News

Start an eBook Club!

Tue 19 May 2020

Reading groups are a great way to discover books you would not usually read with other people. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many reading groups have turned to video chats instead of meeting up in person – and now groups can now access books online for free too with Derby’s eLibrary. More

Florence Nightingale Bicentenial talk with Katharine McMahon celebrating the 200th anniversary of her birth.

Mon 11 May 2020

Sunday Times best-selling author Katharine McMahon introduces our Florence Nightingale Scrapbook and reads from her novel 'The Rose of Sebastopol'. More

Florence Nightingale scrapbook revealed

Mon 11 May 2020

A fascinating scrapbook showing how Florence Nightingale became a cultural phenomenon is revealed online today to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the pioneer of modern nursing. More

Celebrate the Big Book Weekend in Derby

Tue 5 May 2020

As the Big Book Weekend approaches, Derby is getting a real appetite for reading following a huge rise in the number of people accessing eBooks for free from the city's online library services. More

Look back at VE Day in Derby

Tue 5 May 2020

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day, Derby Libraries have dug into the British Library Newspaper Database to find out how the end of the war in Europe was reported locally. The front page of the Derby Evening Telegraph from Tuesday 8th May 1945 is a unique window into a momentous day in history. More

Celebrate family story time with Pyjamarama!

Thu 30 Apr 2020

Get ready for a pyjama party! Tomorrow (1 May) is Pyjamarama, the Book Trust's family festival of stories, and our staff at Derby Libraries have been busy choosing their favourite bedtime stories for young children. More

Local History Month Photo Competition

Thu 30 Apr 2020

How well do you know Derby? May is ‘Local History Month’ and Derby Libraries are celebrating with a Photo Quiz! Test your knowledge on our city’s past and get a chance to win an iPad Mini. More

Recommended eAudiobook titles for everyone

Wed 29 Apr 2020

Here is a list of recommended eAudiobook titles for everyone to listen to during this time at home. More

Recommended eBook titles for adults & young adults

Wed 29 Apr 2020

We have come up with a list of recommended eBook titles for adults and young adults to enjoy during this time at home.  The Mirror and the Light. By Hilary Mantel The third and final part of the Wolf Hall Trilogy. England 1536, Anne Boleyn is dead. Thomas Cromwell breakfasts with the victors- the ... More

Celebrate World Book Night with the top 5 eBooks this April

Thu 23 Apr 2020

Tonight is World Book Night - an evening all about celebrating books and sharing the benefits of reading for pleasure. More

10 Book Choices for Kids

Wed 8 Apr 2020

Reading books is a fabulous way to while away the time and have fun. If you’re looking for ways to keep your children entertained while they’re at home, Derby Libraries have pulled together a list of recommended titles for children to get stuck into. More

Derby Libraries COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information

Fri 20 Mar 2020

In response to the Government’s latest guidance concerning the COVID-19 virus, and in the best interests of our visitors and staff, Derby Libraries will be closing their doors temporarily after business hours on Saturday 21 March. This will be for at least four weeks. More

10 Book Club choices for World Book Day

Tue 3 Mar 2020

World Book Day on 5th March is a good reminder that the only thing better than losing yourself in a good book is discussing it with fellow readers afterwards. Derby Libraries have a list of recommended titles for Book Clubs. With everything from classics to new novels, a mix of fiction and non-fiction, and every genre from thriller to historical to literary, there is something to get every book club talking. More

Community hub shortlisted for prestigious award

Mon 2 Mar 2020

Three months after its relaunch, the community hub housing the new Normanton Library has been shortlisted for a prestigious award. The refurbishment of St Augustine’s Community Centre in Almond Street has revived the building by bringing local services together, improving community space and incorporating the neighbourhood library. More

Poetry for LGBT+ History Month

Mon 10 Feb 2020

An evening of poetry to celebrate LGBT+ History Month will be held at Riverside Library, Derby city centre, from 6pm to 7.30pm on Thursday 27 February. More

Tenth library to be community managed

Tue 17 Dec 2019

Derby City Council will hand over the running of Derwent Library to community management early next year. More

Four days of events to celebrate as the new Normanton Library opens

Wed 27 Nov 2019

The new Normanton Library was officially opened to the public today, marking the start of four days of events to celebrate and showcase the new community facilities. More

Normanton Library opening date announced

Fri 1 Nov 2019

Work at St Augustine’s Community Centre has progressed well and Derby City Council is now in a position to confirm an opening date of 27 November 2019.  To mark the occasion, there will be a series of events which will include poets, authors and storytellers, as well as ‘rhyme time’ and internet se... More

Springwood library to be managed by community

Thu 31 Oct 2019

Derby City Council will hand over operation of Springwood Library to community in the New Year. The Library will be operated by Derby charity Direct Help and Advice from the week commencing 3rd February. Springwood Library’s last day under Council management will be Saturday 18th January. More

Community set to takeover Allenton Library

Wed 18 Sep 2019

Community set to takeover Allenton Library More

Data Protection Act solution goes live in Derby Community Managed Library

Tue 17 Sep 2019

Derby City Council has successfully put in place a new technology solution for volunteers at Allestree Community Managed Library (CML). It will allow DHA volunteers to carry out library tasks without needing to access customer data, ensuring the council stays compliant with the Data Protection Act 2018. More

What's new and what's on at Mickleover Library?

Fri 13 Sep 2019

Over the past couple of months we have been improving the look and feel of Mickleover library by removing old fixed shelving and replacing it with modern movable units in order to create more space for events and activities. As part of the improvements we have added a selection of new titles for ad... More

Chellaston library to be managed by community

Thu 22 Aug 2019

Derby City Council will hand over operation of Chellaston Library to community management this October. The Library will be operated by Derby charity Direct Help and Advice from the week commencing 28 October. Chellaston Library’s last day under Council management will be Saturday 12 October. Duri... More

Chaddesden & Blagreaves Libraries to Become the Next Community Managed Libraries

Thu 27 Jun 2019

The Phillip Whitehead Memorial Library at Chaddesden Park and Blagreaves Library are set to follow in the footsteps of Sinfin, Spondon, Allestree and Mackworth libraries in becoming Community Managed Libraries. This week, Mackworth Library reopened as a Community Managed Library and is now run by l... More

Changes are afoot for customers of Derby City and Derbyshire County Libraries

Tue 28 May 2019

After public consultation, both Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council are transforming the way their libraries are operated by transferring some of their libraries to become Community Managed Libraries (CMLs), run by volunteers. More

An out of this world adventure comes to Derby with Space Chase Summer Reading Challenge 2019

Fri 24 May 2019

The Summer Reading Challenge returns! More

Mackworth Library to Become the Next Community Managed Library

Fri 17 May 2019

Mackworth Library is to become a Community Managed Library as Derby City Council hand over the management to local charity Direct Help and Advice (DHA). The library’s last day operating as a council-run library will be Saturday 8 June. It will then close temporarily for work to take place ahead of ... More

What’s planned for St Augustine’s Community Centre and Library?

Thu 21 Mar 2019

In November last year Derby City Council announced it was to relocate Pear Tree Library to St Augustine’s Community Centre to create a community hub. Since then, a great deal of work has taken place to ensure the people of Pear Tree and Normanton have a vibrant hub for learning, socialising and muc... More

Riverside Library Performs Well Since Opening

Wed 19 Dec 2018

The new Riverside Library opened its doors to its first readers in July this year and hasn’t looked back since. More

Riverside Library opens its doors

Wed 4 Jul 2018

The Mayor of Derby, Councillor Mike Carr, officially opened Riverside Library this Monday at the Council House as Derby City Council continues to develop a successful modern and sustainable service for library users. To mark the opening we’re giving visitors the chance to explore its services with ... More

Preparations underway for Allestree Library to become Derby’s next Community Managed Library

Fri 29 Jun 2018

Allestree Library is set to become a Community Managed Library as Derby City Council hand the keys over to local charity Direct Help and Advice (DHA). More

Riverside Library is 'getting ready'

Wed 27 Jun 2018

View a timelapse video of preparations for the opening of Riverside Library on Mon 2 Jul More

More work needed at Pear Tree Library

Fri 15 Jun 2018

More work is needed before Pear Tree Library can re-open. More

Free sessions at the new Riverside Library

Thu 14 Jun 2018

The new Riverside Library opens in the Council House this July and Derby City Council are giving visitors the chance to explore its services with a host of free taster sessions and author talks. More

Library service set to move as Central Library closes

Fri 8 Jun 2018

The relocation of services at Central Library is due to start this week as Derby City Council continues to develop a successful modern and sustainable service for library users. More

Pranks are on the cards with Mischief Makers Summer Reading Challenge 2018

Tue 5 Jun 2018

Derby Libraries are getting mischievous for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, with The Reading Agency. This year’s theme is Mischief Makers, focusing on the mischief and pranks inspired by and celebrating the 80th anniversary of the much-loved iconic children’s comic title Beano. More

Preparations underway for Spondon Library to become Derby’s next Community Managed Library

Tue 29 May 2018

Spondon Library is set to become a Community Managed Library as Derby City Council hand the keys over to local charity Direct Help and Advice (DHA). More

Keys handed over to Derby's first Community Managed Library

Fri 4 May 2018

Plans for Sinfin Library to become the city’s first Community Managed Library are moving forward as Derby City Council hand the keys over to Direct Help and Advice (DHA). More

Further improvement work to take place at Pear Tree Library

Wed 11 Apr 2018

Derby City Council is taking the opportunity to undertake additional improvement works at Pear Tree Library during its scheduled temporary closure in April, as it prepares to make room for additional books arriving from Central Library. More

Community Managed Libraries handover complete

Fri 23 Mar 2018

The Labour-led administration of Derby City Council and Direct Help and Advice (DHA) have signed agreements confirming the local charity’s plans to run all ten proposed Community Managed Libraries. More

Central Library closing date announced

Fri 16 Mar 2018

Central Library services are due to relocate at the beginning of June as Derby City Council continues to develop a successful modern and sustainable service for library users. More

Direct Help and Advice can deliver successful and sustainable library service

Wed 28 Feb 2018

The Labour-led administration of Derby City Council is taking a significant step forward in delivering our pledge that no library in the city will close, by reaching an in-principle agreement with a local charity to run all ten proposed Community Managed Libraries across Derby. More

Derby Libraries expansion plans

Wed 7 Feb 2018

Specialist hubs are to be created, as part of expansion plans at three Council-run libraries in the city. Libraries in Alvaston, Mickleover and Pear Tree will be undertaking improvement projects during the spring to increase their stock holding capacity and offer enhanced facilities to the local community. More

National Storytelling Week

Mon 29 Jan 2018

Let's celebrate National Storytelling Week at Derby Libraries! More

Change in standard loan period

Wed 20 Dec 2017

From 1st January 2018 we are changing the standard loan period for books and audiobooks from four weeks to three weeks. More

Applications received for all Community Managed Libraries

Wed 6 Dec 2017

Following the Community Managed Library (CML) expression of interest process which concluded at midday on Monday 4 December, applications have been received to run each of the ten libraries that have been identified by the Council as potential CMLs. More

Derby and Derbyshire War Memorials research project

Fri 10 Nov 2017

Research project sharing war memorial records with local history library in Derby. More

Pledge to Protect Derby Libraries from closure

Fri 20 Oct 2017

Derby City Council is committed to ensuring a sustainable service is delivered in all ten of the proposed Community Managed Libraries (CMLs). One of the key 50 Council pledges is to protect Derby’s libraries from closure. This is an important part of the Council’s ambition to achieve a strong and resilient city and contributes towards its targets for raising the achievement and skills of local people in the future. More

Strong interest received for Community Managed Libraries

Fri 13 Oct 2017

Following the Community Managed Library (CML) briefings in September and the registration of interest deadline on Monday 9 October, Derby City Council has received twelve registrations of interest covering all ten of the proposed Community Managed Libraries. More

Metro Strategy Joint Library Offer

Mon 2 Oct 2017

A new initiative is being launched to enable Nottingham and Derby residents to access library services in both cities. From Monday 2 October 2017, Nottingham library users will be able to borrow stock from Derby libraries and vice versa. More

Public engagement in the Community-Managed Libraries process

Mon 25 Sep 2017

Following the six open meetings which were held last week, Derby City Council are encouraged by the level of engagement and commitment shown by the community and their support for local libraries. More

A new opportunity for you and your library

Mon 4 Sep 2017

The process has begun to create Community-Managed Libraries in Derby. Find out more. More

Key dates for Community Managed Libraries

Fri 25 Aug 2017

Find out more about the key dates around applying to run a community managed library. More

UPDATE: Libraries Strategic Review Needs Assessment

Tue 25 Jul 2017

Detailed information was due to be made available to those interested in putting forward proposals for, or volunteering to support, a Community Managed Library (CML) this week. Due to the decision being called-in the Council’s constitution states that implementation must halt and the information ca... More

Libraries Strategic Review Needs Assessment approved by Council Cabinet

Thu 13 Jul 2017

Yesterday (Wednesday 12 July) Council Cabinet approved the Libraries Strategic Review needs assessment recommendations. The report considered by Cabinet Members at this evening’s meeting included proposals for the future of the Central Library building, practical arrangements for Community Managed ... More

Creating a modern library service

Tue 4 Jul 2017

Councillor Raju, Derby City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture & Tourism, tells us about the latest proposals for the Council's libraries service. Next Wednesday, Council Cabinet will consider a report which proposes a range of changes to the way Derby City Council’s library servic... More

The Quantum Poet-Dean Fraser

Thu 22 Jun 2017

Come on an adventure. Here be tales of ancient stone circles exploring the past and unravelling life in the 21st Century. In the spirit of all great explorers, The Quantum Poet, Dean Fraser, takes in places as diverse as The Channel Island of Sark all the way to Manhattan. Click here to get your tic... More

Summer reading challenge for children

Tue 18 Apr 2017

The Summer Reading Challenge will be back this summer with a new theme called Animal Agents, illustrated by Tony Ross! 3,909 children took part in last year's challenge, called Big Friendly Read.  What is the Summer Reading Challenge?   The Summer Reading Challenge takes place during the scho... More

Let the local studies collection bring your classroom alive

Sun 16 Apr 2017

Find out how schools can use material from the Derby Family History and Local Studies Library to bring local relevance to many topics of study in the classroom. Perhaps the most obvious use is for the history curriculum, but with such a varied collection of written documents, maps, statistical info... More

Explore the history of Derby with Derby Libraries

Wed 12 Apr 2017

A new digitised collection known as Derby’s History is now available online.This digitisation of a curated selection of materials from the Local Studies and Family History Library means you can discover the history of Derby online simply by logging in to your library account! The digitisation of th... More

Bookstart packs available for children

Mon 3 Apr 2017

Bookstart is a national programme that encourages all parents and carers to enjoy books with their children from as early an age as ‌possible. It aims to provide free book packs to every child in the UK.‌ Children aged 6-8 weeks or 3 years old are eligible to receive a free book pack through Health... More

Library App

Sun 19 Mar 2017

If you are an iPhone user you can now access your library account any time, any place. Just download the app called DerbyLibraries to manage your account, search the library catalogue and find recommended reads! More