Solihull Central Library

Solihull Central Library is the flagship library for the borough and is a focal point for a range of information including events, Council services, learning and work, business information, local and family history.

There are over 40 computers available. We have the widest range of books to borrow and refer to including Community Language material, talking books and music scores. You can also hire film, music and special interest DVDs, language courses and music CDs. The Courtyard area is a popular meeting place for young people and has its own special selection of books, DVDs and CDs.

Located in the same building Solihull Arts Complex has an exciting programme of shows and events throughout the year. The Café Bar offers a choice of hot and cold snacks to eat in or take away.

Opening Hours

Contact details

Solihull Central Library
Homer Road, Solihull
West Midlands, B91 3RG

• General enquiries: 0121 704 6965
• Renewals Line: 0121 704 8400
  If you are unable to get through to us on the above telephone numbers, you can leave a message with your name and telephone number and we will call you back as soon as possible.
• Children's Library: 0121 704 6968
• Information Services: 0121 704 6977
• Heritage and Local Studies: 0121 704 6934
• Mobile & Home Library Services: 0121 704 6947
• Tourist Information/Box Office: 0121 704 6130/6962
• Learning Shop & Connexions: 0121 704 6711
• Library Reception: 0121 704 6965

Email: libraryarts@solihull.gov.uk

Travelling to Central Library

The library is situated in the town centre, next to Touchwood shopping centre.

Bus routes: see Centro's website

Parking: The nearest car parks are the Church Hill Pay & Display (free for disabled badge holders) or Touchwood underground car park, parking in the Orange Zone.

Railway: Solihull station is about 10 min walk away

Accessibility

Access for wheelchair users, adapted toilet, hearing loop, Braille books, low vision resources, large print, taped books, lift. A computer adapted for wheelchair users is available to use. A large keyboard, trackable mouse and speech recognition software is also available.

For more information about accessibility please read our Library Facilities Disability Guide page.

Library Services

• Free Computer facilities (Internet, email and word processing) bookable by the hour. Computers are also available for drop in sessions. These cannot be pre-booked and are available for 30 minutes only
• Heritage & Local Studies area including the Heritage Gallery Photocopying and Fax facilities
• Sight Loss Resource Centre
• Courtyard - for teenagers
• Family Learning - resources and events
• Tourist Information - office in foyer
• Connect Centre - for Council enquiries and bill payment

Children's Library

• Fiction for all ages - from babies to young adults.
• Information books for hobbies and school projects including a Homework Collection
• IT facilities for children and young people.
• Story and Rhyme sessions for under 5's.
• Reading Challenges and holiday activities.
• Family Matters Collection for parents and carers.
• Teenage Courtyard Area
• Spoken word tape collection
• Children's Videos and DVD collection

Careers Advice - for adults and teenagers

• Connexions 13-19yr olds
• Learning Shop - adults
• Skills for Life - advice and short courses

Audio Books go Digital at the Library

Enjoy a new concept in audio books from Solihull Central Library. We now stock the pre-loaded digital audio-book system from Clipper Audio called Playaway. The Playaway audio book is lightweight, compact and very easy to use - simply plug in earphones and press play. Compact and light, weighing only 160g this system is palm sized so users can fit a whole book into their pocket - or carry it around the neck enabling the user to listen anywhere. You can even plug Playaway into a car or home audio system.

The system is easy to use and the simple keypad lets you play, pause, bookmark and even adjust the voice speed. The special Bookmark button - allows the user to set up to fifty bookmarks at the touch of a button so you will never lose your place again.

For more information contact Doreen Lane at Central Library on 0121 704 6977 or ask a member of library member. Also available at Shirley Library.

Audio Visual Library

• DVD
• Language Courses
• Music Scores and Books
• Talking Books

Regular Meetings and Events

• Chatterbooks - Children's Reading Group 4pm - 5:30pm
  • Monday 16th June
  • Monday 14th July
• Readers' Circle - last Thursday every other month 10.30am - 12pm (contact Pauline Goodwin).
  Download the Reading Programme for the next year.
• Listeners' Circle - Wednesday every other month 10.30am - 11.30am (contact Doreen Lane)
• Central Library User Group
  • Did you know there was a User Group at Central Library?
  • It is a friendly informal group that meets about three times per year.
  • The group is keen to welcome younger members particularly those under 35.
  • We discuss current issues such as the provision of library services for ethnic minorities and how best to raise public awareness of services available.
  • Members can volunteer to help with events held in the library. These include stock sales and the annual children's Summer Reading Challenge.

  Next meeting is on Tuesday July 15th, 2pm - 4 pm in the Heritage Gallery
  For details of our next meeting please contact - Anna Beck, Customer Care & Quality Librarian Tel: 0121 704 6969.

• Homework Club: Tuesdays, term time only 3.45 - 5.15.
• Story Times: - Mondays 2.00 p.m. (term-time only) and Saturdays 10.00a.m
• Jellybeanz :- Wednesday Monthly themed story and craft session for pre school children
• TRG! (Teenage Reading Groups): - meets in the Courtyard from 6.00p.m. - 7.30p.m. on the following dates:
  • 22nd May
  • 19th June
  Contact Lynda Williams 0121 704 8087
• 30th July, 10-11am - Gone Fishin' Craft Activity for ages 5-7
• 4th August, 2-3pm - Fun & Games with Solihull Sports Development Team
  for ages 6-10
• 14th August, 10am-12pm - Drop in crafts for all ages
• 18th August, 10-11am - Storytelling with Sally tonge for the under 5's
• 28th August, 10-11.30am - Silk painting for ages 9+
  
  To book your free place please contact Children's Library 0121 704 6968

Books for Your Ears - Listeners' Circle

You've probably heard of Readers' Circles but did you know Solihull libraries also run a Listener's Circle? As the name implies the group meets on a regular basis to choose, review and share their thoughts on books on cassette. The library holds a large stock of titles on cassette and CD and is constantly acquiring new titles so there is plenty of choice.

The group originally started in the late nineties with about 4 members, 2 of which are still members today i.e. Rachel and Megan. Several of the other members are in their 80's.

At every session staff offer a selection of new titles and a list of the recently added stock. The group also passes on any recommendations or comments about anything they have listened to recently, so act as book reviewers for other group members.

Dates for 2008:  

• 3rd September
• 12th November

at 10.30am - Sight Loss Resource Area Ground Floor, Central Library, Solihull.

Contact Doreen Lane - Senior Library Assistant on 0121 704 6977 for details.