Libraries are for everyone!
Announcement: Full up to date details of current library services are available on the Libraries Homepage.
You're never too young to join and it's free!
You can apply online to join the library - or alternatively you can download the invitation to join form.
and take the completed form along to your local library. Anyone under the age of 16 will need the permission of a parent or guardian to join the library.
There are all sorts of books in the library:
- books for babies
- adventure stories
- funny stories
- information books
- talking books on CD
- eBooks and eAudiobooks
- eMagazines
- books for mums and dads
- ...and lots more.
You can borrow up to 20 books at a time for up to three weeks, and keep them for up to three weeks. If you want to keep them longer you need to let us know by coming into the library, by logging into your library account online or using the library mobile app.
Children don’t have to pay fines if the books are returned to the library late - but don't forget other people may want to read them. Children can also use a wide range of digital resources to borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks via BorrowBox as well as magazines via Libby and comics via PressReader.
All libraries have computers that children can use and you can access the internet subject to signed permission from a parent or guardian. To use the computers you must have your library card with you. Current charges for printing are here.
Activities take place throughout the year - usually around school holiday times. Look out for storytimes, crafts, arts workshops, quizzes, competitions, etc. Check the Libraries homepage for details of upcoming events and activities or follow us on social media.
Come and see for yourself!
Bookstart promotes sharing books with babies and young children from an early age. Research both nationally and locally shows evidence of real benefits by the time children start school. Bookstart also run regular Time for a Rhyme sessions in libraries and have organised our Story Makers projects.
For further information go to the Bookstart page
Sharing books can:
- Help create a close bond between you and your baby,
- Give you a starting point for talking to your baby because language skills are the key to learning,
- Extend your baby's experience of language through songs, rhymes and stories,
- Focus baby's attention and develop concentration skills by looking at clear, bright pictures in a well-designed layout.
No special skills are required by parents.
For further details, contact the Bookstart Office.
Parents & Carers Collection
Every library has a special collection of books to help support parents and carers. There are books for parents and carers about parenting issues, such as pregnancy, child development, family conflict, learning, behaviour and talking to teenagers.
Some books are for parents and carers to share with their children and are designed to help children deal with new or difficult situations such as:
- Bereavement
- Adoption
- Family breakup
- Starting school
- New baby in the family
- Bullying
- Going to hospital
There are lots of picture books in the children’s library which can help younger children feel more comfortable in different situations.
Ask library staff to help you find them or take a look at the Little Parachutes website for lists of books that may be helpful.
Cared for Children and Foster Carers
All cared for children and foster carers can have special library STAR cards. This means that:
- Cared for children have a standard children's account but are not charged for any lost library cards or lost or damaged books.
- Foster carers can borrow up to 30 books at a time for up to 8 weeks to use with the children they care for, including from our parents and carers collection. This is in addition to their own personal card.
Childminders, Playgroups and Parent and Toddler Groups
Books and storytelling play a very important part in the general development of pre-school children. Through books, children can learn how to think, look and talk, so learning to use and enjoy books is a habit worth encouraging.
- Any Tameside childminder, Playgroup, Parent and
toddler group, Pre-school and Day Nursery can borrow books, free of charge from any Tameside library.
- Groups and childminders can borrow up to 30 books at a time for up to 8 weeks. Adults can still join on their own behalf to borrow from our extensive range of books and talking books for adults and children.
Our children's libraries contain a selection of the best books for under fives including attractive picture books, small easy-to-handle board books and information books.
We think it is important for children to handle the books while at the same time learning how to look after them so that others can read them.
If you would like one of our Branch Librarians to visit your group for storytimes or to talk to parents about the importance of sharing books and being a library member, please contact your nearest library.
If you need any further help or advice about using the service, please contact your nearest Tameside library. For contact details look at the information page.
Reading Initiatives
At Tameside Libraries there's always something for children and young people to read, but we also support a number of reading projects with partners and work with primary schools in Tameside.
- The Summer Reading Challenge in association with the Reading Agency and Tameside Schools runs during the summer holidays. Register with the library and then read six books collecting rewards along the way. Children can also take part in competitions, mini challenges and games. The Winter Reading Challenge is a fun challenge for the school Christmas Holidays
- Tameside Loves Reading
- If you're a teacher, take a look at our Offer to Schools page
STEM activities
There are a number of activities and events at Tameside Libraries related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths or STEM. Children get to experience the science all around them, investigate different technologies, explore everyday engineering and mess with maths.
As well as science and technology topics at school additional STEM activities in other settings can help develop creativity and lead to new ideas and ways of thinking. It can help children see the application of school based work and lead to experimentation. They can also build skills such as teamwork and problem solving and transferrable skills.
Look out for details of upcoming STEM events and activities on the Libraries homepage or follow us on social media.
Lego Clubs
Ashton Library - fourth Tuesday of every month 4-5pm
Each month there's a different theme or challenge and we have plenty of Lego for you to get building. We usually try to display the models that have been made at Lego Club so have a look out for them when visiting Ashton Library.
Stalybridge Library - first Wednesday of every month 3.30 - 4.30 pm
Lego Club is aimed at children aged 7+ and their carers. Everyone is welcome, but please leave your own Lego at home.
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Tameside Libraries Information Service
Ashton Library
Marketplace
Ashton-under-Lyne
OL6 6BH
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