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Live music in your library

Get it Loud in Libraries

Coventry Libraries have been hosting live music events since 2016 when Spring King, a post-punk band from Manchester, played Central Library. Since then, the library has hosted many more emerging and established music acts, such as Idles, Fontaines DC, Sam Fender, VANT and Jorja Smith. The bands are generally on the cusp of breaking through into mainstream and are also an ideal event for young people and families. These fantastic gigs are all part of the unique award-winning Get It Loud In Libraries project, designed to give people who love music the chance to see top-notch artists in their local library. As part of the project, the library also hosted an evening with lead singer of The Charlatans, Tim Burgess.

Take a look at photos and videos from previous gigs:

Get tickets for forthcoming acts and read more information [http://getitloudinlibraries.com/].

If you would like to be informed about future events email libraries247@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:libraries247@coventry.gov.uk] to be added to the mailing list.

Check out other events and library newsletter [https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKCOVENTRY/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKCOVENTRY_291].

Libraries and Information Service

Address: Central Library
Smithford Way
Coventry
CV1 1FY

Telephone: 024 7683 2314 [tel:02476832314]

Local studies

Coventry Libraries stock a selection of local interest titles, and you can find them by searching the online catalogue [https://librarycatalogue.coventry.gov.uk/], but the 'local studies collection' is now held with Coventry Archives [https://www.theherbert.org/history-centre/]. 

Coventry Archives opened in 2008 when the resources of Coventry Record Office and the local studies collection held at Central Library were brought together under one roof. It is a treasure trove of information on the history of Coventry and its citizens from medieval times to the present. 

The vast range of original documents includes books, maps, newspapers, electoral registers and building plans. Photographs, oral history, microfilms, and internet sources provide further evidence on the history of the city and the people who have lived here. 

Whether you are researching for school or college projects, university dissertations, family history or just want to know more about the history of your house, Coventry Archives is an invaluable free resource and an essential destination. 

Online resources 

In addition to the physical collections, there is a range of online resources that you can access from anywhere with an internet connection. Here are some examples of local interest websites and digital repositories that you can explore: 

  • Coventry City Council [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/local-history-heritage]. The Coventry City Council’s local history and heritage page provides information about the city’s rich history, including its archives, historic buildings, and local history societies. 
  • Coventry Information Directory [https://cid.coventry.gov.uk/kb5/coventry/directory/home.page] is a comprehensive online directory of services, activities, and events in Coventry, designed to help residents find information about local support and resources. Search for ‘history’ to find local history groups and societies. 
  • Coventry Digital [https://coventry.digital/] is an online repository managed by Coventry University. It holds images, documents, videos and audio from major city institutions such as the Council, Belgrade Theatre, universities and Culture Coventry. It is searchable and configured to support the needs of partners.  
  • Coventry Atlas [https://www.coventryatlas.org/] offers an interactive online map that allows users to explore the city’s history, heritage, and culture through a collection of photographs, documents, and stories. Discover fascinating maps, building plans, streets of interest, pre-war drawings and photographs of places and people of Coventry, from medieval times to 2021 to uncover a city of riches. 
  • Coventry Collections [https://www.coventrycollections.org/] is an online archive catalogue that allows users to search and discover Coventry’s rich history through its collections of photographs, documents, and artifacts. 
  • Historic Coventry Trust [https://www.historiccoventrytrust.org.uk/] is an entrepreneurial heritage development trust which aims to bring new life to the city’s heritage, finding innovative ways to sustain historic places and to inspire, involve and connect people with the city’s history. 

Library e-resources - Available for free when accessed via a library PC

Exhibitions with the Living Knowledge Network

What is the Living Knowledge Network? 

The Living Knowledge Network is a collaboration between the British Library, 22 public libraries, and the national libraries of Scotland and Wales. We focus on making a positive impact on the public, exchanging knowledge, and enhancing cultural and learning experiences. Our network offers various activities like exhibitions, events, screenings, leadership development, and strategic touring. A key goal is to share knowledge, strengthen our collective abilities, and provide excellent library services to diverse communities. 

Coventry Libraries: A vital part of the Living Knowledge Network 

Coventry Libraries proudly stands as one of the public libraries within the Living Knowledge Network. This partnership reflects our commitment to providing dynamic cultural experiences and fostering knowledge, creativity and making it accessible for our communities. 

  • Current Exhibition...Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music
  • In preparation for 2025... 'Gardening'

Immerse yourself in creative and cultural experiences 

Explore the extensive impact of the Living Knowledge Network through: 

  • Exhibitions: Delve into thought-provoking themed exhibitions hosted across the network with display panels that feed into digital material and samples the full exhibition that is available at the British Library. 
  • Events: Attend exciting events that bridge the gap between local communities and the broader cultural landscape. 
  • Collections: each themed exhibition offers an opportunity to promote our collections of materials and resources: books, e-books, e-audio, DVDs, CDs, magazines, comics, e-resources and more. 
  • Live Screenings: Immerse yourself in live screenings that bring knowledge and entertainment to life. With an opportunity to ask questions and engage with speakers or watch a recording and listen to authors, artists, filmmakers and creatives share their experiences. 
  • Collaborative Projects: We work with various partners to build projects locally that celebrate diversity, inclusion and the collective wisdom of our community.  

How you can get involved 

Join us on this exciting journey! Whether you're a seasoned library enthusiast or a newcomer. Attend our events, take part in workshops, and be part of a community that values knowledge and creativity. Find out what's on www.coventry.gov.uk/whatsonlibraries [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/whatsonlibraries] 

Learn more about the Living Knowledge Network 

For in-depth information about the Living Knowledge Network, its initiatives, and the impact it creates, visit the official website [https://www.living-knowledge-network.co.uk/]. 

National Theatre Collection 3

National Theatre Collection 3 is now available to access for free in Coventry Libraries, making it easier than ever to watch theatre.  

Don't forget your headphones and take your pick from a selection of over 20 performances, ranging from Greek tragedy, adaptations of novels, and Shakespearean classics, to plays centered around Generation Z.

You can access from all Coventry Libraries - available from public computers or when signed in to the Library Guest WiFi:

Drama Online - National Theatre Collection 3 (dramaonlinelibrary.com) [https://www.dramaonlinelibrary.com/national-theatre-collection-3]

Experience the brilliance of renowned playwrights and talented actors as they bring stories to life on stage, transporting you to different worlds and capturing the essence of human emotion. Don't miss out on this chance to enrich your cultural experience and be inspired by the best of British theatre all whilst visiting your local library.

Beyond the Bassline: 500 years of Black British Music

Beyond the bassline - 500 years of Black British Music

Welcome to the upcoming exhibition "Beyond the Bassline," a collaboration between Coventry Libraries and the British Library. 

"Our upcoming exhibition Beyond the Bassline (26 April – 26 August 2024) shines a spotlight on different voices and perspectives to celebrate Black British music as a form of entertainment and vehicle for community, as well as a source of liberation, protest and education. Stepping into carnivals, clubs and record shops across the country, Beyond the Bassline draws on different places that have cultivated creative expression and inspired a number of Black British music genres." 

Highlights at Central Library

  • Engage with interactive exhibition panels. 
  • Immerse yourself in the "museum in a box" featuring an interactive audio player with headphones, offering samples, interviews, and sound clips. 
  • Watch short films to experience Coventry's rave culture and dance music scene providing an unfiltered portrayal of the city's working-class culture. 

Available from all libraries

Hublets [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/libraries-1/digital-information/4] are available to use for free at Tile Hill, Foleshill, and Central Libraries: 

  • Access a wealth of resources including photographs from the Coventry Digital archive, Spotify playlists, podcasts, and GILIL Hotwax voxpops. 
  • Explore dementia and music links, including Playlist for Life and BBC memories. 
  • Enjoy curated videos and documentaries, including child-friendly stories like "The Story of John Blanke" and more. 

Contact us

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