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

The Word, located at Market Pl, South Shields NE33 1JF, United Kingdom, stands as a prominent cultural and educational landmark. This multi-award-winning heritage building, dating back to the 1870s, serves as a dynamic hub for learning, culture, and community engagement in the region. Originally the headquarters of the North Eastern Daily Mail newspaper, its historical significance adds layers of interest beyond its contemporary roles. Today, The Word functions as a comprehensive public library, a bustling cafe, a vibrant cultural centre, and a dedicated learning centre. It is also recognized as a key tourist attraction and information centre, reflecting its importance to both residents and visitors.

Location and Facilities

The Word is strategically positioned on Market Place in South Shields, a seaside town near Newcastle upon Tyne. Its central location makes it easily accessible for local residents seeking resources and community activities, as well as for tourists exploring the Tyne and Wear area. The building itself is a magnificent example of Victorian architecture, offering not just interior spaces but also an impressive exterior that draws the eye of passersby. Its status as a public library means it houses an extensive collection of books, digital resources, and media catering to a wide range of interests and age groups.

In terms of practical amenities, The Word boasts a welcoming cafe where visitors can relax, grab a coffee, and enjoy snacks or light meals. This makes it an ideal spot for breaks during longer stays or for meetings. The site also features a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that facilities are available for visitors with mobility needs, promoting inclusivity. Furthermore, The Word provides changing tables, accommodating parents and caregivers with young children. These thoughtful provisions enhance the overall visitor experience, making the centre accessible and welcoming to everyone.

Range of Services and Activities

At its core, The Word operates as a comprehensive public library, offering traditional library services including book lending, internet access, and quiet study areas. However, its identity extends far beyond this foundational role. It actively functions as a cultural centre, hosting a diverse array of events such as exhibitions, art displays, theatre performances, concerts, and workshops throughout the year. These events contribute significantly to the cultural vibrancy of South Shields and the surrounding area, providing opportunities for learning, entertainment, and community interaction.

The facility's designation as a learning centre underscores its commitment to education and skill development. It offers various educational programs, potentially including language classes, IT skills workshops, literacy support, and creative writing sessions. This makes it an invaluable resource for individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge or acquire new skills in a supportive environment. As a tourist information centre, The Word provides valuable guidance for visitors, offering maps, local insights, and information about attractions and events in the North East.

Visitor Experience and Recommendations

For someone seeking a unique blend of heritage, culture, and community resources, The Word is highly recommended. Begin by exploring The Word's official website, theworduk.org, to discover upcoming events, exhibitions, and library services. Consider visiting during opening hours, typically Monday to Saturday, allowing ample time to explore the collections and facilities.

If planning a visit, allocate sufficient time to fully experience what The Word offers. Peruse the extensive library collections, browse the artefacts in the specially curated heritage gallery (often featuring items like Jack the Ripper memorabilia due to its historical connection to the North East shipping lanes), and savour refreshments at the cafe. Don't miss the opportunity to attend a public event if one aligns with your interests.

Given its high average rating, typically 4.5 out of 5 based on over 217 reviews on platforms like Google My Business, The Word consistently receives positive feedback for its welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, extensive resources, and the quality of its programming. It is considered a cornerstone of the South Shields community and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the cultural scene of the Tyne and Wear region. Its combination of historical significance and modern, accessible services makes it a truly special place.

Community Impact and Significance

The Word's role as a cultural centre and learning facility extends beyond individual visitors; it plays a vital part in strengthening the local community. By offering free or low-cost access to resources and activities, it helps bridge social and educational divides. The centre acts as a community hub, bringing people together through shared interests, events, and services. Its function as a tourist information centre also contributes positively to the local economy by supporting visitor tourism.

The building's transformation from a historic newspaper office to a dynamic multi-purpose cultural and educational centre is a testament to adaptive reuse and the evolving needs of communities. This preservation and repurposing effort adds historical depth to the visitor experience. The Word successfully balances its roles as a library, heritage site, cultural venue, and community resource, making it a unique and indispensable asset to South Shields and the wider North East region. It represents how historical buildings can be revitalized to serve modern community needs effectively.

Practical Information for Visitors

Get in touch via telephone at 1914271818 to inquire about specific services, events, or opening times. The centre is committed to providing accessible information and support for all visitors. Remember to check the website regularly for updates or changes to hours, events, or facilities. With over 200 positive reviews averaging 4.5 stars, The Word has established itself as a reliable and well-regarded institution for residents and tourists alike, cementing its reputation as a cornerstone of the South Shields community.

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

Anne

5/5

From the warm welcome, to the lovely and reasonably-priced cafe, and the shop with an amazing array of tasteful items, this venue is worth visiting any time, being open also on Sundays. Exhibitions are always well-curated. Staff are attentive and helpful. Re the recent FREE day-time disco; it was fab! Can we have another? However, (bearing in mind the age of attendees) I was dismayed to see that feedback we were invited to give on leaving, was via a QCode. I am not being ageist but many acquaintances don't have smart 'phone and/or the internet. Please consider an alternative means of feedback next time.

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.

millie M.

3/5

It is a good place and has some nice staff and the cafe food is really nice.

Alex C.

2/5

Just a word of warning using car park near here. Near BT building. Friend paid for 3 hrs. Got back 11 mins late. £50 FINE...

So make sure you're back on time.

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!

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.

Jade M.

5/5

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