I absolutely love the library and its diverse collection.. Definitely recommend to book lovers.. They also have kids section available. The library is fully ♿ accessible friendly.The staff is polite and helpful.

I adore this children's literature-themed place very much. The first floor is the bookshop and a big cafe. The second to fourth floors are galleries for presenting different authors’ artworks. It was very nice to see how many cute hand drawings and decor they demonstrated. I like how they designed some places for kids to hide and play. Also, they have giant toys displayed on two floors which are based on the characters from children’s books. It is such an amazing combo of a bookshop and galleries to go to, especially for kids with their families.

Amazing centre for children's literature, stories and informative exhibitions. Cafe, toilets, baby change and bookshop on site. Cafe and bookshop free admission. Very well presented and ideal due families and younger children. Full of attractive, well designed themed exhibitions on children's literature which regularly change. Would recommend, ideal for 2 - 11 year olds.

This used to be a great place to take children, but sadly no longer. It is such a shame that Seven Stories has declined so much from one of the best places to visit in the north east, to one which now feels empty and unloved. There really doesn't seem much point to this place any longer. The free collections are interesting for adults, but only for 5 minutes. There really is very little to see or do here now, unless you want an overpriced coffee. The bookshop is now woeful and although the building was busy, it clearly has got it wrong. I would have given one star, but the staff are very friendly. If I was you, I wouldn't rush to Seven Stories even with the free entry, which is very sad because we had some amazing visits there in the past. I would rather pay for entry and have a great experience. Sadly we won't be returning any time soon.

The new main library is absolute rubbish - shelves packed closely together, much reduced selection of books, discs, magazines etc. The main library is actually much less spacious than a branch library like Kayll Road. The politicians who voted for this move are a disgrace!

Where have all the books gone!!! This used to be the best kids bookshop in the North East. It's selection looks like that of a doctor's waiting room now. So disappointing. 3 stars simply because I appreciate the space the museum gives to local children.

Very disappointing. I have a book mad 6 year old so we decided to visit whilst on holiday. Made a special effort to find it (not well signposted). When we got there I wish I hadn't bothered. We stayed about 40 minutes and that was dragging it out. This place could be so much more, better exhibits and more books needed (I'm thinking a Magic Faraway Tree perhaps or a Chocolate Factory to explore or maybe a great big saucepan full of Marvellous Medicine to stir? Etc etc) instead there were a couple of floors with a few small activities and that was it! There are more books in the very small children's section at my local library! Thank goodness it was free entry else I would have been angry. Also charging £2 per child to listen to a storybeinh told, we didn't bother as we were feeling so disappointed. It is certainly not worthy of the word "National" - it needs a complete rethink else I fear it will not get enough visitors to keep open.

This venue has definitely gone down hill in recent years - the saving grace is that it is now free. It is essentially a glorified cafe cum book shop. We spent less than an hour inside- less that the journey time to get there and back. It held almost zero interest for a 5 year old and a ten year with additional needs. Of the advertised 7 Storeys, only 3 offer any sort of exhibition space (1 floor is an office, another is a loo and a closed café, one is the reception with coffee shop and small bookshop, and the loft area is also closed). The exhibitions are dark and with no natural light and very little to attract or keep attention. It's a real shame unfortunately, as 7 Stories was such a flagship when it opened.

Used to be the best and had it's own public building, now it is shoved in the winter gardens/museum. The selection and number of books available has declined.

The reduction in the library service in Sunderland is a disgrace, and the fact that this has been allowed by a Labour run council makes it even worse.

It was a big shame ! I paid £7.50 for story sprouts but there wasn’t any different with a normal story time! It was not worthy at all! The lady have been late for 10 mins while she finished it 10 min later at end but overall very disappointed ! Not recommend it at all! 👎👎

Library closed down and moveing to sunderland winter gardens

Not many books there

Service could not have been slower. Very few customers so that was not the issue. Both cups of coffee less than half full. No time to complain as service had taken far too long. Will not be returning.

We regularly go to Seven Stories for story time, but this weekend we had our daughter's first birthday party in the second floor cafe. The team put on magical decorations, food and of course read some wonderful stories. Lovely staff and a great time for all.

Came here on the shaun the sheep trail. I was embarrassed to say that I didn't know that this place existed. I'm really impressed by it. Definitely will be coming back

great place for youngsters who like stories and using there imagination, great staff too

Had a few visits to the seven stories cause I love visiting with my daughter, she loves her books and loves having a little wonder around. However it’s been a few times in 3 visits and I was made the worst coffee ever! couldn’t tell what it was or what was in it, I didn’t make a complain the first time as I really didn’t want to cause a fuss and just wanted to enjoy a peaceful mom and baby outing. until the forth time visiting and I ordered a kids sandwich for my 19 month old only to notice something awful on it. apparently it was a left over burnt cheese and lettuce from the an uncleaned grill which was about to be fed to my daughter. Now that was unacceptable. And to top it all up the coffee was horrendous again after having a sip, I had asked for another and still was made exactly the same way. I had asked to speak to a manager who gave me a refund a new sandwich and a better coffee. I was pleased after she had apologised about the inconvenience. But this evening I’ve made it home to the worst stomach and feeling sick. And here’s me with a lack of trust due to something I had drank earlier in the place. This has made me loose trust and comfort in going there. It’s a shame for such a magical establishment to be ruined by disgraceful misconducts. I’m truly disappointed and won’t be visiting again.

I went with my 19month old, he loved it and was able to roam around freely, the cafe even had a little play area. Nice stress free day out.

My family and I really loved our first visit to Seven Stories. I had initially read some of the more negative reviews before visiting which made me a little unsure of what to expect, but I needn't have worried. It was a fantastic space for our 3 year old and 16 month old to enjoy. There were some great interactive activities for them on one of the floors - such as dressing up boxes, a story cave and shadow puppets - and although the other floors may not have been quite as engaging, they loved the sheer space of the place to run around in as well as features like the bean bags. We didn't eat in the café but it looked like a really nice space to have lunch in and the bookshop had some lovely looking books. It felt like great value considering it was free and we're excited to go back time and time again to see what future exhibitions have to offer.

We had my daughters 3rd birthday party here and it was great. The room was perfect size and decorated to her theme. The storyteller was brilliant and all the kids loved it.

Good children's museum, Free entry and exhibits with paid events (story time/ crafts). Well cared for facilities and kept fresh. Cafe food is good if a little over priced for what you get (consider that the admission price).

We visited today from Lancashire with our 18m old and 5yr old. We had a great time! Parking on street nearby is 60p for an hour which we thought was a bargain compared to Manchester or Liverpool. 7stories has 7 floors, 2 are for corporate/parties etc so there's 5 floors to visit. Plenty to see and do. One floor was a play area for children that was 'A tiger comes to tea themed'. There was a horrible histories theme on one level and on another exhibition about different types of stories with shadow puppet play & dress up stations. We stopped in the cafe/shop before we left and had hot drinks. My 5yr old had the butterbeer milkshake which he loved. They had oat milk for dairy free drinks. The babychino was massive! The book shop and cafe are beautifully merchandised. We'd happily visit again, my son asked to come back and didn't want to leave.

Have visited previously when it was pay to enter, it was entertaining for the kids then although over priced. Came back today with my 7 year old & if it hadn't been for the gents in the Horrible Histories area being so engaging it would have been a total waste of time. It's now nothing more than a glorified library

This is a wonderful place. With exhibits on Judith Kerr, Martin Brown and others, it is a fantastic place to understand story-making. Though I didn't go with a child, as a teacher, I could see how welcoming and accessible it is for families and children to visit, with plenty to do and hold theis interest. Fantastic book shop and cafe also.

Lovely walkabout lots of childrens books to buy can go up to seven floors very interesting

Loved it. The kids had a great time - highly interactive and great selection of books to walk away with

Fantastic day out. We did the tiger who came to tea event. Food was great and the staff were amazing. Our 6 and 3 year old thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with the tiger, who did an amazing job of making the whole experience memorable.

Great night at the late shows. My son loved it. The story tellers were the highlight of the evening.

Just had to come on and give the staff at seven stories a big shout I've never known such lovely staff!my little boy who has ASD had an accident yesterday and they were so calm and could t be anymore help the lovely Erica (first aider) was straight out another lovely member of staff who I didn't catch her name but hosted the tshirt designing class was so comforting getting my son a drink and stickers to keep him calm and keeping an eye on him throughout the day!my children had a lovely day here lots to do and lovely food in the cafe great prices!we will definitely be back soon

Lovely museum to lose yourself in many worlds from children's book. Great cafe and interactive exhibitions for all ages of children. Thoroughly recommend checking it out.

Large, modern library. Good facilities.

A fantastic library, if seldom visited! Consider taking a few hours to bum around and flick through some books.

Long time since this was a great place to just browse at the books. Now not many to look at! Very disappointing

Too small, few books, good staff.

Excellent library.

Really great facility

Easily accessible