Books and reading

We hold almost 700,000 items. These include novels, information and reference books, books for children and young people, large print and talking books,  eBooks, and music and drama performance sets.

You can request any book in Wiltshire stock to be sent to your local library for a small charge (details of charges for requesting items, children's are free to request). We can get books from libraries all over the country, and the world - just ask at your library.

Books can also be requested using the Library catalogue (opens new window) or the Solus library app. You can download the Solus library app from the App Store (opens new window) or Google Play store (opens new window) to quickly renew and request items on your phone or tablet. The Location ID is WILTS.

We purchase books throughout the year, and we also regularly move books between libraries so you should see something different when you visit. We also welcome donations of recently published books that are in a good physical condition.

Find your library on Facebook and keep up to date with book reviews, new titles, events and activities. If you enjoy chatting about books, join one of the relaxed and friendly Wiltshire library book chat groups. Simply search Facebook Groups for: Calne Library Bookchat, Chippenham Library Bookchat, Melksham Library Bookchat or Salisbury & Wilton Library Bookchat.

National reading offer

There are key activities the library service undertakes to promote enjoyment of books and reading, part of a national 'universal reading offer' for libraries across the country:

• Books on Prescription and Mood Boosting Books (Reading Well) 
• Support for reading groups
• Bookstart (under 5s)
• Summer Reading Challenge (ages 4 - 11)

Quick Reads

Quick Reads provide fast-paced, bite-sized books by bestselling writers for people who want to improve their reading, anyone who has lost the reading habit or simply wants a short, fast read.

Titles include:

• Fresh start by Fanny Blake
• Darkness rising by A A Dhand
• Hidden depths by Ifan Morgan Jones
• Little dreams of Lara Cliffe by Milly Johnson
• This is going to hurt by Adam Kay
• Donor by Claire Mackintosh

Quick Reads titles are available in all libraries.

There are also Quick Reads titles which can be borrowed as a book and CD set.

Online reading resources

• Suggested reads (opens new window)
• Fantastic Fiction (opens new window) - great for sequels, series and your favourite author's output
• Reading Groups for Everyone (opens new window)- sign your group up for freebies, offers and competitions
• Literature Works (opens new window) - interviews with south west writers, including competitions

Local festivals

• Wiltshire Creative (opens new window)
• Marlborough Literary Festival (opens new window)
• Mere Literary Festival (opens new window)
• Chalke Valley History Festival (opens new window)
• Swindon Festival of Literature (opens new window)
• The Bath Festival (opens new window)
• Children's Literature Festival (opens new window)