Public computers and access to the internet

It is important to be able to keep in touch with family and friends and so, our libraries offer internet access via their public computers and via library Wi-Fi (library membership is required to use both). Computer access is free, for one hour per day, for library members.

To assist customers where English is not their first language, the webpage default language on our computers can be changed to an alternative – please ask a member of staff how to do this.

The default keyboard language can also be changed to Ukrainian and selected libraries have keyboards, with the Ukrainian characters added to the standard QWERTY layout. Please ask at your library for more information.

Improving your English

English Conversation Groups

We have several of these relaxed, social groups which meet in libraries. The aim of the groups is to build confidence in speaking English and improve listening skills, through everyday conversations. These are ideal for speakers of other languages. English conversation groups currently take place at:

English courses for speakers of other languages

Go Citizen: this is a library subscription, which is free for library members to access. It's online study resource for candidates preparing for the "Life in the UK" or "British Citizenship" test. It provides hundreds of practice questions in the same format of the official test and is a comprehensive study package of everything needed to prepare for the test. You will need to register to create your own account so you can track your progress.
Cheshire and Warrington Equality and Race Centre (CHAWREC): based in the Unity Centre in Chester, CHAWREC offers English speakers of other languages (ESOL) a range of classes with qualified ESOL tutors, all abilities are catered for with both accredited and non-accredited classes and one to one support.

ESOL courses are also available at:

Neston Community Youth Centre (NCYC): Fridays 10am - 1pm. Beginners ESOL, drop in.
Neston Library: Saturdays, 10.30am - 12pm. ESOL for Ukrainians. Drop in.
Northwich Memorial Court (Brio): Fridays, 10am - 11.30am, Conversational English. Term time only. Phone 01244 400730 for more information
Wharton Library: Mondays, 10am - 11.30am.
English Language Centre: previous known as English in Chester, the English Language Centre is a British Council accredited school, the general English course aims to develop communicating effectively in English - all aspects of language are covered, with an emphasis on speaking and listening.

Language and Culture Cafe

Storyhouse, Chester: last Monday of the Month, 7.30pm. The Language and Culture Café is a monthly social event for anyone looking to meet new people, learn about global culture, or share a love of travel. Great for those who wish to improve their English through conversation.

Free online English language resources

Support with food

Bread and Butter Thing

A mobile food clubs providing access to nutritious and affordable food. This low cost weekly shop provides essential produce for family eating – fresh fruit and veg, fridge favourites and cupboard staples.

It's really simple to join TBBT as a member. There's no fee to join and the membership rules are really simple.

To become a member, text 07860 063 304 with your full name, postcode and the name of the hub you will be collecting from:

Blacon Adventure Playground, Kipling Road, Blacon, CH1 5UU: Tuesday, 1pm - 1.30pm
St Saviours Church, Tarporley Road, Ellesmere Port, CH66 3JY: Monday, 2pm - 2.30pm
Stanney Grange Community Centre, Alnwick Drive, Ellesmere Port, CH65 9HE: Friday, 2pm - 2.30pm
Westminster Community Centre, Church Parade, Ellesmere Port, CH65 2ER: Wednesday, 2pm - 2.30pm

The Cupboard Ellesmere Port

Part of the Cupboard network, which formed to help prevent food waste in the community. They take short dated products which are likely to end up in food waste from local food retailers including Supermarkets and coffee shops.

Donations are gladly accepted. Fair usage applies (4 free items per family). Monday - Sunday, open until 11pm.

Location: United Reformed Church, Chester Rd, Whitby, Ellesmere Port CH65 6RY

Community Cafe is also available, 12pm - 4pm

Malpas Community Kitchen

Enjoy a hot meal for free. 2 choices of meals available, as well as community organisations offering advice if needed.

Location: Jubilee Hall, Malpas, SY14 8NT

Email: malpasvillagehall@gmail.com

Northwich Community Support food hubs

Food available as part of our zero food waste initiative. Monthly low cost pantry. Two shopping bags per household. Donations welcome.

Sandiway, 10.30am - 11.30am: St John's Church Hall, Norley road, Sandiway, CW8 2JU
Weaverham, 9.30am - 10.30am: The Lighthouse, Church Lane, Weaverham, CW8 3NJ

Port Grocery

Port Grocery is a community food club which provides high-quality, low-cost food. They deliver to Ellesmere Port, Bromborough, Eastham, Neston, Little Neston, little & Great Sutton, Chester, Elton, Helsby and Frodsham.

Too Good To Go

The Too Good To Go app lets you buy and collect this food at a discounted price so it gets eaten instead of wasted. You won’t know exactly what’s in your order until you pick it up. Download the app to get started.

Very Green Grocery

Very Green Grocery is located on Manchester Road, Northwich, CW9 7NS, (in front of TG Builders). Includes Community Shop and cafe: Open Tuesday 6.30pm - 7.30pm, Wednesday 10.30am - 2.30pm and Friday 10.30am - 2.30pm. They have a uniform exchange and also provide clothes, nappies and toiletries.

They also offer a “Time Together” session - a safe space for Ukrainian families and/or their sponsors to come together to chat, cook, shop and be supported. Thursdays, 11am - 2pm, weekly.

Winsford Community Hub

Winsford Community Hub is located on High Street, Winsford, CW7 2AS (the old Job Centre) - open on Wednesdays and includes the Winsford Very Green Grocery which is open Tuesday 10am - 12pm, Thursday 5pm - 7.30pm. There is also a uniform exchange, preloved furniture shop and a cafe.

Libraries

Library catalogue and your account

Join the library

Library events

Find a library

eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines

eNewspapers

Books and reading

Culture, arts and music

Digital services and support

Storytime and Rhymetime sessions

Support for speakers of other languages

Homework, study and research

Health and wellbeing

Family history

Related information