It is near to the centre of town and also to the Shields Ferry landing.

The Grade I listed Old Town Hall is adjacent, and St Hilda's Church is also nearby.

The library was opened on 19 October 2016 and marked the completion of the first phase of the local authority South Tyneside Council's development plan "South Shields 365".

[1] The official opening ceremony was led by Councillor Alan Smith, the Mayor of South Tyneside who cut the ribbon.

[2] The building houses several amenities apart from being a public library: