Forbes Library

Forbes Library is part of the Central West Libraries Network and has the following facilities available:

• OPAC - Online Public Access Catalogue of the Central West Libraries collection
• Photocopier (b&w)
• Printer facilities (colour and b&w)
• Word processing terminal
• Three designated public access Internet terminals
• A Ready Reference collection suited to homework and general needs.

The Ready Reference collection includes dictionaries, encyclopaedias, general reference books, and access to special information resources such as legal information from LIAC (Legal Information Access Centre), ABS Statistics (Australian Bureau of Statistics) and DI@YLL (Drug Information @ Your Local Library) resources. The Reference collection is not for loan. Library staff can also undertake research for information not available through the library's general collections and arrange for the loan of specific books or articles available at other libraries.

Storytime

Storytimes at Forbes Library are lots of fun. We read and tell stories, sing songs, play games and do craft. They are held during the school term and cater for preschool children and their carers. Storytime is free and each session lasts approximately one hour. When: Every second Thursday at 10.30am

Internet

Free Internet access is available to the community. Conditions apply. To book, phone 6368 2581. Internet training is available at the Library as part of the BHP Billiton Skills.net NSW program. Ask the Library for more details.

Special Services

A number of Special Services are offered to meet the needs of residents who are frail or infirm, have physical or sensory impairments, or care for others who have difficulty in visiting the library. These services include:

Home Library Service

The Home Library Service is designed for those residents unable to visit the Library in person. Library staff select books and other items on behalf of the client and these are then delivered to the client's home by a volunteer courier. Conditions apply for registration with the Home Library Service.

For more information visit: 

Central West Libraries - http://www.cwl.nsw.gov.au/

Street Libraries

With the drive of local resident and teacher Kathy Prow and her passion for fostering reading habits in the community Forbes Shire Council has dived into the world of Street Libraries – with the first located in Nelson Park and plans for several more.  Street libraries are small structures that provide opportunities for neighbours and communities to share their pre-read or unwanted books with one another. The books are free and the community can choose to either return or keep the books.  The street library is Nelson Park is painted Amazing red and was constructed by the Forbes Men’s Shed.  It has proved to be a real asset in the park for parents and carers making use of the playground with their children.  Council encourages residents and visitors to use and share the books within.

Second Street Library Launched!

This one can be found in the shelter at Lions Park.

Street Libraries are a window into the mind of our community. The books will come and go and no-one needs to check them in or out. Simply reach in and take what interests you; when you are done, return them to the Street Library network, or pass them on to friends. If anyone has a book or two that they think others would enjoy, they can just pop it into any Street Library they happen to be walking past.