The Northern Poetry Library is the largest collection of post-World War II poetry in England outside London, shelves and shelves of sleeping words. The library's current home is within the Morpeth Library.

The address is Northern Poetry Library, Morpeth Sports and Leisure Centre, Gas House Lane, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 1SR

Opening Hours Mondays, Fridays - 9am - 6pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays - 9am - 5pm, Saturdays - 9:30am - 12:30pm.

There are over 16,000 volumes, including first editions, signed copies and runs of contemporary and back issues of poetry periodicals, as well as diverse and extensive junior and anthology sections. The collection spans continents and languages and is a treasure house well worth exploring.

To browse our collections and arrange to pick up a volume or two please use the advanced search function of this website and select "Northern Poetry Library" from the Collections drop down menu.

For young readers

Children love the energy, sound and wordplay of poetry, and the NPL Junior collection houses great work by well-known authors including Michael Rosen, Carol Ann Duffy and Ted Hughes. 

Find out more about what is available for children and young people. 

Journals and magazines

Before a poet produces their first full collection of poetry they will probably have published single poems and sequences in poetry journals and magazines.

The periodical section of NPL is a showcase for new work, while the back issues of older titles offer a unique historical snapshot of grassroots publishing, literary activism and poets cutting their teeth. These works are especially useful for students studying literature, and you can reserve and study these materials at any of our libraries.

Reserve a book

Northern Poetry Library books, journals and magazines may be borrowed and reserved for free as part of the Northumberland library system. By joining Northumberland Libraries you automatically become a member of the Northern Poetry Library. You can reserve any of the books via the online catalogue and they will be available for collection for free to your local library.

Search the catalogue

The collection may be searched through our online catalogue. To restrict your search to Northern Poetry Library stock alone, you will need to conduct an advanced search and choose the location of Morpeth Library, then select from Collections - Northern Poetry Library.

Ask a librarian

Librarians are experienced in the business of refining searches and can help with suggestions. Our librarians can also help you pick out poetry for a specific event, for instance a wedding, christening, or funeral. Phone 01670 620391 (ask for the Northern Poetry Library) or send an email to mylibrary@northumberland.gov.uk