Bournemouth Libraries provide free public access to a range of information resources on learning and work for anyone who lives, works or studies in Bournemouth or the surrounding counties. Customers do not need to be members of the library service to access the services provided or use the public computers.

All our libraries provide:

• Information on careers, training, courses, CV writing, interview skills, tests, national and local business and job advertisements.
•  Relevant, unbiased and current information.
• Welcoming staff to help you find and interpret the information you want.
• Signposting to other local or national organisations if required.

At Boscombe, Bournemouth, Kinson and Strouden libraries the following are provided:

• A quiet area set aside for interviews.
• Booked appointments, by arrangement, with a member of staff with an NVQ3 in Advice and Guidance. Please email Bournemouth Library or phone 01202 454848.

You can contact us in person, by phone, fax or email:

See Library Contact Details and Opening Hours and Bournemouth Libraries Contacts.

Library Staff:

• All staff at the Ask Here or Enquiry Desk will be glad to help you. If your query cannot be answered straightaway staff will refer you to other sources of help or take your contact details and contact you at a later date.
• All staff operate within the Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct for Bournemouth Borough Council Employees. Both these documents are available to view on request.

The following agencies provide free advice sessions for any member of the public: 

• Next Step - free information and advice for adults aged 20 and over on learning and work opportunities.
  Please telephone 0800 138 5550 to book an appointment.  
• Businesslink Wessex please telephone 0845 58 85 58 to make an appointment.

Using the library:

• You can use some of library facilities for free without being a member, including browsing our books and journals.
• Some library items may only be used within the library.
• To use the computers, without joining the library as a full member, you need to become a 'PC User' member. No proof of address is needed for this. 'PC User' membership will allow you to use the computers for the internet and MS Office. There is a 10p per black and white page charge for print-outs. We advise you to book a computer in advance by personal visit, or by phoning your local library.
• If you would like borrow any items you will need to join the library as a full member by filling in a short form and showing proof of your name and address. Overdue charges apply on late return of library items.
• If the item you want is on loan or available in another library you may reserve or request it for a small charge.

Special Formats:

Information can be translated into Braille or recorded onto audio tape. Please let a member of staff know your requirements.

Signposting:

If we are unable to meet your needs we will refer you to an appropriate agency or alternative information source.

Comments and Complaints:

If you have any comments or complaints to make about the service please complete a library service comments card, available in all libraries.  If you would like a reply please add your name, address and telephone number. Your feedback is reviewed monthly and used to make improvements to the service.  Complaints will receive an acknowledgement within 2 days and a written reply within 10 working days.

More information...

Bournemouth Library service is a member of the Next Step Network of Information, Advice and Guidance organisations.

All Bournemouth Libraries have been awarded the Matrix Standard.