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Building Renovations and Access (updated 16/09/2022)

 

Relocation of town centre library services | Please use Cockerton Library or Dolphin Centre Collection Point (from 20/09/2022)

 

Darlington Library on Crown Street is temporarily inaccessible to library users whilst the refurbishment progresses. The building is set to reopen next year with a refreshed space and exciting activity offer.

An alternative town centre location for customers to borrow and return books has been found.

From Tuesday 20th September customers will be able to visit the Dolphin Centre on Horse Market at various times during the week to reserve and collect books, join the library, and learn about our services.

 

Our branch Library in Cockerton remains open for adults and children to browse the bookshelves, and to access computers and study space. Outside of regular opening hours our popular Bookstart Rhymetime sessions will be available to book, and there will be regular Centre for Local Studies Takeover afternoons where customers can access our collection and speak to our experienced team. Cockerton Library also holds weekly arts and crafts sessions for children after school, and a monthly Rock of Ages group for older adults to take a trip down memory lane and listen to music from days gone by over a cuppa. Soon to begin is our new Watercolour group where novice art enthusiasts can meet and have a go at something new.

 

Darlington residents aged 60+ are reminded that they are eligible for our free Home Delivery Service, where our experienced team choose books based on your interests, and with assistance from Darlington Support, these are delivered monthly alongside a friendly doorstep chat.

 

Our online library is always open, and our Borrowbox and Libby Apps have a wide range of eBooks and Audiobooks to choose from which download free on to your device. Our Darlington Libraries App allows customer to search the whole of our catalogue and select and order books to be collected from either our branch library or our temporary Select and Collect pick up point at the Dolphin Centre.

FAQS content

SERVICE UPDATE

 

Darlington Library

*Temporarily inaccessible to library users - Please use our alternative Dolphin Centre collection point for select and collect services

*Open for telephone and email enquiries

 

Dolphin Centre Select and Collect Point

*Open from Tuesday 20 September - 

Services available:

*Book reservations, collection and returns

*Join the Library

 

Centre for Local Studies

*Temporary building closure - 

Reopening date under review

*Open for email enquiries | local.studies@darlington.gov.uk

 

Cockerton Library

Services available:

*Book browsing, borrowing and returns

*Computer use (limited to 60 minutes for library members and on a first come, first served basis)

 

Library Home Delivery Service

We will maintain our home delivery service to those aged 60 and above.
 

To sign up to our home delivery service (for over 60s in Darlington) - Please telephone 01325 349610 or email library@darlington.gov.uk

 

Select and Collect Service


To use our Select and Collect service - please request your books in advance via our website, app or by telephone.

  • Download the Darlington Library app or use the Renew/Sign in link at the top of this page (tap on menu if you are on a mobile device.)
  • Log in using your library card and PIN.
  • Browse our extensive catalogue and reserve your chosen titles.
  • Once notified, you will be able to collect your books from your chosen branch.

Should you be unable to go online or require further assistance, please telephone us on 01325 349610.
 
Our opening times are as follows:

Dolphin Centre Select and Collect Point:

Monday: 10am - 12pm and 3pm - 6pm

Tuesday: 3pm - 6pm

Wednesday: 10am - 1pm

Thursday: 3pm - 6pm

Friday: 10am - 1pm

Saturday: 12pm - 3pm

Sunday: Closed

Darlington Library:

Monday: 9am - 6pm (Telephone Only)

Tuesday: 9am - 6pm (Telephone Only)

Wednesday: 9am - 5pm (Telephone Only)

Thursday: 10am - 6pm (Telephone Only)

Friday: 9am - 5pm (Telephone Only)

Saturday : 10am - 4pm (Telephone Only)

Sunday: Closed


Cockerton Library:

Monday: 9am - 2pm

Tuesday: 2pm - 7pm

Wednesday: 9am - 1pm

Thursday: 2pm - 7pm

Friday: 9am - 2pm

Saturday: 9am - 1pm

Sunday: Closed
 

 

 

Frequently asked questions

 
How long are my books checked out for?
 

Books are checked out for a period of 21 days ( 3 weeks )
 

Will I be charged for overdue books?
 

No, there are currently no charges for overdue books.

 
Will I be charged for reserving books?
 

No, there are currently no charges for reserving books.
 


How will I know when I can collect my reserved books?
 

We will either send you an email, letter or a telephone call to let you know that your items are ready to be collected, depending on your contact preferences.
 

Where is the temporary town centre book collection point?
 

This is currently located in the Dolphin Centre reception area, and open during the hours specified above.

My reservations are set to be collected from Darlington Library while it is closed, what should I do?
 

You can alter the pick-up location of your items under your reservations section on our website. Please choose between Cockerton Library or the temporary Dolphin Centre Select and Collect Point.

 

I have recieved an overdue notice, what should I do?

You can extend the loan period of your books by signing into your account on our website or app, or call us on 01325 349610. Alternatively, you may return them during our advertised opening hours - above - This is simply a reminder notice, there will be no charges for overdue books.
 


Do you have computer access/printing facilities at the Library?
 

Yes, (Cockerton only) we are currently offering computer access/printing on a first come, first served basis. It is limited to 60 minutes and for library members only. It is free to join the library (Please bring valid I.D.)
 


Can I sign up for the home delivery service?
 

We are offering a home delivery service to residents of Darlington aged 60 and above. There is more information on our website about this service including how to sign up here.
 


Can I join the Library service online?
 

Yes, you can apply for a Digital Membership. Just complete the online form here and we will send you a library card number and PIN via email. You can use this number to sign up for our digital services such as e-Books. If you wish to borrow printed books from the Library, please wait for your membership to be approved via email.


 
Can I use any of the Centre for Local Studies facilities?
 

The Centre for Local Studies at Darlington Library is temporarily closed. However, we may be able to answer your query by email - our contact details are here.

 

Are you able to accept donations of books?
 

No, unfortunately we are unable to take donations at this time.

 

How do I sign up for e-Books?
 

If you are already a Library member, simply use your card number and PIN to sign up. Our digital reading page has more information. If you are not a library member, please use the online form here to sign up for a membership - we will process your membership as soon as we can.

 

When will Bookstart Rhymetime return?

 

Our Rhymetime sessions are running again at Cockerton Library. Please check our Family Activities page for booking details.