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Durham County Council Information Service
Finchale Priory

Sound and Vision

If you enjoy music, video or even listening to talking books your library will have something for you. Many of our libraries have varied collections of CDs, DVDs, videos and talking books.

Listen to a Story

If you enjoy listening to stories why not why one of our talking books. Many libraries have collections of books on cassette. These can be borrowed for a small fee and, like books, can be reserved. We also have a smaller collection of audio books on CD. These can be found in most of our larger libraries but again, can be requested from branches where there is collection of talking books.

Both these collections are representative and cover both fiction and non fiction. Titles include the latest best-sellers, prize winners and the classics. They are very popular, both to listen to at home and while travelling. Why not browse through the titles available on Library Online

Customers who need to use talking books in preference to a conventional format, either because of a visual impairment, or a physical handling problem, can, on production of some confirmation of their condition, take advantage of this service free of charge. They may also order and borrow talking books at libraries that don't have an talking book collection.

See a Film or Enjoy your Favourite TV Programme

Larger libraries stock a surprising amount of movies on Videotape and DVD.

As well keeping an up to date stock of the latest blockbuster your local library is a repository of movie classics, foreign cinema, educational materials as well as your favourite TV sitcoms.

All films are on hire for 1 week and charges vary. The collections are updated on a regular basis. The majority of our collection is made up of DVDs, although we do hold a smaller collection of Videos. Most DVDs now come with subtitles and several language soundtracks.

You can check out the video/DVD collections at Library Online where you can search for your favourite film and book it online. If you can't find your favourite film or would like to suggest an addition to the collection please mention it at one of our DVD libraries (Durham Clayport; Peterlee; Chester-le-Street or Bishop Auckland Town Hall).

If you Enjoy Music...

The Compact Disc loan collection is available from the County's libraries and contains many thousands of CDs to suit every musical taste. You can borrow CDs for one week. You can search and browse our CD collection on Library Online or by asking at your local library. The choice ranges from recent chart hits to established classical favourites by way of jazz, folk, country blues and world music so your library will have something for everyone.