Do you really know all that our local library offers? Here you can choose up to sixteen books at a time (children can take out eight) from over 12,300 books of fact and fiction for all ages, including some of the latest literature, sometimes only published weeks before.

If not available, the novel or biography you simply must read can be ordered, for a small charge, from elsewhere in Wirral or further afield. If you are fortunate you might even be the first  borrower of one bought at your request. Sometimes the library may not stock work by a favourite writer (even our competent staff do not know everything !) – then on a special form suggest it does so and explain why it should!

And if your taste is for murder, mystery and detection browse in the Crime Corner – a favourite section of Hoylake members (but you don’t have to live in ‘the village’ to benefit, we are very inclusive.)

There is more…

For children, summer reading games with certificates and medals to be won, and baby ‘bounce and rhyme’ when little ones bring parents and carers to sing some nursery and action music. Local and national newspapers and reference books can be consulted too.

Photocopying currently at the cheapest rate in town, 5p per A4 sheet; internet access (first half hour free), a lively book group meets regularly and talks and social events run by the Friends organisation.

A real success story for the Market Street branch is the In Stitches twice monthly session on Saturday mornings, attracting ‘crafty’ people to knit, sew and crochet in a very informal atmosphere. Many items made by the members are   sold to raise funds for the library – over £400 has been handed over in less than a year. Beginners are welcomed to learn these skills and share refreshments.

And in the foyer, a host of posters and leaflets, advising on concerts, drama, wildlife events, lectures, council, neighbourhood police and community information, transport timetables and visitor accommodation. With justice  the comfortable, friendly and refurbished branch –  though small – has been often described as ‘the heart of the community’.