Floorplan

Explore The Word with our interactive floorplan.

  • Ground Floor

    The entrance to The Word opens up into a triple height atrium with a stunning feature staircase which takes visitors to Levels 1 and 2.

    There is a large exhibition space and display pod hosting a rolling programme of exhibitions.

    Shop @ The Word has an excellent range of gifts, arts and crafts for you to browse and purchase as well as something for the kids. The Visitor Information Centre is on hand to provide information on the wide range of things to see and do whilst visiting South Tyneside as well as helping with information on events taking place within The Word.

    This floor also features the café, adult fiction books, gaming zone and email bar.

    Look out for wooden pages of a book that form a trail around The Word. These are a collection of stories known as Tyne Voyages by Michael Chaplin.

  • Floor 01

    You will find the Charles Dickens Room and Catherine Cookson Room located on Level 1 where a number of workshops and talks will take place. These rooms are available for hire.

    Also on this floor is local studies literature, an enhanced family history area, learn and discover IT area, the reference library, and the Caer Urfa Pod, home to a Business and IP Centre North East local centre.

    Wonderful views of the River Tyne can be enjoyed from The Lens. You will also find an interactive touch-table with a number of activities for you to try linked to South Tyneside’s heritage and archives with shipwrecks, images and a live ship tracking app.

    Look out for wooden pages of a book that form a trail around The Word. These are a collection of stories known as Tyne Voyages by Michael Chaplin.

    There are two Delights located on this floor in the perimeter seating which allow you to sit and relax and listen to stories, poems and songs.

    Accessible by lift and stairs.

  • Floor 02

    Level 2 offers a number of interactive, hands on experiences for everyone to enjoy.

    StoryWorld @ The Word provides visitors with an immersive storytelling experience, with sound and visual projections capturing imaginations.

    FabLab is a creative space for children, young people and adults to hone their creative interests with access to 3D printers, vinyl and laser cutters as part of a programme of workshops.

    A digital media wall boasts a number of drawing and colouring activities from designing a comic, to illustrating a story book.

    OpenZone @ The Word supports schools through digital learning and ICT. OpenZone boasts state-of-the-art IT suites, a media studio and access to the FabLab and offers a programme of activities and workshops.

    Similar to Level 1, the Lens provides stunning views of the River Tyne, and this floor boasts two telescopes to enhance the view. There is also an interactive touch-table offering activities for you to try linked the South Tyneside heritage and archives with shipwrecks, images and a live ship tracking app.

    Books on this floor are categorised as under 5s, 5-8 years and over 8 year olds.

    Look out for wooden pages of a book that form a trail around The Word. These are a collection of stories known as Tyne Voyages by Michael Chaplin.

    If your child enjoys stories and poems find the Delight located in the perimeter seating and let them sit and relax and select a story.
    Accessible by lift and stairs.

  • Floor 03

    The Word has a rooftop viewing terrace offering visitors a picturesque view of the River Tyne and surrounding riverside area. Telescopes are located on the terrace to help you view passing ships.

    Our brand new event space, The Round, is now open which can hold up to 150 people is located on the third floor.

    The trail of wooden pages located throughout The Word come together on the rooftop viewing terrace where a map can be seen highlighting the connections that South Tyneside has with the rest of the world.

    Accessible by lift from the ground floor, Levels 1 and 2.