Reading

Read online

Search books on our online library catalogue - we've got a great range of titles, whether you want crime, science fiction, romance or contemporary fiction, or a wide selection of non-fiction. With free reservations for all library customers, you can order a book from any Kirklees Library. Our staff and volunteers are always happy to help you find your favourite authors and topics, as well as suggesting new books and authors to try.

eAudio and eBook collections

Search eBooks and audiobooks on Overdrive - these change regularly, so you can be sure of finding something new whenever you visit. Accessible at any time, day or night.

We're always looking for opportunities to bring authors from across the world to Kirklees, both in person and virtually. Keep up to date with reading activities and events , through our e-newsletters and our social media channels: Kirklees Libraries Facebook or Kirklees Libraries Twitter .

We also support and participate in local festivals, including the Huddersfield Literature Festival and the Cosmia Festival .

Quick reads

The Reading Agency: Quick Reads programme uses short books and great stories by bestselling authors, written in an accessible and easy to read style, to provide a route into reading. Quick Reads are a valuable tool for boosting reading skills and confidence; The Reading Agency notes that 1 in 6 adults in the UK struggle with reading, and 1 in 3 adults do not regularly read for pleasure. These books can be a fantastic entry point to new genres or authors, as well as providing a spark to reignite or build up the joy of reading. Search our quick read books that we have available.

Readers' group

We support local readers' groups by providing free access to a large collection of books - including contemporary fiction, non-fiction, poetry, biographies, short stories and classics. Search our Readers' group books .

We also provide space in some of our libraries for groups to meet; you can see which readers' groups meet in our libraries at our events page. It's always worth contacting the library before you visit to find out if a group can take new members at present.

We can provide support for new groups, helping with creating a positive start and creative ideas for development. If you'd like to start a new readers' group or would like to find out more about how we can support your group, please get in touch at Readers.group@kirklees.gov.uk.

Learning

Libraries provide opportunities for learning at all stages and levels, giving people opportunities to learn new skills and explore a range of subjects, either independently or by complementing more formal learning. Our libraries are welcoming spaces for communities to come together and learn a new skill or share their knowledge with others.

Support for you

This includes vital life skills such as Talk English classes, healthy eating, and online safety; we help to support formal learning through activities such as book groups, code clubs and events for children and families, as well as providing opportunities for more fun and social activities, such as knit and natter and other leisure activities. Please see our Events . We are supported in this work by our volunteers and Friends of libraries groups.

Our books (both physical and e-book) are selected to provide a range of materials to support learning. We offer a range of accessible books and reading materials reflecting the interests of the local community.

Our staff can help you find learning opportunities elsewhere in the community, and we support learners who meet in our libraries to investigate further opportunities for their learning.

Online resources

Whether you're researching your family tree, looking at historical events, or you're interested in becoming a UK Citizen, our libraries have lots of online resources available.

Talk English

Our free Talk English sessions are held at Birkby and Fartown, Dewsbury and Heckmondwike Libraries. You will practice speaking, listening, reading and writing English through informal activities tailored to your needs and communities.

Email frontline.services@kirklees.gov.uk for more information.