Libraries news updates
All Wiltshire libraries will be closed and the mobile libraries won't be operating on Monday 6 May 2024 for the May Day Bank Holiday.
May is Local and Community History Month and Wiltshire library staff have worked with colleagues in Heritage Services based at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre (wshc.org.uk) (opens new window) to plan a series of events and exhibitions at libraries across the county. Events are running throughout May and a full list can be seen below.
Contact the library or email libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) to book your place.
| Date and time | Library | Event | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 1 May to Friday 31 May | Corsham | Ancestry and British Newspaper Archive one-to-one introductions | Free appointments. Date and time agreed at booking. |
| Thursday 9 May, 2pm to 3pm | Devizes | Talk on the Assizes Court and Project | Free event. Booking required. |
| Monday 13 May, 10.30am to 11.30am | Warminster | Introduction to British Newspaper Archive workshop | Free event. Booking required. |
| Monday 13 May, 1pm to 1.45pm | Downton | Rex Whistler talk by Christine Mason | Free event. Booking required. |
| Thursday 16 May, 2pm to 3pm | Devizes | Voices of the Assizes Court Oral History Project | Free event. Booking required. |
| Thursday 16 May, 2.30pm to 4pm | Salisbury | Introduction to Ancestry and the British Newspaper Archive workshop | Free event. Booking required. |
| Thursday 16 May, 6.30pm | Bradford on Avon | Rubber Town talk by Dan Farrell | Free event. Booking required. |
| Friday 17 May, 7.15pm | Chippenham | The Message of Architecture: What would buildings say if they were people? A talk by Jack Konynenburg | Free event. Booking required. |
| Monday 20 May, 2.30pm to 3.30pm | Westbury | Introduction to Ancestry workshop | Free event. Booking required. |
| Monday 20 May, 4pm to 5pm | Westbury | Introduction to Ancestry workshop | Free event. Booking required. |
| Tuesday 21 May, 7.30pm | Salisbury | Unsung Heroes of Salisbury talk by Frogg Moody | Free event. Booking required. |
| Friday 24 May, 10am to 1pm | Devizes | Ideas station - have your say on Assizes Court and Project | Free event. Booking required. |
| Wednesday 29 May. 10am to 12 noon | Devizes | Crime and punishment object handling and craft workshop | Free event. Booking required. |
| Wednesday 29 May, 2.30pm to 3.30pm | Salisbury | Drop-in session with Rosie on the blue plaques of Salisbury | Free event. |
| Thursday 30 May, 10am to 10.30am | Trowbridge | Back to school story time with Trowbridge Museum (suitable for ages 4-11) | Free event. |
| Thursday 30 May. 10.30am to 2pm | Trowbridge | Delve into the history of Trowbridge schools with Trowbridge Museum. Drop-in session with object handling | Free event. |
| Friday 31 May, 2pm | Malmesbury | Introduction to Ancestry workshop | Free event. Booking required. |
Join our celebration of reading this June by attending one of our free author events. Book a place by contacting the library, emailing libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) or online via TicketSource: Wiltshire Council Library Service (opens new window).
| Date and time | Library | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday 8 June, 2.30pm | Salisbury | Meet our expert crime authors panel: Anna Britton, Nikki Copleston and Andy Maslen |
| Thursday 13 June, 7.30pm | Trowbridge | In conversation with Libby Page |
| Friday 28 June, 7.30pm | Chippenham | Meet Louise Doughty |
More events will follow in the Autumn including discussion of our Roadshow Reads - A Bird in Winter by Louise Doughty and Thinking about it only makes it worse by David Mitchell.
The Roadshow Reads and eBooks and eAudiobooks by authors involved in the roadshow can be found in the Reading Roadshow 2024 (libbyapp.com) (opens new window) on the Libby website and app.
You can now borrow activity tracker watches and blood pressure monitors from the following libraries:
Libraries in Wiltshire are extending a warm welcome to all this winter and providing a range of help, support, advice and comfort to people who may be struggling, or want tips to help with the cost of living.
Wiltshire libraries are offering:
- a free warm space to sit, stay and take part in activities
- hot drinks, where possible
- basic energy advice in all but our smallest libraries and referrals to the energy advisors at Warm and Safe Wiltshire (opens new window)
- free SIMs and mobile data at Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge and Warminster libraries to those that meet the National Databank eligibility criteria
- signposting to community partners and agencies that can support you through the rising cost of living
- warm packs (containing a scarf, thermal hat and gloves, fleece blanket, a hot water bottle with a cover and a Worrying about money: Wiltshire (opens new window) leaflet) for anyone who would benefit from some free essentials
Our libraries also offer free access to books, newspapers, Wi-Fi, computers and digital support.
For people who are housebound or who struggle to get to the library, libraries provide a home library service.
Working with local community partners to reach the most vulnerable, libraries are also offering an enhanced offer of heated throws and radiator reflectors.
For more details about any of our services, contact your local library or email libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).
Wiltshire Libraries are working with the Good Things Foundation to distribute free SIMs and mobile data to people in need. The National Databank scheme (opens new window) is supported by UK mobile networks including Vodafone, O2 and Three.
The free SIMs and mobile data will be available from Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge and Warminster libraries from Monday 30 January 2023.
To be able to access the National Databank you must be 18+ years old and from a low-income household. One or more of the following must also be true:
- you have no or poor access to the internet at home
- you have no or poor access to the internet away from home
- you can't afford your existing monthly contract or top-up
If you meet the criteria, contact Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury, Trowbridge or Warminster libraries to find out more and to book an appointment or complete the National Databank application form.
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.
Amesbury Library (opens new window)
Bradford on Avon Library (opens new window)
Calne Library (opens new window)
Chippenham Library (opens new window)
Corsham Library (opens new window)
Devizes Library (opens new window)
Malmesbury Library (opens new window)
Marlborough Library (opens new window)
Melksham Library (opens new window)
Royal Wootton Bassett Library (opens new window)
Salisbury Library (opens new window)
Tidworth Library (opens new window)
Trowbridge Library (opens new window)
Warminster Library (opens new window)
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