Sheffield Libraries
The official account for Sheffield Libraries, Archives and Information Service.

The Local Studies Library and Reading Room in The Central Library are currently closed until further notice while essential repairs are carried out.
The Central Lending Library, Computer Suite and Children’s Library are all open as normal.
We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.

Today is the start of the Pre election Rules on Publicity (PERP). These rules stay in place until the polls close on 7 May. During this time, we must follow the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity (2011). This helps us keep our social media channels politically neutral.
While PERP is in place, we will remove all political comments. This includes comments about political parties, candidates, or political issues.
Image credit: secretlondon123 on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0
We have very exciting news for the end of the week - the Sheffield Children's Book Award shortlist is out!
Teachers and library staff have been busy reading and choosing the very best, most fun and engaging books of 2025!
We have something for all ages, from tiny tots right up to young adults. You will be able to vote for your favourites in any Sheffield public library, so dive in and get reading!
The shortlisted books are:
Baby Books:
Touch and Feel Construction by Sasha Morton and illustrated by Adam Howling
Animal Actions: Stomp Like an Elephant by Guilherme Karsten
Ada's Rainy Day by Daishu Ma
Toddler Books:
If a Monkey Ate Nothing but Bananas by Lillias Kinsman-Chauvet
Oh Dear, Look What I Got! by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
Calling All Bears by Diana Murray, illustrated by Alex Willmore
Picture Books:
The Forever Bear by Lu Fraser, illustrated by Pippa Curnick
Do You See the Tiger? by Philip Ardagh, illustrated by David Melling
Once I Was A Tree by Eoin McLaughlin, illustrated by Guilherme Karsten
Emerging Reads:
Squirrel and Duck: Mission Improbable, by Tom Percival
Donut Squad Take Over the World by Neill Cameron
My Teacher is a Diamond Thief! by Pamela Butchart, illustrated by Thomas Flintham
Shorter Novels:
The Zombie Project by Alice Nuttall
The Lone Husky by Hannah Gold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold
Sin Bin Island by Doug Naylor
Longer Novels:
People Like Stars by Patrice Lawrence
What Happens Online by Nathanael Lessore
My Name Is Samim by Fidan Meikle
Young Adult:
Bury Your Friends by Benjamin Dean
My Name is Jodie Jones by Emma Shevah
Traumaland by Josh Silver
#BookAward #BookAwards #BookPrize #ChildrensBooks #KidsBooks

A final book recommendation from Charlie to end the week!
Charlie's third recommendation is: Jillian by Halle Butler.
Charlie says: "Jillian is the funniest, yet saddest depiction of working life that you will ever read. This book observes the interactions between Jillian, a grotesquely optimistic & chirpy receptionist, and Megan, her relentlessly pessimistic colleague. You will despise every single character in this book... almost as much as you love them."
#BookRecommendations #BookRecs #ReadingRecommendations #Books #BooksBooksBooks

A final book recommendation from Charlie to end the week!
Charlie's third recommendation is: Jillian by Halle Butler.
Charlie says: "Jillian is the funniest, yet saddest depiction of working life that you will ever read. This book observes the interactions between Jillian, a grotesquely optimistic & chirpy receptionist, and Megan, her relentlessly pessimistic colleague. You will despise every single character in this book... almost as much as you love them."
#BookRecommendations #BookRecs #ReadingRecommendations #Books #BooksBooksBooks

🎂 Happy 100th Birthday, Sir David Attenborough - winning birthday card revealed!
📣 In partnership with @shefflibraries, we invited young artists across South Yorkshire to design a birthday card to mark Sir David’s incredible milestone - and you absolutely delivered!
We then asked filmmaker, climate activist and @natgeo Explorer @aliceaedy to undertake the wonderful task of selecting 10 finalists and one overall winner from all of your beautiful entries.
🏆 We are now delighted to reveal our winner! A HUGE congratulations to Charlotte, age 13, from Doncaster! @char.lott2012
Here’s what Alice had to say about Charlotte’s design:
“Charlotte’s work stopped me in my tracks. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. My eye keeps returning to it to discover new layers and details, and what makes me smile is that it puts Sir David exactly where I imagine he would love to be - not on a pedestal, but surrounded by the living world, equal to all the animal species he has spent his life trying to protect.”
And on judging the competition: “Most likely… the best job I’ve ever had?? (I’m) Overwhelmed with the quality and creativity of the submissions - and tributes to Sir David.”
Keep your eyes peeled as we reveal the full top ten birthday cards very soon!
🎟️ Charlotte and our 10 finalists have all won a pair of tickets to events in Sheffield DocFest 2026’s brand new GEN DocFest children and family programme, and Charlotte’s winning design will be presented at the festival itself!
Thank you to every young artist who entered 🌿🎨🦁
Happy 100th Birthday Sir David Attenborough!

Another day, another book recommendation from Charlie!
Charlie's second recommendation is: Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
Charlie says: "Set in working-class Glasgow, Young Mungo is a heartbreaking, powerful coming-of-age novel about a young man who finds himself grappling a queer identity in a homophobic society with a complex family dynamic. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart, but I would highly recommend to anyone looking to explore queer literature with astonishing prose."
#BookRecommendations #BookRecs #ReadingRecommendations #BooksBooksBooks #QueerBooks

Another day, another book recommendation from Charlie!
Charlie's second recommendation is: Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
Charlie says: "Set in working-class Glasgow, Young Mungo is a heartbreaking, powerful coming-of-age novel about a young man who finds himself grappling a queer identity in a homophobic society with a complex family dynamic. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart, but I would highly recommend to anyone looking to explore queer literature with astonishing prose."
#BookRecommendations #BookRecs #ReadingRecommendations #BooksBooksBooks #QueerBooks

Our library assistant Charlie is rapidly becoming famous for his excellent book recommendations, so we decided to feature some on our socials!
Charlie's first recommendation is: Small Worlds by @caleb_anelson
Charlie says: "Small Worlds is a masterclass in pure, visceral emotions that transcend the pages - the story follows a young British man who is the son of Ghanaian immigrants, and his transition into adulthood examining father-son relationships, racism, love, and finding yourself in the world. A modern classic in the making."
More book recommendations from Charlie later in the week!
#BookRecommendations #BookRecs #ReadingRecommendations #ReadingRecs #BooksBooksBooks

Our library assistant Charlie is rapidly becoming famous for his excellent book recommendations, so we decided to feature some on our socials!
Charlie's first recommendation is: Small Worlds by @caleb_anelson
Charlie says: "Small Worlds is a masterclass in pure, visceral emotions that transcend the pages - the story follows a young British man who is the son of Ghanaian immigrants, and his transition into adulthood examining father-son relationships, racism, love, and finding yourself in the world. A modern classic in the making."
More book recommendations from Charlie later in the week!
#BookRecommendations #BookRecs #ReadingRecommendations #ReadingRecs #BooksBooksBooks

Is it difficult for you to get to a library, or would you struggle to carry your books home? We have a free Home Library Service to help you out! Our friendly staff can deliver books, talking books, jigsaws and DVDs to your home every month.
We can also provide the service on a temporary basis, for example if you are recovering from an operation.
Please contact the Home Library Service on 0114 2734277 to find out more or email: homeservices.library@sheffield.gov.uk
#DisabilityInclusion #DisabilitySupport #DisabilityServices #Library #Libraries

Library lunch break and time to jump onto @libbyapp_uk and see what all the fuss is about!
Have you read the Dungeon Crawler series yet? What did you think?
The eBooks are available now to read for free with your Sheffield Libraries membership.
Image Description: A photo of a hand holding a mobile phone in front of library shelves, showing the front cover of a trending book series called Dungeon Crawler.
#DungeonCrawler #Libby #Sheffield #SheffieldLibraries AmReading

We went on a bear hunt this week...and it didn’t disappoint! 🐻📚
Our Toddler Group headed to Sheffield Central Children’s Library today for a very enthusiastic read along of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, nursery rhymes and crafts!
Needless to say, our little ones had a great time, and it was a lovely chance for families to explore a new space together.
A big thank you to the library team for such a warm (and fun!) welcome.
💙
#sheffieldlibraries

We went on a bear hunt this week...and it didn’t disappoint! 🐻📚
Our Toddler Group headed to Sheffield Central Children’s Library today for a very enthusiastic read along of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, nursery rhymes and crafts!
Needless to say, our little ones had a great time, and it was a lovely chance for families to explore a new space together.
A big thank you to the library team for such a warm (and fun!) welcome.
💙
#sheffieldlibraries

We went on a bear hunt this week...and it didn’t disappoint! 🐻📚
Our Toddler Group headed to Sheffield Central Children’s Library today for a very enthusiastic read along of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, nursery rhymes and crafts!
Needless to say, our little ones had a great time, and it was a lovely chance for families to explore a new space together.
A big thank you to the library team for such a warm (and fun!) welcome.
💙
#sheffieldlibraries

We went on a bear hunt this week...and it didn’t disappoint! 🐻📚
Our Toddler Group headed to Sheffield Central Children’s Library today for a very enthusiastic read along of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, nursery rhymes and crafts!
Needless to say, our little ones had a great time, and it was a lovely chance for families to explore a new space together.
A big thank you to the library team for such a warm (and fun!) welcome.
💙
#sheffieldlibraries

We went on a bear hunt this week...and it didn’t disappoint! 🐻📚
Our Toddler Group headed to Sheffield Central Children’s Library today for a very enthusiastic read along of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, nursery rhymes and crafts!
Needless to say, our little ones had a great time, and it was a lovely chance for families to explore a new space together.
A big thank you to the library team for such a warm (and fun!) welcome.
💙
#sheffieldlibraries

We went on a bear hunt this week...and it didn’t disappoint! 🐻📚
Our Toddler Group headed to Sheffield Central Children’s Library today for a very enthusiastic read along of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, nursery rhymes and crafts!
Needless to say, our little ones had a great time, and it was a lovely chance for families to explore a new space together.
A big thank you to the library team for such a warm (and fun!) welcome.
💙
#sheffieldlibraries

We went on a bear hunt this week...and it didn’t disappoint! 🐻📚
Our Toddler Group headed to Sheffield Central Children’s Library today for a very enthusiastic read along of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, nursery rhymes and crafts!
Needless to say, our little ones had a great time, and it was a lovely chance for families to explore a new space together.
A big thank you to the library team for such a warm (and fun!) welcome.
💙
#sheffieldlibraries

We went on a bear hunt this week...and it didn’t disappoint! 🐻📚
Our Toddler Group headed to Sheffield Central Children’s Library today for a very enthusiastic read along of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, nursery rhymes and crafts!
Needless to say, our little ones had a great time, and it was a lovely chance for families to explore a new space together.
A big thank you to the library team for such a warm (and fun!) welcome.
💙
#sheffieldlibraries

We went on a bear hunt this week...and it didn’t disappoint! 🐻📚
Our Toddler Group headed to Sheffield Central Children’s Library today for a very enthusiastic read along of “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, nursery rhymes and crafts!
Needless to say, our little ones had a great time, and it was a lovely chance for families to explore a new space together.
A big thank you to the library team for such a warm (and fun!) welcome.
💙
#sheffieldlibraries

Among other Hive anthologies, you can pick up our latest, The Rising Line, feat. writing by 73 emerging writers | 59 poems and 18 short stories from the fabulous @agssheffield on Arundel St in Sheffield. The Camellia House & Other Stories: Poetry & fiction inspired by the families, gardens & histories of Wentworth Woodhouse is heading for its 2nd edition print run soon [available at AGS, online via Hive & at Wentworth House shop]

Did you know that Stocksbridge Library hosts a monthly Spanish Conversation group?
Come and practise your Spanish in our friendly, low-pressure group!
Please note that these are not lessons, just an opportunity to practise with others.
The next meeting is Wednesday 29 April, 2pm-3pm. No need to book, just drop in!
#Spanish #SpanishConversation #SpanishLanguage #ConversationGroup
The Instagram Story Viewer is an easy tool that lets you secretly watch and save Instagram stories, videos, photos, or IGTV. With this service, you can download content and enjoy it offline whenever you like. If you find something interesting on Instagram that you’d like to check out later or want to view stories while staying anonymous, our Viewer is perfect for you. Anonstories offers an excellent solution for keeping your identity hidden. Instagram first launched the Stories feature in August 2023, which was quickly adopted by other platforms due to its engaging, time-sensitive format. Stories let users share quick updates, whether photos, videos, or selfies, enhanced with text, emojis, or filters, and are visible for only 24 hours. This limited time frame creates high engagement compared to regular posts. In today’s world, Stories are one of the most popular ways to connect and communicate on social media. However, when you view a Story, the creator can see your name in their viewer list, which may be a privacy concern. What if you wish to browse Stories without being noticed? Here’s where Anonstories becomes useful. It allows you to watch public Instagram content without revealing your identity. Simply enter the username of the profile you’re curious about, and the tool will display their latest Stories. Features of Anonstories Viewer: - Anonymous Browsing: Watch Stories without showing up on the viewer list. - No Account Needed: View public content without signing up for an Instagram account. - Content Download: Save any Stories content directly to your device for offline use. - View Highlights: Access Instagram Highlights, even beyond the 24-hour window. - Repost Monitoring: Track the reposts or engagement levels on Stories for personal profiles. Limitations: - This tool works only with public accounts; private accounts remain inaccessible. Benefits: - Privacy-Friendly: Watch any Instagram content without being noticed. - Simple and Easy: No app installation or registration required. - Exclusive Tools: Download and manage content in ways Instagram doesn’t offer.
Keep track of Instagram updates discreetly while protecting your privacy and staying anonymous.
View profiles and photos anonymously with ease using the Private Profile Viewer.
This free tool allows you to view Instagram Stories anonymously, ensuring your activity remains hidden from the story uploader.
Anonstories lets users view Instagram stories without alerting the creator.
Works seamlessly on iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and modern browsers like Chrome and Safari.
Prioritizes secure, anonymous browsing without requiring login credentials.
Users can view public stories by simply entering a username—no account needed.
Downloads photos (JPEG) and videos (MP4) with ease.
The service is free to use.
Content from private accounts can only be accessed by followers.
Files are for personal or educational use only and must comply with copyright rules.
Enter a public username to view or download stories. The service generates direct links for saving content locally.