The Library is home to a lot more than just books, from fascinating history to eBooks and IT help sessions. We’ve put together an A to Z of the Library – see what you discover…
A is for... Access.
There’s a wheelchair accessible entrance on Market Street, to the left of the double glass doors. Once in Reception, the lift is on the right near the staircase and will take you to each floor as needed. Assistance dogs are also welcome in the Library. To find out more about the accessibility of the building including our offering for people with Autism and visual impairments, take a look at this webpage.
We also run four community libraries around the island, making the library service more accessible to people who can’t make it into town. All are easy to find and have plenty of parking. Find out more and see a map of where the community libraries are here.
B is for... Baby Bounce
Baby Bounce is a great event for children under one and their parents and carers. Come up to the Children’s Library on the first floor for 30 minutes of songs and sensory play with the wonderful staff from the Children’s Team. It’s on every Thursday from 10.00-10.30 and 11.00-11.30 – take a look at our events listing here to book your place.
C is for... Cotgreave Indicator
On the second floor, you might spot this curious case. It’s one of the early library cataloguing systems called a Cotgreave Indicator. Each slot contains a tiny ledger (like a notepad) with a reference number, linking to a book in the Library. When someone borrowed a book, the Librarian would take out the corresponding ledger, fill in the date and the borrower’s membership number. The trays have a blue end and a red end, which was turned to indicate if the book was in or out – blue was out, red was in. This system fell out of use in the early 1900s as library collections grew, and it took up too much space. However, it was used here in the Guille-Allès Library until the 1960s.
D is for... DVDs
Fancy a film night? We’ve got hundreds of DVDs available to borrow here at the Library. From costume dramas and romance, to animations and kids films – we’ve got the DVDs, you provide the popcorn!
E is for... eBooks
Did you know your Library card gives you 24/7 access to thousands of eBook and audiobook titles through BorrowBox, ULibrary, and Libby? Borrow for free and download to your computer, tablet or mobile device. Find out more here – scroll down to read our handy user guides.
F is for... Fab Lab
The Jodie Knight Fab Lab was opened this summer and is a brand new room in the Library providing community access to cutting-edge technology. The Fab Lab is home to thirteen digital fabrication machines including a 3D printer, A1 printer and vinyl cutter, plus graphic design and music production software, empowering people to make things using technology they would not generally have access to at home. Come and play, create, collaborate and be inspired. Find out more and book a slot here.
G is for... Growth
In 1884, the Library’s founders Thomas Guille and Frederick Allès had a vision to create an institution which would serve the people of Guernsey for many years. In the original Constitution, they emphasised that the service would need to be adaptable so that it might ‘grapple with the changing necessities and varying requirements of succeeding generations…’ In the spirit of that clause, the new Children’s Library was opened in 2018. This provides an inspiring and imaginative space for children to gain knowledge and develop a love of reading for pleasure. You can find out more about the Library’s key missions here. These steer our ongoing growth and development as a hub for culture, learning and community, both now and for the future.
H is for... History
Did you know that the Library was founded over 130 years ago by Guernseyman Thomas Guille and his friend Frederick Allès? You can read about the Library’s fascinating history here. There is also a book in the collection written by John Linwood Pitts, who was the original curator of the Library and Museum. It’s called ‘Guille-Allès library and museum: their history and formation’ and was written in 1891. It’s available as a reference book to sit and peruse in the library if you want to delve deeper into history!
I is for... IT Help
One of our key missions is to promote digital inclusion, and as part of that mission we offer First Click Training. These sessions are designed for people who are new to computers and the Internet. First Click training is an ideal way to develop your confidence in a friendly, unpressured environment. The sessions are free, but you do need to book in advance. Call 720392 or visit the Library to arrange your First Click training session.
We also offer weekly IT Help drop-in sessions for people needing help with their computer, smartphone or tablet. From using a mouse to sending emails, downloading apps to getting on Facebook, we can help! These sessions run on Tuesdays, 11.00-12.00. Call 720392 to find out more.
Read A-Z of the Library part 2
