Middleton Library
Access Information
Middleton Library is an historic building
dating from 1889 situated in a pleasant Victorian park (opposite
The Old Boar’s Head pub) within the town’s conservation area.
Access to the ground floor Adult Lending Library & Reading Room
is via a steep cobbled ramp plus several steps. The Reference/Local
Studies and Children’s Libraries are situated on the first
floor, accessed via a staircase.
Our friendly, helpful staff, recognising the
difficulties presented by the library’s layout, do all they can to
assist those with limited mobility. If you require help, don’t
hesitate to ask.
Limited free parking is available immediately next to the
building.
Adult readers
We have a wide range of books in our fiction
and non-fiction collections. Also on offer are:
- books in large print;
- books on tape;
- graphic novels,
- audio “learn a language” packs;
- a selection of local and national daily
newspapers; and
- materials for those wishing to improve
their reading skills.
Looking for something new? - check
out our Author of the Month display.
No time to browse? - try the
Quick Choice selection.
No need to buy the latest bestseller
- multiple copies are available, free of charge.
Middleton Reading Group –
meets in the library once a month to discuss a chosen book.
New members are always welcome.
Customers with special needs
Please ask any member of staff for details about services for
housebound customers and those with special needs. For
example, our Talking Book Club, offering unabridged popular titles
in cassette form for the visually impaired and those who have
difficulties with other formats (visits every 3 weeks.)
Book Sale
A varied selection of ex-library stock is always available at
very reasonable prices. Pop in and pick up a bargain!
Children and
young people
We have a very well stocked and self-contained Children’s
Library offering something for all ages from babies to
teenagers.
- A study area provides a quiet space for homework, whilst
our information and reference sections cover the full range of
National Curriculum subjects.
- "Storypacks", offering a picture book and
accompanying audio tape or CD can be borrowed free of
charge.
- Take a look at our popular range of "Storysacks".
These consist of a large drawstring bag containing a range of
themed books, toys, activities and suggestions for play. They
are for children and parents and carers to share together and may
be borrowed on an adult's library card, again free of charge, of
course!
- Children can join the Young Surfers Club, which gives them
free, flitered access to the Internet for both homework and
fun.
- Look out for free fun events throughout the school holidays,
including the Summer Reading Game.
Local schools, nurseries & playgroups are very welcome to
visit by prior arrangement.
A collection of new and classic picture books, pop-up
books and simple non-fiction for pre-school children is
available for loan to nurseries, playgroups and registered
childminders. Please ask for further details.
Learning
- We have a well-stocked reference collection
including encyclopaedias, business directories, phone books, advice
guides and maps.
- A coin-operated photocopier is
available and we also offer a fax service.
- MyGuide drop-in sessions.
Local history
Local History
resources for the Middleton area include:
- An extensive collection of photographs
books and pamphlets on the history of Middleton; local maps
and the historical register of electors.
- The Middleton Guardian newspaper since
earliest dates is available on microfilm.
- For family historians we have Middleton
parish registers and census records on microfilm. Please ring
to book a reader.
- We offer free access to Ancestry.com via our
public access computers.
- A member of the Manchester and
Lancashire Family History Society holds a drop-in advice session on
Monday afternoons between 2 - 4pm.