Other library services

​​​​​ Computer and internet access
DVDs and music CDs
Spoken word materials (talking books)
Reading groups
Rooms for hire
Mobile library
Housebound services
National library of Wales 

Computer and internet access 

DVDs and music CDs 

If we don’t have the item you want in stock at your local library, you may be able to reserve it from another library and have it sent to your local branch for collection. Music CDs live in our music department at Central Library. You can visit us in the city centre and browse our vast collection, or you can reserve particular titles and have them sent to your local library for collection. Reserving DVDs (which are held at our Stacks)​ and CDs is absolutely free. To find out what items we have and how to reserve them, visit our online catalogue​​​​​​​​​​​​​Link opens in a new window​​.

DVDs and CDs are loaned out for one week at a charge. Fines apply to any late returns, or you can renew them at the standard loan charge. Please see our library fines and charges for details. 

Spoken word materials (talking books) 

Reading groups 

If you belong to a reading group, are looking for one in your area, or are even thinking of setting one up, here's what we can do for you:

• help you find a reading group that meets at a time and place convenient for you
• advertise your group to new members
• recommend great books for you to read
• provide you with up to 15 copies of the same book, which you can keep for up to 6 weeks
• offer loads of fun activities throughout the year

For more details simply visit the online library catalogue​​​​​​​​​​​​External link opens in a new window​and select 'Clubs and Societies' followed by 'Readers and writers groups'. Or view our Reading Groups - what we can do for you (PDF 314 KB)​​​​​​​​​​Link opens in a new window​leaflet. 

Rooms for hire 

Several of our libraries have community rooms or meeting rooms available for hire. Please check with your local branch. 

Central library also offers a fully equipped ICT lounge which can be hired for a fee. 

Mobile Library 

The mobile library takes a full library service out into the Cardiff community by visiting:

• Areas without easy access to a local branch
• Areas with a concentration of elderly or infirm people, who might otherwise struggle to reach their nearest branch

We have two vehicles and although they can only hold a limited number of items, the library staff will use their knowledge of libraries and books to secure the best reads for their borrowers. If we haven't got what you want, we will make every effort to secure the item for you by the next visit. 

Mobile library timetable 

The mobile library timetable rotates on a 3 weekly basis:

Housebound Services 

We run a service that brings the library to your doorstep if you are incapacitated through:​ 

• Illness
• Infirmity
• Disability

and can no longer travel to your local library.

We call every three weeks, delivering and collecting ordinary/large print books and/or books-on-tape.

After an initial interview to determine your needs and reading tastes, you may either give the driver a list of books that you would like to read, or have the books chosen for you by our experienced and knowledgeable librarian. If you have internet access you can reserve your favourite books and have them delivered as soon as they become available.

This service is entirely free and covers the whole of Cardiff. However, please be aware that resources are limited and there is sometimes a waiting list. 

National Library 

The National Library of Wales​​​​​​​​​​​​External link opens in a new window​ offers a wide range of subscribed electronic resources, ranging from scholarly journals to encyclopedias and newspapers. In conjunction with City of Cardiff Council , the National Library of Wales would like to offer you the opportunity to register for access to our electronic resources.
You can use the register to do two things: 

• To obtain a readers' ticket before visiting the National Library of Wales, and
• Or for remote access to all the Library's electronic resources as long as you live in Wales and have a Welsh postcode.
  

As this service is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, we regret that if you don't have a home address in Wales you won't be able to register for access to all the Library's electronic resources. 

For enquiries please contact us.