will email you during the week of 10th April to let you know if you have a place
- First priority is given to families who live in Old Town and have not attended before
- Second priority goes to Old Town families who did not attend the previous term
- Third priority goes to Old Town families on a first come first served basis
- Finally, any remaining spaces will be offered to children with a Swindon Libraries card
While the adults library has a small selection of items it is possible to order in from other Swindon libraries, for a small fee. Many of our borrowers choose to become a SuperReserver and have unlimited requests delivered here.
Computers
We have two PC’s for library members to use to browse the internet. Library members may use the PC’s for one session a day for a maximum of one hour.
Due to our limited space, these desks are not available for studying, working or reading. Please contact the core Swindon libraries, Central, West Swindon, North Swindon, Highworth and Park for information on study/work desks and reading spaces.
CHILDREN
During the school holidays we run lots of activities for families, crafts, Lego, Summer Reading Challenge, workshops and more!
ADULTS
There is a monthly embroidery workshop and weekly still life drawing workshop. Email for more details.
Several reading Groups use the library as a meeting point to discuss their latest book. Reading Groups can sign up to receive multiple copies of their chosen titles through the library service at a yearly cost of £15 pa). Email for more details.
FAQ’s
How do I join the library?
To join the library simply click on this link – https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20026/libraries/298/join_the_library
Does my library card work in any other libraries?
Yes, your library card is valid at all Swindon Libraries.
How long many items can I borrow?
You can borrow 16 items on each card.
How long can I borrow books for?
Books are issued for 3 weeks.
How do I manage my library account online?
Your online account is where you can search the catalogue and renew/reserve books.
Follow the link, you will need your library card number and your PIN number – https://swindon.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/MSGTRN/WPAC/HOME
I’ve forgotten my PIN number.
To reset your PIN number call the library, a member of staff will reset it for you.
I can’t login to my online account?
Contact the library for help.
Can I return my books to any Swindon library?
Yes, we will organise the return of items back to their home library.
My books are overdue, will I be fined?
Books borrowed by Child/Young Adults under 18 are not fined for overdue books.
Adults are fined 35p per day per book.
I’ve damaged/lost a book what happens next?
Contact the library for the cost of replacement charges.
Is there a charge to reserve an item?
Children 0-17 – No charge
Adults – £1.60 per item
Adult SuperResever £32 pa – If you think you may reserve lots of books it might be worth paying to be a SuperReserver, this entitles you to unlimited reservations for 12 months.
Have you completed the Summer Reading Challenge yet?
Still time to collect your Certificate at Badbury Park Library this weekend!
We are open Saturday 10 a.m - 1 p.m. ...
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Tue Story Time session in Old Town Library is now full. Only Fri session available. ...
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Today in Old Town Library.
We are decorating bookmarks and pencil toppers!
From 10.30 until 12.30. ...
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Have you collected you certificate and medal for completing your Summer Reading Challenge? ☺️ ...
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What a fantastic craft activity we've had! It was a full house turn out and all got really busy to make a lovely zebra. Well done all and many thanks to Phil and Jane for another successful activity! Our next fun activity at Old Town lIbrary will be on Sat 29th Aug at 10.30 - Pencil topper craft. Don't miss it! ...
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Tomorrow at Old Town Library, join Phil and Jane for a FREE Zebra Craft at 11.30 am. Limited spaces! ...
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