Learning in libraries
Learning for all ages

A lady painting on a canvas at an art group hosted by her local public library.

Libraries offer free services to improve your digital skills and help you find work. They can also help you research your family history and get a business idea off the ground.

Children of all ages are safe to roam and discover what interests them. There are group activities, workshops and clubs - not to mention hundreds of books.

Get more from your library

An older bald man and a woman with orange curly hair talk with the man's laptop in the foreground

Tech skills

Find digital drop-in sessions to help you make the most of your devices

A blonde woman with a blue tie dye dress and a red lanyard talks to a bald man

Career support

Get advice, support and tools to make your job search successful

A woman works on a laptop in a busy library setting

Languages

Access free online language courses

A woman using a dressmaker's dummy to work on a garment

Business support

Free access to Business & IP Centre (BIPC) advisors and events

Learning for all ages

Research shows that learning a new skill can help you feel more motivated, meet new people and boost your self-confidence.

You don’t need to sit exams or tests to learn new things and your local library might have the story, activity or service to get you started.

At Tablet Tasters I take along a list of questions and the staff answer them all. It’s given me the confidence to try more with technology.
Mr. Ali

Customer, Southend-on-sea

Frequently asked questions

What can I learn for free at a library?

Different libraries offer different things, like business advice, family and local history tools, IT help and language classes. Plus, of course, lots of books!

The best way to find out what your library offers is to find your library and contact the staff directly.

Do I need to join the library to learn a new skill?

You’ll need to join if you want to borrow books or digital content like e-books and audiobooks.

Some libraries might also ask you to join if you want to take part in activities and groups. It’s free to join the library.

Use our map to find your nearest local library.

What can children learn at the library?

Libraries run programmes to help children develop their reading, craft-related activities and much more.

With free access to hundreds of books, there’s loads for children to discover.

Read more about learning in libraries for children.