Library services

How to join

The library is free to join and open to all ages.

When you pick up your card you will need to provide evidence of your identity and where you live.

Children under 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult when picking up cards only if your child wants to use the internet in the library.

Children under 8 years must have an adult with them when using the internet in the library.

What services are available?

Our libraries offer a range of educational and recreational services -  You can get online for free, take part in activities and learn new skills.

  • Books on all subjects - you can renew books online up to a maximum of three times
  • Talking books
  • eMagazines, ebooks and audio books
  • Borrow Micro:Bits from your library - A micro:bit is a pocket sized programmable computer designed to introduce people to coding and computing. You can find micro:bits on the shelves in Wigan, Lamberhead Green, Leigh, Platt Bridge, Golborne and Tyldesley libraries - just ask library staff for help.
  • Online resources
  • Summer and winter reading challenges for children
  • Drop in sessions to help you use the internet, email and more
  • Reference and enquiry services
  • Events and activities for adults and children
  • Universal Credit - online application
  • Health information - can browse the NHS website for quality information and advice
  • Build A Business in Wigan Library - an innovative project aimed at small businesses, entrepreneurs and anyone thinking of starting their own business.

Library Plan

Transforming Our Libraries 2017 – 2021 is the document that Wigan Council will use to help guide and shape its library service between 2017 and 2021.

The plan, which was approved by full council on April 19th 2017, explains how the Council will ensure its statutory duty to deliver a “comprehensive and efficient” library service, which also contributes to the delivery of The Deal for the Future and sets out the service’s strategic direction over the next five years.

The library plan has been shaped by public and stakeholder feedback and acknowledges the important role libraries play within communities right across the borough, helping to support people's aspirations.

Home delivery - Books and more

We know that some of our customers are housebound and so may be unable to access the library service. To help these customers we are now working in partnership with Wigan and Leigh Pensioners Link to offer the ‘Books and more’ service.

It's being piloted until early summer 2019 and works with volunteers to provide regular deliveries of books as well as a chat and access to other services in the community.

If you’re interested in volunteering to support the ‘Books and more’ scheme, please contact Wigan and Leigh Pensioners Link on 01942 261753.

Watch the video to see how the home delivery service helps local people in the borough (external link).

Bookchoice

Struggling for something to read? Tried everything by your favourite author and need new ideas? Bookchoice can help, simply fill in the online form and you will receive recommendations tailored to your tastes.

Talking books

Abridged talking books are available for loan at most libraries in the borough. However, a large collection of talking books, including unabridged talking books, is available at Wigan Library. 

For customers who are blind, partially sighted, or have an impairment that prevents or limits them from reading standard print, the RNIB offers a free Talking Book Service for UK residents. 

Schools Offer

Our libraries offer a small range of services and activities for schools including class visits to your local library, author visits, the Summer and Winter Reading Challenge, World Book Day celebrations and our schools library collection.

© Wigan Council