South Tyneside Libraries

Libraries at the heart of our communities at Jarrow, Hebburn, Cleadon Park and The Word

Come and join us at the Word for our Line Dancing taster sessions at The Word.All ages welcome to our fun and social dance classes. A great way to keep in shape and to meet new people, whilst learning to dance. No partners needed and a warm welcome always awaits you. Don’t forget to bring water! Tuesdays from 16th Sept – 16th Dec at 1:30-2:30pmn (excluding 14th Oct).&nbsp; No need to book just drop in.

Welcome to South Tyneside’s state-of-the-art cultural venue, situated in the heart of South Shields, brimming with exciting new experiences, activities and facilities for people of all ages to enjoy.

The Word

This is a great little circular walk that takes us through the town via Springwell Road before following some very quiet and green paths towards the beautiful Campbell Park. Here, we will visit the site of St Bede's Well. Our return to the library will be via West Park in Jarrow. <ul><li>Difficulty:&nbsp;Easy</li></ul> <ul><li>Time:1 hour 10 mins</li></ul> <ul><li>Distance:&nbsp;3 miles</li></ul> <ul><li>Total height climbed along the route:&nbsp;56 ft</li></ul> <ul><li>Terrain:&nbsp;Mostly good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) but some of the paths near St Bede's Well can be muddy after wet weather.&nbsp;</li></ul> <ul><li>Steps:&nbsp;There are a few sets of steps along this route.</li></ul> <ul><li>Wheelchair accessible:&nbsp;No</li></ul> <ul><li>Toilets:&nbsp;There are toilets at Jarrow Focus. However, there are no public toilets along the walk.</li></ul> Public transport to JarrowBoth the Jarrow Metro and bus stations are about an 8-minute walk from the library.There is a bus stop outside Morrisons (close to Jarrow Focus) for services 10, 11 and 26.

Jarrow Focus Library

Our route starts by taking us across to North Tyneside via the Pedestrian Tunnel. The tunnel opened in 1951 and walking through it is like stepping back in time. Fortunately, the new lift is now working so the ascent out of the tunnel is easy. On leaving the tunnel, our path will take us through East Howdon, Percy Main, Redburn Dene and Royal Quays. On a clear day, the views across the river are superb. We will finish by taking the ferry across to South Shields where the walk will end. It is only a short (roughly 7 minutes) walk up to the interchange for buses and metros.&nbsp;You must bring a travel card or appropriate fare for the ferry and return journey to Jarrow. There is no toll for using the tunnel. <ul><li>Difficulty:&nbsp;Moderate</li></ul> <ul><li>Time:&nbsp;Approximately 3 hours</li></ul> <ul><li>Distance:&nbsp;4.6 miles</li></ul> <ul><li>Total height climbed along the route:&nbsp;227 ft</li></ul> <ul><li>Terrain:&nbsp;Good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) throughout the walk.</li></ul> <ul><li>Steps:&nbsp;There is one quite long set of steps up from the riverside shortly after Royal Quays Marina.</li></ul> <ul><li>Wheelchair accessible:&nbsp;No</li></ul> <ul><li>Toilets:&nbsp;There are toilets at Jarrow Focus, Royal Quays Shopping Centre and near the North Shields ferry landing.</li></ul> Public transport to JarrowBoth the Jarrow Metro and bus stations are about an 8-minute walk from the library.There is a bus stop outside Morrisons (close to Jarrow Focus) for services 10, 11 and 26.

South Shields via Royal Quays (walking for wellbeing)

Come along and join Claire from Sports Development to try some seated exercise. This is done at a gentle pace and is low impact. Everyone works at their own pace taking a break when needed. No special clothing is required, just wear something you find comfortable. Thursdays from&nbsp;10.45am - 11.30am at The Word.&nbsp;Free, drop in sessions. Suitable for all ages.&nbsp;

This very pleasant walk meanders through the woodland within Temple Park. Look out for rabbits and even the occasional duck!&nbsp;&nbsp; <ul><li>Difficulty:&nbsp;Easy</li></ul> <ul><li>Time:&nbsp;1 hour 5 mins</li></ul> <ul><li>Distance:&nbsp;2.5 miles</li></ul> <ul><li>Total height climbed along the route:&nbsp;43 ft</li></ul> <ul><li>Terrain:&nbsp;Mostly good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) however there is one short section which can be a little muddy after wet weather.</li></ul> <ul><li>Steps:&nbsp;None</li></ul> <ul><li>Wheelchair accessible:&nbsp;No (many of the paths are too narrow or uneven)</li></ul> <ul><li>Toilets:&nbsp;There are toilets at Cleadon Park Library.</li></ul> Public transport to Cleadon ParkThere are bus stops immediately outside Cleadon Park Library and these are served by frequent services.

A public library at the heart of our community.

Cleadon Park Library

This walk will take us through Temple Park to the edge of Whitleas where we'll pick up the West Harton Mineral Line path. This peaceful green corridor will lead us down to the Tilesheds where we'll take a bimble around the nature reserve. Look out for ducks and geese on the pond. Our return route will cut through farmland and eventually back to the library via Temple Park.&nbsp; <ul><li>Difficulty:&nbsp;Moderate</li></ul> <ul><li>Time:&nbsp;1 hour 50 mins</li></ul> <ul><li>Distance:&nbsp;4.5 miles</li></ul> <ul><li>Total height climbed along the route:&nbsp;88 ft</li></ul> <ul><li>Terrain:&nbsp;Mostly on concrete or tarmac at first. The paths around the Tilesheds Nature Reserve can be quite muddy.</li></ul> <ul><li>Steps:&nbsp;None</li></ul> <ul><li>Wheelchair accessible:&nbsp;No</li></ul> <ul><li>Toilets:&nbsp;There are toilets at Cleadon Park Library.</li></ul> Public transport to Cleadon ParkThere are bus stops immediately outside Cleadon Park Library and these are served by frequent services.

Tilesheds Nature Reserve (walking for wellbeing)

On leaving the library, we will head past the Metro station before turning left through some quiet streets down to the riverside. In the riverside park, we will follow the paths westward taking in the majestic views of the mighty Tyne. Finally, we will follow a quiet route back to the town centre via the cemetery. <ul><li>Difficulty:&nbsp;Easy</li></ul> <ul><li>Time:&nbsp;1 hour</li></ul> <ul><li>Distance:&nbsp;2.4 miles</li></ul> <ul><li>Total height climbed along the route:&nbsp;99 ft</li></ul> <ul><li>Terrain:&nbsp;Good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) throughout the walk although there is one short grassy path which goes downhill in the riverside park. This is one of two moderately steep sections within the park. Please be aware that we will also cross the Metro tracks at a pedestrian crossing on the return to the library.</li></ul> <ul><li>Steps:&nbsp;None</li></ul> <ul><li>Wheelchair accessible:&nbsp;No</li></ul> <ul><li>Toilets:&nbsp;There are toilets at Hebburn Library. However, there are no public toilets along the walk.</li></ul> Public transport to HebburnHebburn Metro station is only a 5-minute walk from the library.There is a bus stop very close to Hebburn Central for services 26 and 27.

Hebburn Riverside Park (walking for wellbeing)

Hebburn Library

We will walk from the library down to St John's Church and Carr-Ellison Park. From there, we will head north then east though Campbell Park and West Park (Jarrow). Our route then tracks the River Don for a time, before following the Monkton Burn west through Springwell Park. We will then return to the library via Campbell Park.&nbsp; There are many benches for sitting along the route. <ul><li>Difficulty:&nbsp;Moderate</li></ul> <ul><li>Time:&nbsp;2 hours</li></ul> <ul><li>Distance:&nbsp;4.6 miles</li></ul> <ul><li>Total height climbed along the route:&nbsp;135 ft</li></ul> <ul><li>Terrain:&nbsp;Good footpaths (mostly concrete or tarmac) throughout the walk. There are a couple of short sections that are moderately steep.</li></ul> <ul><li>Steps:&nbsp;Yes, there a few sets of steps along the route.</li></ul> <ul><li>Wheelchair accessible:&nbsp;No</li></ul> <ul><li>Toilets:&nbsp;There are toilets at Hebburn Library. However, there are no public toilets along the walk.</li></ul> Public transport to HebburnHebburn Metro station is only a 5-minute walk from the library.There is a bus stop very close to Hebburn Central for services 26 and 27.

East Hebburn Circular Walk (walking for wellbeing)

We will head down to the riverside and walk along to the Customs House. From there, we will follow some quiet paths across the town centre via St Hilda's Church, Salem Stret and on towards River Drive. Climbing the steps up to the Dolly Peel statue, we will be rewarded with a stunning view looking westward up the river. From here, we will return to the riverside path and follow it back to The Word. <ul><li>Difficulty:&nbsp;Easy</li></ul> <ul><li>Time:&nbsp;55 mins</li></ul> <ul><li>Distance:&nbsp;2.1 miles</li></ul> <ul><li>Total height climbed along the route:&nbsp;122 ft</li></ul> <ul><li>Terrain:&nbsp;Good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) throughout the walk.</li></ul> <ul><li>Steps:&nbsp;There is a long, steep set of steps leading up to the Dolly Peel statue then again on return to the riverside.</li></ul> <ul><li>Wheelchair accessible:&nbsp;No</li></ul> <ul><li>Toilets:&nbsp;There are toilets at The Word.</li></ul> Public transport to The WordSouth Shields Interchange (bus and metro) is only a 7-minute walk from The Word. The ferry landing is only 3 minutes away.

St Hilda's and Riverside (walking for wellbeing)

We will meet at The Word then depart for the 1.15pm ferry across to North Shields;&nbsp;please bring appropriate fare or a travel card. On the other side, our route runs along Tyne Street giving us great views down the river. We will then follow Tanner's Bank up to Northumberland Park where we can enjoy the beautiful autumn colours. Our route then takes us back down to the river before returning to the ferry landing via the fish quay.&nbsp; <ul><li>Difficulty:&nbsp;Moderate</li></ul> <ul><li>Time:&nbsp;Approximately 2 hours 30 mins (including ferry travel)</li></ul> <ul><li>Distance:&nbsp;3.5 miles</li></ul> <ul><li>Total height climbed along the route:&nbsp;340 ft</li></ul> <ul><li>Terrain:&nbsp;Generally good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) for most of the walk.</li></ul> <ul><li>Steps:&nbsp;Yes, there are a few long sets of steps on this route.</li></ul> <ul><li>Wheelchair accessible:&nbsp;No</li></ul> <ul><li>Toilets:&nbsp;There are toilets at The Word and at Low Lights Car Park (North Shields).</li></ul> Public transport to The WordSouth Shields Interchange (bus and metro) is only a 7-minute walk from The Word. The ferry landing is only 3 minutes away.

Northumberland Park Tynemouth (walking for wellbeing)

Join us at the Word and dance the afternoon away for our Halloween Adult Daytime Disco. Listen to all of your favourite songs from the 50’s 60’s and 70’s and also a few Halloween classics thrown in for good measure. Come with a friend or make new friends on the day. Refreshments available to purchase from our café on the ground floor. Fancy dress actively encouraged. Even if it’s just a witches hat! You never know we may have a prize for the best Halloween outfit. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/halloween-adult-daytime-disco-tickets-1634036710789?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: rgb(139, 35, 49); color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Book tickets</a> By booking tickets for this event, you are agreeing to our&nbsp;<a href="https://theworduk.org/booking-terms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(139, 35, 49);">booking terms and conditions</a>.

This pleasant walk will take us down to St John's Church and through Carr-Ellison Park. We will wander around the paths enjoying the peace and tranquillity in this beautiful green space before heading across the road to have a bimble around Campbell Park. <ul><li>Difficulty:&nbsp;Easy</li></ul> <ul><li>Time:&nbsp;1 hour 20 mins</li></ul> <ul><li>Distance:&nbsp;3 miles</li></ul> <ul><li>Total height climbed along the route:&nbsp;56 ft</li></ul> <ul><li>Terrain:&nbsp;Good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) throughout the walk.</li></ul> <ul><li>Steps:&nbsp;None</li></ul> <ul><li>Wheelchair accessible:&nbsp;Yes</li></ul> <ul><li>Toilets:&nbsp;There are toilets at Hebburn Library. However, there are no public toilets along the walk.</li></ul> Public transport to HebburnHebburn Metro station is only a 5-minute walk from the library.There is a bus stop very close to Hebburn Central for services 26 and 27.

Campbell Park walk (walking for wellbeing)

We will meet at the library before heading south through the town via Carr-Ellison Park. Our route takes us to the beautiful Pelaw Quarry Pond Nature Reserve where you will see a large number of wildfowl on the lake. From here, we will briefly join the Bowes Railway Path towards South Wardley Farm but will turn off to head up a low hill. This modest rise is worth the effort as it commands a lovely outlook on a clear day. Next, the path will take us north into Hebburn Riverside Park for the return to the library. There are places to sit and rest weary feet along the way, and to enjoy the wonderful views along the river. <ul><li>Difficulty:&nbsp;Moderate</li></ul> <ul><li>Time:&nbsp;2 hours 10 minutes</li></ul> <ul><li>Distance:&nbsp;5 miles</li></ul> <ul><li>Total height climbed along the route:&nbsp;240 ft</li></ul> <ul><li>Terrain:&nbsp;A large section of this walk is on rough tracks which can be very muddy after wet weather. Walking shoes are recommended.</li></ul> <ul><li>Steps:&nbsp;There is a long set of steps where we exit the riverside park.</li></ul> <ul><li>Wheelchair accessible:&nbsp;No</li></ul> <ul><li>Toilets:&nbsp;There are toilets at Hebburn Library. However, there are no public toilets along the walk.</li></ul> Public transport to HebburnHebburn Metro station is only a 5-minute walk from the library.There is a bus stop very close to Hebburn Central for services 26 and 27.

Bill Quay via Pelaw Quarry Pond (walking for wellbeing)

Garden Therapy Programme South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust Cancer Information and Support Service in partnership with South Tyneside Libraries is launching a 4-month craft-based garden therapy programme for cancer patients at The Word Rooftop Garden, South Shields. Create and take home:Herb Indoor Basket – Plant a culinary herb basket to enjoy at home (4th Sept)Bringing the Ocean Home – Create a calming indoor beach scene (2nd Oct)Autumnal Door Decoration – Craft a natural seasonal door ring (6th Nov)A Gift of Hope – Make a festive door swag with meaning and foliage (4th Dec) All materials are provided, and each participant will take home their creation after every session. A small fee of £3 per session helps cover costs but each craft is worth so much more! Please note: This programme is not suitable for patients currently undergoing chemotherapy. To sign up, and for more information, call the Cancer Information and Support Service on 0191 541 0122 as all the booking need to made through the Cancer Information and Support Service.

After leaving the library, we'll head towards St Bede's Church before taking a pleasant route through the streets and houses towards the lovely West Park. We'll have a good natter and a gentle stroll around the park before heading back, as always, choosing the quietest streets.&nbsp; <ul><li>Difficulty:&nbsp;Easy</li></ul> <ul><li>Time:&nbsp;50 mins</li></ul> <ul><li>Distance:&nbsp;2 miles</li></ul> <ul><li>Total height climbed along the route:&nbsp;31 ft</li></ul> <ul><li>Terrain:&nbsp;Good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) throughout the walk.</li></ul> <ul><li>Steps:&nbsp;Some very shallow steps</li></ul> <ul><li>Wheelchair accessible:&nbsp;No</li></ul> <ul><li>Toilets:&nbsp;There are toilets at Jarrow Focus Library. However, there are no public toilets along the walk.</li></ul> Public transport to JarrowBoth the Jarrow Metro and bus stations are about an 8-minute walk from the library.There is a bus stop outside Morrisons (close to Jarrow Focus) for services 10, 11 and 26.

This great walk will lead us firstly down to the banks of the Don via Jarrow Hall. We will follow the river around the back of St Paul's Monastery along a lovely quiet path through the trees. After ducking under the A19, we will cut through Jarrow Cemetery before rejoining the river in the Primrose Nature Reserve. <ul><li>Difficulty:&nbsp;Moderate</li></ul> <ul><li>Time:&nbsp;1h 50 mins</li></ul> <ul><li>Distance:&nbsp;3.8 miles</li></ul> <ul><li>Total height climbed along the route:&nbsp;217 ft</li></ul> <ul><li>Terrain:&nbsp;Good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) throughout the walk.</li></ul> <ul><li>Steps:&nbsp;Yes, near Jarrow Hall but these can be avoided.</li></ul> <ul><li>Wheelchair accessible:&nbsp;No</li></ul> <ul><li>Toilets:&nbsp;There are toilets at Jarrow Focus Library. However, there are no public toilets along the walk.</li></ul> Public transport to JarrowBoth the Jarrow Metro and bus stations are about an 8-minute walk from the library.There is a bus stop outside Morrisons (close to Jarrow Focus) for services 10, 11 and 26.

River Don and Primrose Nature Reserve (walking for wellbeing)

This walk will take us along the river then up onto the Lawe Top where there are great views out to sea and across the harbour to Tynemouth. The route takes us down through the tranquil North Marine Park before returning to The Word via Ocean Road and King Street. <ul><li>Difficulty:&nbsp;Easy</li></ul> <ul><li>Time:&nbsp;1 hour 5 mins</li></ul> <ul><li>Distance:&nbsp;2.3 miles</li></ul> <ul><li>Total height climbed along the route:&nbsp;71 ft</li></ul> <ul><li>Terrain:&nbsp;Good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) throughout the walk.</li></ul> <ul><li>Steps:&nbsp;There is a long set of steps leading from the river walk up to River Drive.</li></ul> <ul><li>Wheelchair accessible:&nbsp;No</li></ul> <ul><li>Toilets:&nbsp;There are toilets at The Word and in North Marine Park.</li></ul> Public transport to The WordSouth Shields Interchange (bus and metro) is only a 7-minute walk from The Word. The ferry landing is only 3 minutes away. Part of Self Care Week

Riverside and North Marine Park (Walking for wellbeing)

Our route to the coast will take us by the edge of Westoe Cemetery and through the Bents Recreation Ground. We will then walk up to Trow Point where there are great views across Sandhaven Beach towards Tynemouth Castle. Our return follows the promenade along to the fair, before turning back towards the town centre via the South Marine Park. <ul><li>Difficulty:&nbsp;Moderate</li></ul> <ul><li>Time:&nbsp;2 hours</li></ul> <ul><li>Distance:&nbsp;4.5 miles</li></ul> <ul><li>Total height climbed along the route:&nbsp;159 ft</li></ul> <ul><li>Terrain:&nbsp;Mostly good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) but the last small section up to Trow Rocks is on grass and sand. The old road leading up to Trow Point can also be covered in sand after storms. There are some moderately steep paths within the South Marine Park.</li></ul> <ul><li>Steps:&nbsp;There is a short set of steps leading up to the Disappearing Gun at Trow Point.</li></ul> <ul><li>Wheelchair accessible:&nbsp;Yes, but not the last short section up to Trow Point.</li></ul> <ul><li>Toilets:&nbsp;There are toilets at The Word, in Bents Park and in the South Marine Park too.</li></ul> Public transport to The WordSouth Shields Interchange (bus and metro) is only a 7-minute walk from The Word. The ferry landing is only 3 minutes away. Part of Self Care Week

Join Michelle and Andrew to sing some great country classics. Do you like singing and want to join others to sing some of your favourite songs? Come and join us for a community singing session at The Word. You don't have to be a great singer to take part - everyone is welcome to join! Community sing is about ordinary people joining their friends and neighbours in a public place to sing, just for the fun of it.&nbsp; No singing or music experience necessary! Part of Self Care Week

This very pleasant walk meanders through the woodland within Temple Park. Look out for rabbits and even the occasional duck!&nbsp;&nbsp; <ul><li>Difficulty:&nbsp;Easy</li><li>Time:&nbsp;1 hour 5 mins</li><li>Distance:&nbsp;2.5 miles</li><li>Total height climbed along the route:&nbsp;43 ft</li><li>Terrain:&nbsp;Mostly good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) however there is one short section which can be a little muddy after wet weather.</li><li>Steps:&nbsp;None</li><li>Wheelchair accessible:&nbsp;No (many of the paths are too narrow or uneven)</li><li>Toilets:&nbsp;There are toilets at Cleadon Park Library.</li></ul> Public transport to Cleadon ParkThere are bus stops immediately outside Cleadon Park Library and these are served by frequent services.

Come and join us for a piece of cake and a group chat when we have a chance to&nbsp;think and talk about death. Together let us shatter the silence around discussing death. The goal is to raise awareness of death and inspire us to live our lives fully. It's a group-directed discussion with no agenda - just meaningful conversation.&nbsp;The session gives people a chance to talk about and issues around death and could include such things such as writing a will, planning a funeral etc. We don't try and sell you anything but can point you to the right people if you are worried about anything. A number of organisations will be in attendance if you need specific information including Age Concern and Bereavement Services.&nbsp; This is discussion group rather than a bereavement, grief support or counselling session.

South Tyneside Libraries

South Tyneside Libraries

Line Dancing

St Bede's Well (walking for wellbeing)

South Shields via Royal Quays (walking for wellbeing)

Seated Exercise

Temple Park (Walking for wellbeing)

Tilesheds Nature Reserve (walking for wellbeing)

Hebburn Riverside Park (walking for wellbeing)

East Hebburn Circular Walk (walking for wellbeing)

St Hilda's and Riverside (walking for wellbeing)

Northumberland Park Tynemouth (walking for wellbeing)

Halloween Adult Daytime Disco

Campbell Park walk (walking for wellbeing)

Bill Quay via Pelaw Quarry Pond (walking for wellbeing)

Garden Therapy Programme

West Park (Walking for wellbeing)

River Don and Primrose Nature Reserve (walking for wellbeing)