How libraries support schools and learning

Brighton & Hove Libraries has an important part to play in the way children learn. Find out how we support teachers, school children and young people.

Support for teachers and school children

Library services can help children improve their reading skills and general learning. They also allow children to study and find out about further learning and career options.

Schoolchildren can:

  • join our libraries for free
  • borrow fiction and non-fiction books, including books to help with studying
  • use library computers for free

Teachers can:

  • bring their class for a visit or tour of the library
  • sign up for a class card, which allows them to keep books for up to a term (12 weeks)
  • have a library staff member visit their school
  • attend a talk about our rare books and special collections section of the library
  • use free online resources for class projects

To ask for a tour, a school visit or to sign up for a class card, send an email to libraries@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

Support for children and young people with SEND

We care about ensuring our services are accessible to everyone, including children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

You can ask at your local library for more information about:

  • Equal Access library cards for families
  • free audiobook and CD/DVD loans for Compass Card holders
  • free reservations for Compass Card holders
  • dyslexia-friendly books
  • large print and Braille titles
  • Makaton and ‘baby signing’ picture books
  • monthly signed Storytimes at Jubilee Library (last Thursday of each month)

All of our libraries are wheelchair accessible. You can find accessibility information for each library under ‘more information’ on our opening times pages.

Books to support children’s and young people’s mental health and wellbeing 

The Reading Agency has created book lists called Reading Well Books on Prescription. These books support children (key stage 2, 7 to 11-year-olds) and young people (13 to 18-year-olds) with advice and information about issues like feelings, worries, body image, depression and OCD, and difficult experiences like bullying, bereavement and divorce. 

Health professionals, families, and young people with lived experience have recommended the books, which are suitable for a range of reading abilities, and include picture books, graphic novels, fiction, non-fiction, and personal stories. 

You can borrow the books for free from your libraries. Some titles are also available via our e-book services.  

Check the Reading Agency website for a list of books available for young people and a list of books available for children.