Business support in libraries

LibrariesWest business collections

Clevedon, Portishead and Weston-super-Mare libraries have special business collections. Topics include ethical purchasing, intellectual property and the law, climate positive business and start-up success.

There are books to aid career progression, business skills and interview techniques, as well as resources to support your wellbeing to help you fulfil your potential. 

Books offering business advice, planning, networking, book keeping and more can be reserved for free from the catalogue. 

Open Educational Resources are also available via LibrariesWest. A collection of more than 50 million open-access, peer reviewed articles, and non-fiction books are available for instant download. The collection includes resources of benefit to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Digital resources

eBooks and eAudiobooks

BorrowBox has a selection of eBooks and eAudiobooks offering advice and inspiration. 

Digital newspapers

Digital newspapers are available on BorrowBox and NewsStream. Titles include The Guardian, Independent, Financial Times and many more.

Digital magazines

Digital magazines can be downloaded from Libby. Popular UK magazines are available including Money Week.

Your office in the library

Free Wi-Fi and PC access for emails and online office applications are available in our libraries. Printers*, scanners and photocopiers* are also available. 

*charges apply

Extended access

You can use the library when staff are not present during our extended access. This is available at Clevedon, Portishead, Winscombe, Worle, and Yatton libraries.

Business advice drop-in sessions

Hive are offering free self-employment, business advice and guidance for prestart, start-ups and growth businesses that are registered in North Somerset.

You will have the opportunity to discuss your self-employment or business needs, ask questions, and create a tailor-made strategy of support for you.

Provided by the Hive, the home of business support.

Meeting room hire

These are available at Clevedon, Nailsea, Portishead and Yatton libraries. 

  • small rooms for 1:1 consultations
  • larger rooms with a capacity of up to 35
  • conference facilities are available at The Campus - contact the library directly to book

Volunteering

Learn new skills and gain valuable experience by becoming a library volunteer. We have a wide range of volunteer roles from digital buddy to children’s activities. 

Business and IP Centre network

Access Business and IP Centre at Bristol Central Library for business intelligence resources and databases, publications, training sessions and intellectual property support. They also have space to meet, study and research.

Joining the library

Joining the library is free. Library membership entitles you to borrow books, use PCs, and access a whole range of online resources. You can join online at LibrariesWest or in person at any library.