The Word, National Centre for the Written Word - South Shields

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Introduction to The Word

For individuals seeking a stimulating and enriching experience, The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, presents a truly distinctive destination within South Shields. This cultural hub, located in the heart of the town, offers a blend of library services, a welcoming cafe, and engaging exhibitions – all centered around the power and importance of the written word. It’s more than just a library; it’s a vibrant cultural center that caters to a wide range of interests.

Location and Contact Information

The Word is situated at Market Place, South Shields, NE33 1JF, United Kingdom. Prospective visitors can easily reach it by phone at 1914271818. A detailed overview of the centre, including opening hours and upcoming events, is readily available on their website: theworduk.org.

Key Features and Services

The centre’s multifaceted nature is immediately apparent. It functions primarily as a public library, providing access to a vast collection of books, periodicals, and digital resources. However, it extends far beyond traditional library services. Key features include:

• A comfortable and inviting cafe offering refreshments and light snacks – a particularly appealing amenity for those seeking a peaceful spot to relax.
• A dedicated learning center, providing access to workshops and resources designed to foster literacy and creative writing skills.
• Rotating exhibitions that explore the history and significance of language, literature, and storytelling. Recent exhibitions, such as the ‘Brick Wonder’ Lego display, have demonstrated the centre’s ability to attract diverse audiences.
• A store offering a curated selection of books, stationery, and gifts related to the written word.
• It serves as a valuable tourist attraction and tourist information center, providing insights into the local area and its literary heritage.

Accessibility and Amenities

The Word is committed to inclusivity and accessibility. The building features a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible parking, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the facilities. Furthermore, the centre offers a variety of onsite services to enhance the visitor experience.

Visitor Feedback & Reputation

The centre boasts a strong reputation within the community, reflected in its impressive 211 reviews on Google My Business, averaging a highly positive 4.5/5. Feedback consistently highlights the welcoming atmosphere, the quality of the cafe, and the engaging nature of the exhibitions. Many visitors appreciate the centre as a serene location for work or quiet contemplation.

Concluding Recommendation

For those seeking a stimulating and memorable experience that celebrates the written word, The Word is an excellent choice. We strongly encourage potential visitors to explore the wealth of information and events available on their website: theworduk.org. Contacting them directly through their website will allow you to discover tailored experiences and plan your visit accordingly.

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👍 Reviews of The Word, National Centre for the Written Word

Stephen R.

5/5

Called in for a spot of lunch, looked round the library then visited the 'Brick Wonder' Lego exhibition. If you like Lego and you're in the neighborhood, then it's well worth a visit. It's not very big but well presented.

Charlotte F.

5/5

This was a great place to sit quietly and get some work done. Canny little cafe on site too for drinks and snacks. A great view to look out onto.

Stephen P.

5/5

Great multi-functional building with a traditional library, online resources and free web access, conference and exhibition spaces, tourist information, a shop selling locally-branded items, and a nice cafe! Phew! Well worth a visit!

Baz H.

5/5

Free access to burial records and wonderful very able staff to help, like Kate. Nice coffee and egg, mayonnaise and cress sandwich too. Marvellous!

Tatiana D.

5/5

A delightfully modern building offering a wide range of leisure activities.
The virtual exhibition on the life of Muhammad Ali was incredible.

Zoltán H.

5/5

Super helpful Library workers, beautiful building with a nice view. Super environment.

Jade M.

5/5

Lovely place to visit, they had a lego exhibition on which was brilliant

Lelisevis

5/5

Finally got to visit despite watching it being built and it's a beautiful building, very modern. Walking around I love how despite appearing open plan it has been designed with specific zones in mind. The area that really stood out was the library itself and browsing the stacks it was easy to forget you were in such a huge building, kudos to the staff to for keeping the display books relevant, it's obvious they are refreshed daily with current affairs in mind. I loved the Ridley Scott exhibition which was a nice surprise but it would have been nice to have seen a bit more on Tony Scott, another local lad with an equally incredible portfolio. Can't wait to see what the future holds for The word.