Libraries are free public spaces where you can work, study, read or spend time. They offer a wide range of services to support health and wellbeing, including activities, information, free PCs and internet access, study space, books to borrow and online resources.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- reading helps you unwind and connect to the wider world and libraries have a wealth of physical and digital resources to help you read for pleasure, learning and research;
- friendly staff can help you navigate and access good quality health information, and signpost you to further resources and services;
- libraries connect you to your community through events, activities and volunteering opportunities.
“It’s an essential service. I cannot imagine my life without it. Both for the books and the social interaction. I’m unable to work due to disability and the library is something that keeps me sane.”
“It is a special place. I go there to unwind and relax and browse books. I go there to work and concentrate. I go there with my toddler to inspire her with the love of reading. The library has been a huge help to my mental health through the difficult times of early parenthood.”
How to contact
Phone
Where to go
Bar Hill Library
Gladeside
Bar Hill
Cambridge
UK
Cambourne Library
Sackville Way
Great Cambourne
Cambourne
Cambridge
UK
Comberton Library
West Street
Comberton
Cambridge
UK
Cottenham Library
Margett Street
Cottenham
Cambridge
UK
Great Shelford Library
Woollards Lane
Great Shelford
Cambridge
UK
Histon Library
School Hill
Histon
Cambridge
UK
Linton Library
Cathodean Centre
Horseheath Road
Linton
Cambridge CB21 4LU
UK
Papworth Library
Ermine Street North
Lower Cambourne
Papworth Everard
Cambridge
UK
Sawston Library
New Road
Sawston
Cambridge
UK
Willingham Library
Church Street
Willingham
Cambridge
UK
What to expect
Anyone can spend time in a public library, but to borrow books and a wide range of other items, you have to be a member of Cambridgeshire Libraries. Joining is free and easy to do and can be done online or in person at a library. Find out more here.
Libraries also offer free wifi, computer and internet access – if you are a member, you can book a computer here.
If you are looking for a volunteering opportunity, there are lots of ways you can help Cambridgeshire Libraries. Find out more here.
With regards health and wellbeing, libraries offer events, resources, learning opportunities and a wide range of health information – take a look here. There are also reading lists of books you can borrow on a range of health topics including:
More information
Opening times and facilities vary – find out more about your local library by clicking the links (in blue) below:
Cambridgeshire Libraries Out & About
If you live in a village that doesn’t have a library, there is a mobile library service. Find out more here – there’s even a handy map with the locations the mobile library stops at with dates/times.
There is even a Library At Home service for people who find it difficult to leave the house, as well as services for visually/hearing impaired people.
If you prefer listening, there’s even a Cambridgeshire Libraries ‘Book Hoots’ podcast featuring chats with popular authors.
Joining Cambridgeshire Libraries is free, as are many events and most resources and services, including:
- standard books and individual music scores
- junior and young adult spoken words CDs
- eBooks, eAudio, e-Comics, eMagazines and eNewspapers
- online resources
- PC use and WiFi
- digital skill assistance
Some services (for example, reserving books online) and activities (for example, reading groups and performances), are subject to a small fee – check the website for details.
For information about library charges such as printing and concessions, visit https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/libraries-leisure-culture/libraries/fees-and-charges
How to contact
Phone
Where to go
Bar Hill Library
Gladeside
Bar Hill
Cambridge
UK
Cambourne Library
Sackville Way
Great Cambourne
Cambourne
Cambridge
UK
Comberton Library
West Street
Comberton
Cambridge
UK
Cottenham Library
Margett Street
Cottenham
Cambridge
UK
Great Shelford Library
Woollards Lane
Great Shelford
Cambridge
UK
Histon Library
School Hill
Histon
Cambridge
UK
Linton Library
Cathodean Centre
Horseheath Road
Linton
Cambridge CB21 4LU
UK
Papworth Library
Ermine Street North
Lower Cambourne
Papworth Everard
Cambridge
UK
Sawston Library
New Road
Sawston
Cambridge
UK
Willingham Library
Church Street
Willingham
Cambridge
UK
