Southbourne’s local libraries offer much more than somewhere to borrow a book. Pokesdown and Southbourne Library and Tuckton Library provide reading groups, children’s activities, computer access and opportunities to meet other people. Whether you are joining for the first time, looking for a regular family activity or need help using technology, this guide brings together their locations, opening hours, facilities and useful contacts.
4th November 2026
A library visit can become a useful part of everyday life: choosing bedtime stories, finding your next novel, joining a reading group or getting help with a tablet.
Pokesdown and Southbourne Library, on Seabourne Road, and Tuckton Library, on Wick Lane, both serve the local community. Each has its own programme, so it is worth exploring both.
Address: 118 Seabourne Road, Bournemouth, BH5 2HY.
Telephone: 01202 127555.
Email: southbournelibrary@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.
This branch offers books and audiobooks, internet access, Wi-Fi, printing and photocopying, alongside space for reading and studying. There are toilets, baby-changing facilities and a community room available to hire.
The library is on the ground floor, with level access and an accessible toilet.
Its regular adult programme includes:
Knit and natter: alternate Mondays, 2pm - 4pm.
Reading groups: first and second Tuesdays of the month, 5pm - 5.45pm; ask which group has spaces.
Board games: first Tuesday of the month, 4pm - 5.30pm.
Armchair Reading Group: second Thursday of the month, 10.30am - 11.30am.
Saturday reading group: fourth Saturday of the month, 10.30am - 11.30am.
For families, Saturday Lego and Duplo and board-game sessions are listed from 9.30am - 12.30pm.
Check dates, availability and any booking requirements through the official Pokesdown and Southbourne Library page.
Address: Wick Lane, Bournemouth, BH6 4LF.
Telephone: 01202 127654.
Email: tucktonlibrary@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.
Tuckton Library provides books and audiobooks, internet access, Wi-Fi, printing, photocopying and toilets. It also has a garden and jigsaw swap, giving visitors further reasons to stop by.
The council lists level access and disabled parking. Contact staff before visiting if you need more detailed accessibility information.
Regular activities include:
Knit and natter: Tuesdays, 10.30am - 11.30am.
Inspirations craft group: second Thursday of the month, 10.30am - 11.30am.
Coffee morning and talk: last Thursday of the month, 10.30am - noon.
Chess Club for ages 8 - 13: Mondays, 3.30pm - 4.15pm; booking required.
Lego club: Thursdays, 2pm - 5pm.
Reading activities are also listed, but check the current dates and format directly with staff before joining.
Visit the official Tuckton Library page for contacts and programme updates.
The published regular opening hours are:
Check the official branch page before travelling, particularly around bank holidays and Christmas.
These sessions give families a regular reason to visit the library together.
The council’s published timetable lists:
Pokesdown and Southbourne Library: Mondays, 10am - 10.30am, with an additional 11am - 11.30am session during term time.
Tuckton Library: Fridays and Saturdays, 10am - 10.30am.
Check the official Wriggle and Rhyme timetable for changes before attending.
Pokesdown and Southbourne Library also hosts Stay and Play on Fridays, 9.30am - 11.30am during term time.
The free, drop-in session is aimed at children under five, with toys for children to explore and an opportunity for parents and carers to chat. You do not need to stay for the whole session.
Images: Unsplash
Library membership is free. You can join in person or begin online through LibrariesWest.
To join at a branch, speak to a member of staff, who can help set up your membership and provide a library card, membership number and PIN.
If you join online, you can access online resources first. You will then need to visit a library to collect your card before reserving physical items for collection.
Bring an accepted proof of address when collecting your card. Examples include:
A driving licence.
A utility bill or bank statement from the last three months.
A tenancy agreement.
People with no fixed address do not need proof of address, according to the council’s joining guidance.
See BCP Council’s joining information for the complete requirements.
With full membership, BCP Libraries currently allows borrowing of up to 20 physical items, with books normally issued for three weeks. Temporary memberships may have different limits.
You can also search for items, reserve them for collection and access eBooks and eAudiobooks online.
Some loans, reservations and overdue items may attract charges, so check the conditions before borrowing. Staff can also help you register for email reminders about return dates and items ready to collect.
Visit the borrowing guide for current allowances, renewals and links to charges.
Image: Unsplash
If you would like more confidence using technology, ask about a Tech Buddies appointment.
These volunteer-supported sessions help people use computers, tablets and smartphones. Both local libraries are listed as offering appointments that need to be booked:
Pokesdown and Southbourne Library: Tuesday and Friday appointments.
Tuckton Library: Tuesday appointments.
Contact the branch to confirm the available times and explain what you would like help with.
Find out more about computer and IT support at BCP Libraries.
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