Business and IP Centre North East
The Business and IP Centre North East is part of the national BIPC network offers free information and advice for inventors, start-up businesses, and existing businesses based in the North East of England.
The Business and IP Centre North East is part of the national BIPC network offers free information and advice for inventors, start-up businesses, and existing businesses based in the North East of England.
The Word Library has over 70,000 books in stock for you to choose from. You don’t have to be a resident of South Tyneside to take advantage of the vast range of books, you simply need to be a member of South Tyneside Libraries.
StoryWorld is a magical world of fun, fantasy and adventure. Through an immersive storytelling experience incorporating stunning backdrop projections and sound effects, families and children will be able to lose themselves in the depths of a jungle, under the sea or in outer space.
FabLab @ The Word not only provides a creative space for budding product designers and entrepreneurs to test out ideas and bring them to life, but also allows children, young people and adults with an interest in design the opportunity to access 3D printers, vinyl and laser cutters as part of a programme of workshops. Trained staff will guide you through the design and production process and help you make objects from keyrings and fridge magnets to jewellery and decorations.
Café @ The Word provides the perfect location for a lunch date with friends and family or refreshments during your visit to The Word. You can enjoy stunning views of the River Tyne whether you sit inside or outside on the terrace. Choose from our range of breakfasts, lunches and snacks.
Our digital media wall has 6 large tablets with 11 different colouring and drawing activities for children and young people to be creative, from writing and illustrating your own comic to designing a front cover of a book. How creative can you be?
Interactive touch-tables are located on both Lens Platforms and feature a number of activities linked to South Tyneside’s rich heritage, archived images and the view. Be sure to visit and read some interesting stories of shipwrecks off the North East coast and images of the River Tyne through the years. And as you stand and look out at the view, be sure to track the ships sailing up and down the River via our live ship tracking app.
Tyne Voyages is a collection of stories by acclaimed writer Michael Chaplin. The stories aren’t made up, they are all true, and their extraordinary events really happened, just as the equally extraordinary people in them lived and breathed the sea air.
If you want to try your hand at one of the classic Sega or Nintendo games, head down to The Word where we have over 80 pre-installed games, from the classic Sonic the hedgehog to Shadow Dancer.
The Word is located in a prime position overlooking the River Tyne. To aid your view of passing ships we’ve located telescopes on Level 2 Lens platform and the Rooftop Viewing Terrace.
Located on the rooftop, the Viewing Terrace provides you with optimum views of the River Tyne. You can also walk around the edge to look towards St Hilda’s Church and the Market Square. Two telescopes are located on the terrace alongside a map that visually locates the 20 Tyne Voyage stories that are on permanent display throughout The Word. Children under 8 must be accompanied by and adult on the viewing terrace.
OpenZone @ The Word supports schools through using technology to enhance learning and teaching. The team supports students and teachers develop a variety of cross-curricular projects from film-making and podcasting to animation and coding. OpenZone @ The Word enjoys two state-of-the-art digital classrooms, a media studio and access to the FabLab.
The Peoples Network provides The Word Library members with 2 hours of free access to computers (Windows, 7, full Microsoft packages and access to the internet). Non-members can either pay per 20 minutes or become a temporary member of The Word Library – You will need to show one form of identification which includes your name and present address. Please note if you are under 14 years old a parent / guardian must sign your membership form, and may be asked for proof of address.
The Local and Family History section at The Word Library houses a wide range of books, maps, pamphlets and other ephemera, some items dating back to the 18th Century, which record the social, political, maritime and industrial history of South Tyneside and the North East. While many of our items are for reference only we do have some available for loan. Please check our on-line catalogue before your visit to ensure we have items related to you area of interest available.
Come and browse a great selection of arts, crafts, stationery, jewellery, birthday cards, prints and books on sale within the Shop @ The Word. Whether you are looking for a gift for someone special or just a treat for yourself we have something to tempt you. We also sell a bespoke collection of products linked to our Lost Dialects exhibition, be sure to have a look.
The Word is an iconic and unique venue for meetings, corporate events, training sessions, workshops and conferences. It offers a number of flexible spaces that can be adapted to meet your needs.