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

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>
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<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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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

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<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>
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<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. <strong>Please note that your PIN for Borrowbox is the last 4 numbers of your card and not 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>
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<div class="col-md-9 mb-4">&nbsp;</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. <strong>Please note that your PIN for Borrowbox is the last 4 numbers of your card and not 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>
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<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>
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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

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 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>
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<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>
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Local  History

Libraries

events

Events

search

Search

account

Account

January 1804. Anne Sharpe arrives at Godmersham Park in Kent to take up the position of governess. At thirty-one years old, she has no previous experience of either teaching or fine country houses. But her mother has died and she desperately needs an independent income if she is to survive. For her new charge, twelve-year-old Fanny Austen, Anne's arrival is all novelty and excitement. But Anne is keenly aware that her new role is an awkward one - she is neither one of the servants nor one of the family, and to balance a position between the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' members of the household is a diplomatic chess game. One wrong move may result in her instant dismissal. She has just begun to settle into her position when dashing Henry Austen and his younger sister Jane come to stay. Both take an immediate interest in the pretty, clever governess who quickly becomes drawn into the above stairs life of the Austen family.

Godmersham Park

Godmersham Park

By: Hornby, Gill, author.

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