Opening Times
Monday – Friday: 10.30am – 4pm
Saturday: 10am – 1pm
The library will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday 19th September.
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
Sept/Oct term is fully booked. Nov/Dec term list is open, email your child’s library card number to the library to book.
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE 2022 – GADGETEERS
From Saturday 9th July – Saturday 10th September we will be running the Summer Reading Challenge in partnership with The Reading Agency. Children aged 4 – 11 are invited to join in by registering at the library desk – don’t forget to bring your library card! This year’s Gadgeteers theme is science based, so we will be running a programme of STEM workshops, for children taking part, linked to Traditional Tales. Check out our events posters for details.
Not got a library card or lost your library card? It’s easy to register at the desk, bring along some ID with your name and address and we can make an account up. Lost children’s cards can be replaced for free.
Fines on books stopping you from coming into the library? There’s a fines amnesty on children’s books, bring any outstanding books back and we can clear your children’s fines!
COMING SOON!
Due to popular demand, we are delighted to be inviting Explore Learning back again during October half term to deliver two free workshops for children aged 4 – 6, Fun with Phonics and Super Heros Shapes. Details to follow soon!
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.
Need some help? Staff are on hand to discuss any questions you may have or suggest what to try next!
Our Young Adult teenage section is located in the adult library. While we only hold limited stock it is free to order in requests from other Swindon libraries on a YA library card.
Story, Rhyme & Craft
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!
If you would like to stay on for the crafts, we run a session for toddlers and pre-schoolers, or you can take a kit home. (There is a charge of £1 on the day towards the cost of materials).
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.
The Summer Reading Challenge 2022
GADGETEERS 9th July – 10th September
Running through the whole of the school summer holiday we will be participating in the ‘Summer Reading Challenge’, produced by The Reading Agency. The 2022 theme is ‘Gadgeteers’, and we will be hosting STEM workshops which combine science and traditional tales!
Booking for the STEM workshops opens on Saturday 16th July.
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 £14 pa. Ask at the desk 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?
Children 0-4 are not fined for overdue books.
Children 5-17 are fined 10p per day per book.
Adults are fined 30p 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 – £1.40 per item
Adult SuperResever £30 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.
Autumn is on its way and our StoryTime mini-crafters have been busy making pom pom hedgehogs with a cosy winter home! #swindon #oldtownswindon #southswindonparishcouncil #childrenslibrary #kidscrafts #hedgehogcraft ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
These are so cute! 🦔
Still Life Drawing sessions for adult participants at Old Town Library and Arts Centre every week. Starting Mon 26th Sept. from 12.30 pm to 2 pm. Email oldtownlibrary@southswindon-pc.gov.uk for more details. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Kirsty Evans
We are welcoming children and their grownups to pop into the library and colour in a floral tribute to our dearly beloved late Queen Elizabeth. Thank you to @mrsteveantony for creating and sharing these 6 colouring in pictures. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
We’re WILD about animals and birds this week, baby board books, junior fiction, chapter books, non-fiction, it’s all here! Keep Reading! #swindon #oldtownswindon #animalbooks #childrenslibrary #readingforpleasure ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Liza Bot says, ‘Well done to all the children who have already finished the Summer Reading Challenge and collected their medal and certificate. The Summer Reading Challenge and Steve Antony Draw a Robot Art Contest finish on Saturday 10th September so don’t forget to pop by’
Keep Reading and Drawing! #summerreadingchallenge #gadgeteers #swindon #oldtownswindon #southswindonparishcouncil #childrenslibrary ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
This week's new books' arrival! 😊 ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Explore Learning very successfully organised two more free community workshops this week viz. Telling The Time and English Comprehension. A huge thank you to the professional and friendly team of Explore Learning from Old Town Library! Visit explorelearning.co.uk for tutions in a centre and online. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Email oldtownlibrary@southswindon-pc.gov.uk or contact 07786027185 to secure a space in the Embroidery session taking place on Mon 5th Sept! #swindonsewing #oldtownembroidery # Swindon-textiles ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Well done to our young readers who have recently completed the Summer Reading Challenge! For those who have completed their 6 reads but haven’t yet collected their certificate and medal, don’t forget to pop in! #swindon #oldtownswindon #summerreadingchallenge #childrenslibrary #gageteers #southswindonparishcouncil ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook