Sydenham Community Library 

Hatfield Peverel Library

Chigwell Library

Thornton Heath Library

Great Wakering Library

South Norwood Library

North Woolwich Library

Clayhall Library 

Mitcham Library

Morden Library - Temporary Closed 

Hook & Chessington Library

North Chingford Library

Great Parndon Library

Edmonton Green Library

Harwich Library

Deptford Lounge

Roxeth Library 

Enfield Highway Library

Forest Hill Community Library

Harlow Library

Thames Community Hub

Coulsdon Library

Prettygate Library

Greenstead Library

Aldersbrook Library

Springfield Library

Guildford Library 

Rainham Library

Shirley Library

Maldon Library

Wanstead Library

Blackshots Library

Lewsey Library

Lea Bridge Library

Saffron Walden Library

Keith Axon Centre

Mark Hall Library

Kenton Library 

Stanmore Library 

West Clacton Library

Danbury Library

Canvey Library

Angel Raynham Library

Pitsea Library

South Benfleet Library

Manor Park Library

Isleworth Library

Southminster Library

Bowes Road Library

Seven Kings Library

Stanford Le Hope Library

Vange Library

Old Harlow Library

Heston Library

Idea Store Watney Market

Oxted Library

Pollards Hill Library 

Witham Library

Purley Library

Ridge Avenue Library

Rayleigh Library

Selsdon Library

East Ham Library 

Great Tarpots Library

New Cross Community Library Service

Godalming Library

Hackney Community Library Service

Chadwell Heath and Whalebone Community Hub

Blackheath Village Community Library

Stansted Library

Catford Library

Wickford Library

Wood Street Library

Kelvedon Library

South Woodham Ferrers Library

Gants Hill Library

Epsom Library

Osterley Library

Redhill Library

Belhus Library

Fore Street Library

Rochford Library

Leagrave Library

West Ealing Community library

Brentwood Library

Holland Library

North Melbourne Library

Custom House Library

Fryerns Library

Dalston CLR James 

Farnham Library

Horley Library

Tudor Drive Library

Chadwell Library

Weybridge Library

Oakwood Library

Earls Colne Library

Wivenhoe Library

Canning Town Library

Palmers Green Library

TLC: Tower Hamlets

Idea Store

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<div><div><p>Idea Stores combine the best of traditional library and information services with lifelong learning opportunities.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>View the Idea Store <a href="https://www.ideastore.co.uk/join-today/rules-and-regulations" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rules and Regulations</span></a></p>
<p><a href="https://yourlibraryapp.com/WebAccessibility.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Site Accessibility Statement</a></p>
<p><a href="https://yourlibraryapp.com/Privacy.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Site Privacy Policy</a></p>
<p><a href="https://ideastore.towerhamlets.gov.uk/digital-content/borrowing-information-and-library-charges/cookie-policy/">Cookie Policy</a></p></div></div>

Tower Hamlets

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Idea Store Canary Wharf Refurbishment

Mob Zone

bookshelf

Bookshelf

digital-content

idea-stores

<p>We have five Idea Stores and two libraries in Tower Hamlets.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Idea Stores

join-today

Join Today

ebooks-and-audiobooks

<div id="im5g" class="row mb-3">
<div id="itro" class="col-md-6 mb-4 shadow-sm">
<h1 class="my-1 pt-2 text-center">Ebooks</h1>
<p class="p-3">Read eBooks for free with Idea Store membership and <strong>Libby</strong>. With over 40,000 ebooks you're sure to find something to interest you.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p-3">In your Browser through <a href="https://libbyapp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span id="ixfkc">Libbyapp.com</span></a><a href="https://libbyapp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> or download the Libby App to your device:&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p-3"><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/libby-by-overdrive-labs/id1076402606" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img id="iqwkd" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/c1/9a/nTrDDXpX_o.png" alt="downloadapp from the app store" /></a><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.overdrive.mobile.android.libby&amp;utm_source=help&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=libby" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img id="iog6r" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/08/38/dkeTC4pW_o.png" alt="download app on google play" /></a><br /><br /></p>
<img class="mw-100" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/7a/59/4T0O4StO_o.png" alt="collection of books" /><br /><br /><br />
<div id="i32zex" class="row mb-3">
<div id="iib4f" class="col-md-3 mb-4"><a href="https://llc.borrowbox.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img id="i6l2f" class="rounded mw-100" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/1f/a6/7Ex0b9SM_o.png" alt="" /></a></div>
<div class="col-md-9 mb-4">
<p id="iqixd" class="p-3">Borrowbox have over 2,000 ebooks for children and adults. Choose from the latest titles, award winners , non-fiction and the classics. Just login with your card number and library PIN. <strong>Please note that your PIN for Borrowbox is NO LONGER the last 4 numbers of your card - It is now your usual library PIN.<br /></strong>Click on the icon to go to Borrowbox or download the Borrowbox app to your device</p>
<p class="p-3"><a href="https://apps.apple.com/app/borrowbox-library/id562843562" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img id="iyqng" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/c1/9a/nTrDDXpX_o.png" alt="downloadapp from the app store" /></a><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bolindadigital.BorrowBoxLibrary" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img id="i04c9" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/08/38/dkeTC4pW_o.png" alt="download app on google play" /></a></p>
</div>
<div id="izyeyz" class="row mb-3">
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<div class="col-md-9 mb-4">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
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</div>
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<h2 class="my-1 pt-2 text-center">Audiobooks</h2>
<p class="p-3">Different publishers put their audiobooks on different sites. You have access to all of them with Idea Store. Click on the icons to go to the website or download the apps.</p>
<div id="i81sk" class="row mb-3">
<div id="iyv37" class="col-md-3 mb-4"><a href="https://llc.borrowbox.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img id="i10l9" class="rounded mw-100" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/1f/a6/7Ex0b9SM_o.png" alt="" /></a></div>
<div class="col-md-9 mb-4">
<p id="iaw4c" class="p-3">Borrowbox have over 5,000 audiobooks across all age groups and genres. Just login with your card number and library PIN. <strong>Please note that your PIN for Borrowbox is NO LONGER the last 4 numbers of your card - It is now your usual library PIN.<br /></strong>Download the Borrowbox app to your device</p>
<p class="p-3"><a href="https://apps.apple.com/app/borrowbox-library/id562843562" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img id="id7y5" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/c1/9a/nTrDDXpX_o.png" alt="downloadapp from the app store" /></a><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bolindadigital.BorrowBoxLibrary" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img id="ieckg" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/08/38/dkeTC4pW_o.png" alt="download app on google play" /></a></p>
</div>
<div id="ijtmm" class="row mb-3">
<div id="ii4xj" class="col-md-3 mb-4"><a href="https://libbyapp.com/library/tlc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img id="ihego" class="rounded mw-100" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/6f/1d/x8iGJZpH_o.png" alt="" /></a></div>
<div class="col-md-9 mb-4">
<p id="i4mvg" class="p-3">Libby has thousands of audiobooks - fiction, non-fiction, childrens, young adult and much more. Login with your card number and PIN<br />Download the Libby app to your device</p>
<p class="p-3"><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/libby-by-overdrive-labs/id1076402606" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img id="icrl9" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/c1/9a/nTrDDXpX_o.png" alt="downloadapp from the app store" /></a><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.overdrive.mobile.android.libby&amp;utm_source=help&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=libby" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img id="iqwxz" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/08/38/dkeTC4pW_o.png" alt="download app on google play" /></a></p>
</div>
<div class="row mb-3"><br />
<div class="col-md-9 mb-4">
<p class="p-3">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p-3"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ulibrary.ulverscroftulibrary.co.uk.ulibrary" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><br /><br /></p>
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Ebooks and Audiobooks

magazines-and-newspapers

<div class="row mb-3">
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<h2 class="my-1 pt-2 text-center">Magazines</h2>
<p class=" p-3">Idea Store have more than 350 magazines available to download directly to your app or in your browser at&nbsp;<a href="https://libbyapp.com/library/llc/guide/magazines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">libbyapp.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://tlc.overdrive.com/library/magazines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Overdrive magazines</a><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Or download the Libby App for your device</p>
<p class=" p-3"><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/libby-by-overdrive-labs/id1076402606" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="height: 45px; width: 150px;" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/c1/9a/nTrDDXpX_o.png" alt="download app from the app store" /></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.overdrive.mobile.android.libby&amp;utm_source=help&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=libby" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="height: 45px; width: 150px;" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/08/38/dkeTC4pW_o.png" alt="download pressreader app on google play" /></a> &nbsp;<br /><br /></p>
<img class="mw-100" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/31/bc/bofbn70c_o.png" alt="collection of magazines from around the world" /></div>
<div class="col-md-6 mb-4 shadow-sm">
<h2 class="my-1 pt-2 text-center">Newspapers</h2>
<p class=" p-3">Idea Stores have 2,000 titles in 60 languages to choose from. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pressreader.com/catalog" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.pressreader.com</a><strong>&nbsp;</strong>or download the PressReader app&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;- Login with your Idea Store membership number and PIN after choosing Tower Hamlets Libraries from the library list drop-down menu, download and keep the newspapers you have chosen. Pressreader also have an extensive collection of magazines too!</p>
<p class=" p-3"><a href="https://apps.apple.com/app/pressreader/id313904711" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="height: 45px; width: 150px;" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/c1/9a/nTrDDXpX_o.png" alt="download pressreader app from the app store" /></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newspaperdirect.pressreader.android" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="height: 45px; width: 150px;" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/08/38/dkeTC4pW_o.png" alt="download pressreader app on google play" /></a>&nbsp;<br /><br /><img class="mw-100" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/94/10/EVdzxwwE_o.png" alt="collection of newspapers" /></p>
</div>
</div>

Magazines and Newspapers

online-services

Online Services

dictionaries-and-encyclopedias

<p>If you're looking for reliable, accurate information from trusted sources then look no further than our list of subscription services that are FREE with your Idea Store membership.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whether it's for homework, essays or you just want some reliable information from a recognised source, Idea Store can help.</p>

Dictionaries and Encyclopedias

stock-suggestions

Stock Suggestions

borrowing-information-and-library-charges

<h1>Library charges &amp; fines</h1>
<p><br />Borrowing books, CDs and DVDs from Tower Hamlets Idea Stores &amp; Libraries is free. Reservations for Tower Hamlets CDs and DVDs are free.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Your loans can be renewed by logging into your account on this site.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can borrow up to 25 items for three weeks including a maximum of 4 audio visual items. Books may be renewed up to 10 times if there are no outstanding reservations attached; you can renew a DVD or CD only once.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Please note that these fees &amp; charges may be subject to change.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Please note, if items are borrowed from a library outside of Tower Hamlets, charges for that library authority will apply.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Books, CDs and CD-Roms</h2>
<p>Loan of Books, CDs and CD-Roms - Free. You can borrow items for 3 weeks.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>DVDs</h2>
<p>Loan of DVDs held within Tower Hamlets - Free. You can borrow items for 1 week.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Audio Visual Material Disclaimer Statement</strong><br />While every effort is made to ensure that our CDs and DVDs are in good working order, users are responsible for checking that a CD or DVD is not damaged, and is compatible with their audio visual equipment, as Tower Hamlets Council will not accept responsibility for any damage caused.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Book Reservations / Requests</h2>
<p>Reservations / Requests for stock held within the London Libraries Consortium (LLC) and collected from a Tower Hamlets Idea Store library - Free.<br />Please note, if the chosen collection library is outside of Tower Hamlets any reservation charges for that library will apply.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Request cannot exceed ten items.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Audio Visual Requests</h2>
<p>Requests for stock held within Tower Hamlets - Free.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Lost and Damaged Items</h2>
<p>Starting from 1 May 2025, we will be implementing the Recommended Retail Prices (RRP) for any lost or damaged items. This change is in line with The Libraries Consortium policy.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Internet access and computers</h2>
<p>Internet access is free&nbsp;<br /><br />Printouts - A4 B&amp;W 30p per sheet. A4 Colour 50p per sheet</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Lost membership cards&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Children &pound;1.10 &nbsp;<br />Adults - &pound;2.20</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Photocopies (self-service)</h2>
<p>Please note, we are currently not providing this service in our Idea Stores/libraries.</p>

Borrowing Information and Library Charges

staff-picks

<p>Whether it's a fantastic crime story, coming of age novel or an in-depth book about climate change - we've got some great recommendations from our staff on what to read.</p>

Staff Picks

learning

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<div class="col-md-6 col-sm-6 p-2"><img class="rounded w-100" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/08/68/W2SSVP7p_o.png" alt="" /></div>
<div class="col-md-6 col-sm-6 p-2"><img class="rounded w-100" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/46/d6/cQ1Qj3Xb_o.png" alt="" /></div>
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<div class="col-md-6 p-4">
<p>Idea Store Learning provides a range of courses. It&rsquo;s a great way to learn new skills, have fun and make a positive contribution to our community. Many of the programmes are offered within the Idea Stores themselves as well through online learning. Our tutors are experts in their fields and will give you the best learning experience. &nbsp;97% of learners feel that they have a good experience. Our range of courses to include Health &amp; Fitness, Visual Arts, Cookery, Dance, Languages and Community Interpreting.</p>
<p>See our website&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ideastore.co.uk/learning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.ideastore.co.uk/learning</a></p>
</div>
</div>

Learning

local-history

<div class="row mb-3">
<div class="col-md-3 mb-4"><img class="rounded w-100" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/3d/fd/yXeMguuU_o.jpg" alt="" /></div>
<div class="col-md-9 mb-4">
<p class=" p-3">If you&rsquo;re interested in the history of a street or building, tracing your ancestors who lived in the borough, doing a school or college project or just feeling nostalgic discover Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives. We hold outstanding and unique resources with an extraordinary range of original documents, images and reference books that document the changing local landscape and lived experiences of individuals and communities in Tower Hamlets.<br /><br />See our website&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ideastore.co.uk/local-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.ideastore.co.uk/local-history</a><a href="https://www.ideastore.co.uk/local-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a></p>
</div>
</div>

Local  History

Libraries

events

Events

search

Search

account

Account

<div class="row mb-3">
<div class="col-md-3 mb-4"><img class="rounded w-100" src="https://images2.imgbox.com/58/6a/S1aABYUB_o.png" alt="" /></div>
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<h1 class=" p-3">Membership is free</h1>
<p class=" p-3">Just join <a href="https://ideastore.towerhamlets.gov.uk/user/register">here </a></p>
<p class=" p-3">Once joined you'll be asked to verify your email then you will be emailed a temporary membership number.</p>
<p class=" p-3"><strong> You will need an actual Idea Store membership card to get out books and reserve items online and use our elibrary. You will have to visit an Idea Store for this. </strong></p>
<p class=" p-3">Just go along to an Idea Store with your temporary card number above, and take some form of ID with your name and address on it. You'll be given a card.</p>
<p class=" p-3">If you are unable to provide ID with your name and address you will be issued with a temporary membership card for three months that enables you to:</p>
<ul>
<li>borrow 2 books for up to 3 weeks</li>
<li>book up to 3 Internet sessions per day</li>
<li>Access to online resources such as ebooks, audiobooks, online newspapers and magazines.</li>
</ul>
<p class=" p-3">With you Idea Store card you can order books in advance using our CLICK AND COLLECT service. Choose a book on our online catalogue and we'll email to let you know when it&rsquo;s ready to collect.</p>
<p class=" p-3">When visiting the Idea Store, please remember to bring your Idea Store Card, in case you decide to borrow items. You can also use your digital card from the <a href="https://www.ideastore.co.uk/our-services/download-the-idea-store-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Idea Store App <span class="visually-hidden"> (Opens a new window)</span> </a></p>
<h1 class=" p-3">Terms of Membership</h1>
<ul>
<li>I understand that I must comply with the Idea Store/Library Rules and Regulations (please ask staff to see a copy, also available on our website).</li>
<li>I certify that the details given are correct and accept responsibility for items borrowed on this card.</li>
<li>I agree to use the Internet facility appropriately.</li>
<li>In Idea Stores we operate within the guidelines of the Council's data protection scheme which are as follows:</li>
</ul>
<p class=" p-3">The information that you provide will be processed in accordance with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. This authority has a duty to protect public funds it administers, and may use information held about you for the prevention and detection of fraud and other lawful purposes.</p>
<p class=" p-3">The council will also use the information for the purpose of performing any of its statutory enforcement duties. It will make any disclosures required by law and may also share this information with other bodies responsible for detecting/preventing fraud or auditing/administering public funds. This may include, but not be limited to, matching council tax data with electoral registration records and the passing of the full version of the electoral register to the Audit Commission for the National Fraud Initiative.</p>
<p class=" p-3">We will not disclose your information to third parties for marketing purposes and your data will be secure and confidential at all times. However, information about you will be shared with other library authorities in The Libraries Consortium.</p>
<ul>
<li>The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is committed to achieving equality of opportunity as an employer and as a service provider to people who live and work in the Borough.</li>
<li>I am the parent or guardian of the applicant. I certify that the details given are correct and accept responsibility for items borrowed.</li>
<li>Please inform a member of staff if you do not wish your child to use the Internet in Idea Stores/Libraries.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>

<h3>Stock Suggestions</h3>
<p>If you have a stock suggestion&nbsp;then please fill out the&nbsp;<a href="https://towerhamlets-self.achieveservice.com/en/service/idea_store_stock_suggestion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stock Suggestion Form</a></p>
<form title="" enctype="multipart/form-data" method="post" data-section-length="6" data-submission-api="/form/submit/" data-must-be-valid="true" data-id="AF-Form-41f61151-be0b-4b2e-873d-01a4df2676c2" data-uri="" data-name="Idea Store stock suggestion">
<section>
<section role="tabpanel" aria-label="Intro" data-section-name="Intro">
<p data-end="88" data-start="0">Use this form to suggest a book that is not currently available in Tower Hamlets Idea Stores or The Libraries Consortium.</p>
<p>We will carefully consider your suggestion. If the title meets our collections policy, is available via our suppliers and we think many members would like to borrow it, we will buy a copy.</p>
<p data-end="381" data-start="363"><strong data-end="379" data-start="363">Please note:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>We cannot confirm receipt of all suggestions.</li>
<li>We cannot guarantee we will buy every available suggestion.</li>
<li>We do not stock professional, vocational, specialist, or academic books.</li>
<li>This form is not for authors or publishers promoting their own titles.</li>
</ul>
</section>
</section>
</form>

<p>Discover the meaning, history and pronunciation of over 500,000 words.<br /><a href="https://www.oed.com/loginpage" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">When you log in</span></a>, you need to <strong>add an additional 'TH'</strong> before your Idea Store card number.</p>