Research trip to The Word, South Shields

I've been intending visiting The Word, The National Centre for the Written Word since I first heard about it opening in November last year. Today I made the trip to The Word in South Shields to meet with Richard Barber, the Arts and Heritage Officer. He explained the various facilities within the building and we discussed some ideas that I have about working with them. Watch this space!

I was very impressed by the building, the state of the art facilities and the incredibly positive attendance figures. The range and number of users to all areas within the building is a prime example of why it is so important to keep libraries in our communities - the demand is there.

The Word Library has over 70,000 books in stock, but it is more than just a library.

Here are a few other things to explore at The Word

StoryWorld

StoryWorld is a magical world of fun, fantasy and adventure.

Through an immersive storytelling experience incorporating stunning backdrop projections and sound effects, families and children can lose themselves in the depths of a jungle, under the sea or in outer space.

OpenZone

OpenZone @ The Word supports schools through using technology to enhance learning and teaching. The team supports students and teachers to develop a variety of cross-curricular projects from film-making and podcasting to animation and coding. OpenZone @ The Word enjoys two state-of-the-art digital classrooms, a media studio and access to the FabLab.


FabLab

FabLab @ The Word not only provides a creative space for budding product designers and entrepreneurs to test out ideas and bring them to life, but also allows children, young people and adults with an interest in design the opportunity to access 3D printers, vinyl and laser cutters as part of a programme of workshops.

Trained staff are on hand to guide you through the design and production process and help you realise your ideas.

Local and Family History

The Local and Family History section at The Word Library houses a wide range of books, maps, pamphlets and other ephemera, some items dating back to the Eighteenth Century, which record the social, political, maritime and industrial history of South Tyneside and the North East.