Free-to-borrow theatre texts for Hull residents

 

The Middle Child Theatre Library is an ever-growing collection of over 2,000 scripts and reference books, ensuring that world-class texts are available for any resident of Hull and the East Riding to borrow free-of-charge.

Our shelves include reams of contemporary writing by the likes of Alice Birch, Koko Brown and Inua Ellams alongside plays by the old guard, including Shakespeare, Ibsen and Chekhov, through to 20th century classics by Sarah Kane, Caryl Churchill and Ntozake Shange.

We have reading lists for works by LGBTQ+ and global majority writers, as well as scripts by Hull writers, including our own award-winning productions.

You can also book our free writing room for a half or whole day and get to work on your own script. Plus, starting in May 2023, regular events including library talks on industry hot topics and a monthly book club.

Our library has been made possible by generous donations from members of the public, as well as Nick Hern Books.

Browse Catalogue

Play Prescriptions

Know you want to borrow a play from the Middle Child Theatre Library, but don’t know where to start?

Our Play Prescription service is here to make bespoke recommendations based on your needs and interests.

Just fill out the online form by clicking on the button below and one of our team will be in touch with some suggestions tailored just for you!

Play Prescriptions
Opening hours

Tue-Fri, 9.30am-5pm

Please note: we occasionally close the library on the odd day, if our team is all out of the office. Any updates will be shared on our Instagram and X/Twitter accounts.

Address

Bond 31, 42-43 High Street, Hull, HU1 1PS

See also

Free writing room, rehearsal room and hot desking space – more info

Events

How to start an actors cooperative
Library Talks

Every month we get together to tackle a hot topic from world news, the theatre industry or Hull. Part-workshop, part-fireside chats, these sessions will ask the big questions with no expectations of finding simple answers.

More info
Word-Play by Rabiah Hussain
Book Club

We often hear people say they want to read more plays but don’t know where to start. The Middle Child Book Club is here for all of your play-reading needs, with the added social aspect of discussing each text as a group.

More info