This picture shows the entrance to Dorchester Library.

Before I go to the library

Dorchester Library is open at these times:

Library opening times
Monday: 10am to 5pm
Tuesday: 10am to 6pm
Wednesday: 10am to 5pm
Thursday: 10am to 5pm
Friday: 10am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday: Closed

If I am nervous about going, I can talk to the library staff and ask questions first. I can call:

This picture shows a person on the telephone.
 

Dorchester Library and Learning Centre

Email: dorchesterlibrary@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 224440
Full contact details

I can ask the library staff for a tour of the library.

This picture shows the first area you see in Dorchester Library.

About the library

There are people who work at the library who I can talk to. I will know who they are by their badges.

This picture shows the staff of Dorchester Library

The library is usually a quiet place where people talk quietly, relax and read books.

This picture shows a seating area in the library.

Sometimes it might be noisy. If it is noisy, I can talk to a librarian.

This picture shows a children's activity taking place.

I can ask to borrow ear defenders.

This picture shows a pair of ear defenders.

The library will also have a quiet room I can use.

This picture shows a small table and chairs in a quiet room.

The library will have sensory items to help me relax if I am anxious. I can ask a member of staff for these.

This picture shows a variety of sensory items available.

How I become a member of the library

When I get to the library I will see a desk. I will talk to one of the library staff there about how to become a member of the library.

This picture shows a member of staff issuing a book for a customer.

I will complete a form. I will write my name, address, date of birth, telephone number and email address and sign it.

This is a picture of a Dorset Libraries Application Form for joining the library

I will show them identification. This can be a driving licence, bank statement, or household bill.

This is a picture of a driving licence.

The library staff will give me a library card and a PIN.

This is a picture of a library card.

When I visit the library

In the library there will be shelves of books and DVDs.

This picture is of a row of shelves filled with books.

I can sit in a chair to read a book.

This picture shows a big red sofa that customers can sit and read books on.

I can borrow a book or DVD and take it home with me. I will have to pay to borrow a DVD.

This picture shows a person choosing a DVD.

If I want to borrow a book or DVD I will talk to a member of the library staff.

This picture shows a member of staff behind a desk.

The staff will show me how to borrow the books or DVD and tell me when I need to bring it back to the library.

This picture shows a member of staff showing a customer how to use the self service machine.

There are other activities I can do at the library.

This picture is of an incomplete jigsaw.

The library will also have some computers. There is no charge to use the computers, but I will have to pay for printing.

This picture shows the computers available for public use.

I can reserve a time to use a computer or I can wait for one to be available.

This picture shows a person using the public computers.

When I have finished I will leave the library.

This picture shows the way out of Dorchester Library.