Things to do in North East England, England: The Best Libraries

Following new advice in response to the COVID 19 pandemic and in line with other cultural organisations, we have taken the difficult decision to close all of our museums and galleries and the archives from 5pm on Wednesday 18 March. This is provisionally until 1 May 2020 but we will be reviewing the situation and updating if anything changes. Please sign up to our emails at mustseemuseums.org.uk and check our social media channels and website so we can keep you up to date with what’s going on. Thank you for your support and understanding at this challenging time. Stay well and we look forward to welcoming you back in due course.

In line with government and Public Health England advice regarding the Covid-19 and following the current guidelines set by Durham University, Palace Green Library is now closed until further notice. Stay in touch on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. Palace Green Library, in the heart of Durham city, holds Durham University's special collections. Our galleries are open to all and display treasures spanning millennia and the globe.

The Word, National Centre for the Written Word is South Tyneside's state-of-the-art cultural venue which has a lot to offer! The building is brimming with exciting new experiences, activities and facilities for people of all ages to engage and enjoy. From the Digital Media Wall, to the FabLab - there is also an impressive, immersive storytelling experience in StoryWorld which hosts regular events over school holidays as well as interactive touch-tables, telescopes, Kids' Activity Area, Creative Play Area and a Gaming Zone. There is also a Shop/Visitor Information Centre and a Café. The building is home to 70,000 books as well as OpenZone, who provide digital learning and ICT to schools during term time. At its core The Word celebrates the written word in all its forms through a rolling programme of events, exhibitions and workshops and it also aims to become a home for north-east writers.