The Word: Covid-19 Update

Limited reopening of services at The Word

We have now partially reopened some of our services here at The Word.

You can now pre-order, return and collect books on an appointment-only basis. You can also access the ground floor of The Word to have time-limited access to our computer facilities or to browse selected shelves of books. You must book a slot to do this in advance and computer use is limited to a 50-minute maximum.

From Saturday 8 August, if you are visiting The Word, you will need to wear a face covering unless exempt.

Toilets will be available for library users only and the café will be open for takeaway. Seating will be unavailable. No other facilities will be available. Strict social distancing rules will be observed.

We also have slightly reduced opening hours: Monday to Thursday - 10am to 7pm, Friday - 10am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday - 10am to 4pm. The last slots can be booked 45 minutes before closing.

For further information about opening times or to book slot to browse books, use a computer or arrange a pre-order, collection or return of books, please contact The Word on 0191 427 1818.

WRITE Festival

WRITE Festival 2020 Update

After careful consideration, South Tyneside Council have taken the decision to close South Tyneside leisure centres and libraries, including The Word, from Thursday 19 March until further notice due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Following this decision, and the Government’s recent advice for those who are within the at-risk categories to limit non-essential contact for social distancing measures, we will be cancelling all programmed events up to and including 14 June, including WRITE Festival 2020. All necessary refunds will be made.

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