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<div class="row justify-content-center mb-3">
<h2 class="text-center py-4">A-Z of Library Services</h2>
<p class=" p-3">Here is an A-Z list of all our services&nbsp;</p>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>A</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.accesstoresearch.org.uk/" aria-invalid="true">Access to Research</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/using-our-libraries/accessing-library-buildings" aria-invalid="true">Accessing library buildings and facilities</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/free-courses" aria-invalid="true">ACL Essex</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/biographical-historical-and-family-history" aria-invalid="true">Ancestry Library Edition</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-services-for-children-and-young-adults/children" aria-invalid="true">Autism friendly libraries</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>B</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/entertainment/bfi-replay" aria-invalid="true">BFI Replay</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/join-a-book-group" aria-invalid="true">Book groups</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-services-for-children-and-young-adults/baby-and-toddlers" aria-invalid="true">Bookstart</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/using-our-elibrary/borrowbox" aria-invalid="true">BorrowBox</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/encyclopedias-dictionaries-and-general-reference" aria-invalid="true">Britannica Adult</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/encyclopedias-dictionaries-and-general-reference" aria-invalid="true">Britannica Junior</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/encyclopedias-dictionaries-and-general-reference" aria-invalid="true">Britannica Student</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/business" aria-invalid="true">British Library Business and IP Centre</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/biographical-historical-and-family-history" aria-invalid="true">British Newspaper Archive</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/business" aria-invalid="true">Business e-magazine - PressReader</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>C</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-services-for-children-and-young-adults/children">Children with learning disabilities</a></p>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/free-courses">Citizen Literacy</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/using-our-libraries/computers-and-wifi">Computers and Wi-Fi</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>D</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/using-our-libraries/dementia-friendly-library-service">Dementia Friendly library service</a></p>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/using-our-libraries/different-ways-of-reading">Different ways of reading</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/arts-literature-and-music">Discovering Literature</a></p>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/health-and-wellbeing">Domestic Abuse Collection</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-strategies-policies-and-terms/stock-management-policy/stock-allocation-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Donations</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/free-courses">Driving Theory Test Pro</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>E</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/encyclopedias-dictionaries-and-general-reference">Encyclopedia Britannica Library</a><br /><a href="https://essex-self.achieveservice.com/service/Library_questions_and_feedback">Enquiry Form</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/using-our-libraries/literacy-area">Everyone's Literacy Area</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/business">Essex County Council Business Support</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/news">Essex Library Service News</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/events">Events</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>F</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/EssexLibraries">Facebook</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/biographical-historical-and-family-history">Find My Past</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-services-for-children-and-young-adults/children"></a><br /><br /></p>
</div>
</div>
<hr />
<div class="row justify-content-center mb-3">
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>G</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/free-courses">GoCitizen</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/free-courses">Gov.uk - improve maths, &nbsp;English and IT</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>H</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-mobile-and-home-library-services/home-library-service">Home Library Service</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>I</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/essexlibraries/">Instagram</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/biographical-historical-and-family-history">IWM Lives of the First World War</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>J</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/join-a-book-group">Join a book group</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/join-the-library">Join the library</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>K</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/entertainment/kanopy">Kanopy</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>L</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/free-courses">Learn My Way</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/using-our-elibrary/libby">Libby by Overdrive</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/using-our-libraries/library-app">Library App</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-library-locations-and-opening-times">Library locations and opening times</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/using-our-libraries/library-of-sanctuary">Library of Sanctuary</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/using-our-libraries/literacy-area">Literacy Area</a><br /><a href="https://essex-gov-uk.libanswers.com/chat/widget/4ab6424935eb704332369e95060f0106">Livechat</a></p>
</div>
</div>
<hr />
<div class="row justify-content-center mb-3">
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>M</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-mobile-and-home-library-services">Mobile Library</a><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/arts-literature-and-music"></a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>N</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/arts-literature-and-music">Naxos Music Library</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>O</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-services-for-children-and-young-adults/children">Online Craft Times</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-services-for-children-and-young-adults/baby-and-toddlers">Online Rhymetime&nbsp;</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-services-for-children-and-young-adults/baby-and-toddlers">Online Storytime</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-services-for-children-and-young-adults/children">Online story writing workshop</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-reading-suggestions/reading-well/reading-well-for-teens">Our Reading Suggestions</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/biographical-historical-and-family-history">Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/biographical-historical-and-family-history">Oxford Dictionary of National Biography</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/encyclopedias-dictionaries-and-general-reference">Oxford English Dictionary Online</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>P</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-services-for-children-and-young-adults/children">Parent information</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/using-our-libraries/music-scores-and-play-sets">Performing Arts</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-strategies-policies-and-terms/facilities-charges-and-loan-charges-">Photocopying and printing charges</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/using-our-elibrary/pressreader">PressReader</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>Q</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>R</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/news/read-and-count-with-me-under-a-tree">Read and Count With Me Under a Tree</a><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-reading-suggestions/reading-well/reading-well-for-children/"></a></p>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-reading-suggestions">Reading Suggestions</a></p>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-reading-suggestions/reading-well">Reading Well</a></p>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/health-and-wellbeing/reading-well/reading-well-for-children">Reading Well for Children</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/health-and-wellbeing/reading-well/reading-well-for-teens">Reading Well for Teens</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/reserve-renew-or-return-an-item">Reserve, renew or return a library item</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/using-our-libraries/room-hire">Room bookings/hire</a></p>
</div>
</div>
<hr />
<div class="row justify-content-center mb-3">
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>S</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/using-our-libraries/essex-library-social-stories/">Social stories</a></p>
<p><a href="https://essex-self.achieveservice.com/service/Request_library_items">Stock suggestions</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-services-for-children-and-young-adults/children">Story of the month</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/news/marvellous-makers-the-summer-reading-challenge-2024">Summer Reading Challenge</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-services-for-children-and-young-adults/young-adults">Support with homework</a></p>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-services-for-children-and-young-adults/young-adults/sustainability-challenge">Sustainability Challenge</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>T</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/newspapers-magazines-and-current-affairs">Times Digital Archive</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/free-courses">Transparent Language</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fessexlibraries">Twitter</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>U</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/homework-and-education">UCAS support</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/free-courses">Universal Class</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>V</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/volunteer-at-your-local-library">Volunteering with libraries</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/news/vox-books-books-that-talk">Vox Books</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>W</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/biographical-historical-and-family-history">Who's Who and Who was Who</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>X</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>
<hr />
<div class="row justify-content-center mb-3">
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>Y</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/biographical-historical-and-family-history">Yoko Sato: Quick Family Tree</a></p>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-services-for-children-and-young-adults/young-adults">Young adults with learning disabilities</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/biographical-historical-and-family-history">Your Family Tree</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/EssexLibraries">YouTube</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<h2>Z</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>
<hr />

A-Z of Library Services

our-library-locations-and-opening-times

Our library locations and opening times

join-the-library

Join the library

reserve-renew-or-return-an-item

Reserve, renew or return an item

using-our-libraries

Using our libraries

our-mobile-and-home-library-services

Our mobile and home library services

using-our-elibrary

Using our e-library

entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services

Entertainment, free courses and reference services

our-services-for-children-and-young-adults

<h1>Our services for children and young adults</h1>

Our services for children and young adults

health-and-wellbeing

Health and wellbeing

volunteer-at-your-local-library

Volunteer at your local library

book-of-the-month-

<p><span style="font-size: 36pt;"><strong>Books of the Month -&nbsp;</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 36pt;"><strong>January</strong></span></p>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2><strong>The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd</strong></h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/UK2_fba2de9c-8819-4f92-93fe-ff202bcde178_638714088036369199/public" width="347" height="534" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Imagine if you could grow dragons ... in your very own garden!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>When Tomas discovers a strange old tree at the bottom of his grandad's garden, he doesn't think much of it. But he takes the funny fruit from the tree back into the house - and gets the shock and delight of his life when a tiny dragon hatches! The tree is a dragonfruit tree, and Tomas has got his very own dragon, Flicker ...</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Tomas soon finds out that life with Flicker is great fun, but also very ... unpredictable. Yes, dragons are wonderful, but they also set fire to your toothbrush and leave your pants hanging from the TV aerial. Tomas has to learn how to look after Flicker - and quickly. And then something extraordinary happens - more dragonfruits appear on the tree. Tomas is officially growing dragons ...</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The first book in a sparky and utterly enchanting new series. Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl, Cressida Cowell, and David Walliams.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Enjoy unlimited copies of The Boy Who Grew Dragons this month on Borrowbox!&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://campaigns.borrowbox.com/F3QM" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Listen to the e-audio book of The Boy Who Grew Dragons.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://campaigns.borrowbox.com/085O" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Read the e-book of The Boy Who Grew Dragons</strong></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Explore our Dragon Booklist!</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Find this book and many more in our specially curated dragon-themed booklist on BorrowBox, in honour of the Winter Reading Challenge! Read eBooks and eAudio of all sorts of titles, including How To Train Your dragon, The Littlest Dragon, and our January Children's <a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/book-of-the-month-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book of the Month</a>, The Boy Who Grew Dragons.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://essex.borrowbox.com/product-group/2761/winter-reading-challenge-dragons" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to find the list on BorrowBox.</a></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>The Book of Fire by Christy Lefteri</strong></h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/UK2_fba2de9c-8819-4f92-93fe-ff202bcde178_638714088338279504/public" width="350" height="539" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>AMONG THE ASHES, ONE FAMILY FOUND HOPE . . .</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In a tiny, beautiful Greek village, deep in an ancient forest, live a family - Irini, Tasso and their daughter, sweet Chara. One day their world is rocked when a forest fire consumes the village, leaving houses burned and lives irreparably damaged.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In the wake of the fire, Chara bears deep scars across her back and arms. Tasso is frozen in trauma, devastated that he wasn't there when his family most needed him. And Irini is crippled by guilt at her part in the fate of the man who started the fire.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>But this family has survived, and slowly green shoots of hope and renewal will grow from the smouldering ruins of devastation.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Book of Fire explores not only the damage wrought by human folly, but also - and ultimately - our powers of redemption and renewal.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Enjoy unlimited copies of The Book of Fire by Christy Lefteri this month on Borrowbox!&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://campaigns.borrowbox.com/BAEP" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Listen to the e-audio book of The Book of Fire by Christy Lefteri.</strong></a></p>
<p><a href="https://campaigns.borrowbox.com/J19I" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Read the e-book of The Book of Fire by Christy Lefteri.&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

Book of the Month 

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Our Reading Suggestions

join-a-book-group

<h1>Find a book group</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can&nbsp;<a href="https://library-events.essex.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">search for a book group near you</a>&nbsp;or ask at your&nbsp;local library&nbsp;for more details. We support over 700 groups with a great choice of reads.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Start a book group</h2>
<h3>Register your group</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>By registering your group you:</p>
<ul>
<li>are applying for a Book Group Card which gives you the option to order multiple copies of a chosen title which can be borrowed for up to three months</li>
<li>can choose to join the book group list which can be shared with other interested readers</li>
</ul>
<p>You can complete a&nbsp;<a href="https://essex-self.achieveservice.com/service/Book_group_registration" target="_top">Book Group Registration form</a>&nbsp;or go to your local library and tell them:</p>
<ul>
<li>the name of your group</li>
<li>where and when you will meet</li>
<li>what quantity and format of books you will need (we may be able to supply large print or audio books)</li>
<li>the name and contact details of the organiser</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Meet in your local library</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Talk to library staff if your group would like to use a space in your local library.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Get ideas for what to read</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can <a href="https://pages.news.essex.gov.uk/pages/subscribe">subscribe to the book group e-newsletter</a>&nbsp;for reading ideas and to keep up to date with other book groups in Essex.</p>
<p>You can request titles for your reading group using the&nbsp;<a href="https://essex-self.achieveservice.com/service/Book_group_reading_choices" target="_top">Book Group Reading Choices form</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Record of books on loan</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We recommend you keep a log of which member has which copy of the books your group has on loan (using the barcode inside the book that starts 30130...).</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Get ideas for book club questions</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are plenty of book club questions available at the back of books themselves, or online.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Share your book reviews</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can share your individual or group reviews with us by emailing&nbsp;<a href="mailto:reading.groups@essex.gov.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reading.groups@essex.gov.uk</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Online Book Groups</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re looking for ways to continue your book group activities or are interested in setting up a new virtual group, these websites can help:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://readinggroups.org/news/keeping-your-reading-group-active-while-social-distancing">The Reading Agency</a>&nbsp;- keeping your reading group active while social distancing</li>
<li><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4d2tfP38MXzZ8bgM7KZ4Wyb/novel-connections-how-to-set-up-your-own-online-book-group">BBC Arts: Novel Connections</a>&nbsp;- How to set up your own online book group</li>
<li><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a>&nbsp;- decide what to read next and see which books are being discussed</li>
<li><a href="https://www.bustle.com/p/10-tips-for-hosting-a-digital-book-club-47362">Bustle</a>&nbsp;- tips for hosting a digital book club</li>
</ul>
<p>Watch one of our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZoh2Z5XUn-gxpMiMYWaS51AGDhP3MUad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">book group videos on YouTube</a>&nbsp;for more tips and ideas.&nbsp;</p>

Join a book group

our-strategies-policies-and-terms

Our strategies, policies and terms

help-pages

Help pages

Libraries

events

Events

search

Search

account

Account

news

News

<div class="row">
<h1>Our library locations and opening times</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Choose your local library to see opening hours, things you can do and events.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can see our:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/our-community-libraries/">community libraries</a>, which we set up and run in partnership with local people and organisations</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>mobile libraries, which bring our services to local communities</p>
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.essexrecordoffice.co.uk/visit-us/opening-hours/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Essex Record Office</a>, which is the storehouse of Essex history for discovering documents, images, and recordings that together tell the story of 1000 years of our county's past.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We do not manage the library service in <a href="http://www.southend.gov.uk/libraries" target="_top">Southend-on-Sea</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/libraries/" target="_top">Thurrock</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr />
<div class="row mb-3">
<h1 class="text-center py-4">Libraries</h1>
<div class="col-md-4 mb-4 shadow-sm">
<p class="p-3"><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/basildon-library/">Basildon Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/billericay-library/">Billericay Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/braintree-library/">Braintree Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/brentwood-library/">Brentwood Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/brightlingsea-library/">Brightlingsea Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/broomfield-library/">Broomfield Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/buckhurst-hill-library/">Buckhurst Hill Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/burnhamoncrouch-library/">Burnham-on-Crouch Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/canvey-island-library/">Canvey Island Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/chelmsford-library/">Chelmsford Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/chigwell-library/">Chigwell Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/chipping-ongar-library/">Chipping Ongar Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/clacton-library/">Clacton Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/coggeshall-library/">Coggeshall Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/colchester-library/">Colchester Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/danbury-library/">Danbury Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/debden-library/">Debden Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/dunmow-library/">Dunmow Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/earls-colne-library/">Earls Colne Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/epping-library/">Epping Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/frinton-library/">Frinton Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/fryerns-library/">Fryerns Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/galleywood-library/">Galleywood Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/great-baddow-library/">Great Baddow Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/great-parndon-library/">Great Parndon Library</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-md-4 mb-4 shadow-sm">
<p class=" p-3"><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/great-tarpots-library/">Great Tarpots Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/great-wakering-library/">Great Wakering Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/greenstead-library/">Greenstead Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/hadleigh-library/">Hadleigh Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/halstead-library/">Halstead Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/harlow-library/">Harlow Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/harwich-library/">Harwich Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/hatfield-peverel-library/">Hatfield Peverel Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/hockley-library/">Hockley Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/holland-library/">Holland Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/hullbridge-library/">Hullbridge Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/ingatestone-library/">Ingatestone Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/kelvedon-library/">Kelvedon Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/laindon-library/">Laindon Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/loughton-library/">Loughton Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/maldon-library/">Maldon Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/manningtree-library/">Manningtree Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/mark-hall-library/">Mark Hall Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/north-melbourne-library/">North Melbourne Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/north-weald-library/">North Weald Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/old-harlow-library/">Old Harlow Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/pitsea-library/">Pitsea Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/prettygate-library/">Prettygate Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/rayleigh-library/">Rayleigh Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/rochford-library/">Rochford Library</a></p>
</div>
<div class="col-md-4 mb-4 shadow-sm">
<p class=" p-3"><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/saffron-walden-library/">Saffron Walden Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/shenfield-library/">Shenfield Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/sible-hedingham-library/">Sible Hedingham Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/silver-end-library/">Silver End Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/south-benfleet-library/">South Benfleet Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/south-woodham-ferrers-library/">South Woodham Ferrers Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/southminster-library/">Southminster Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/springfield-library/">Springfield Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/stansted-library/">Stansted Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/stanway-library/">Stanway Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/stock-library/">Stock Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/thaxted-library/">Thaxted Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/tiptree-library/">Tiptree Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/tye-green-library/">Tye Green Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/vange-library/">Vange Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/waltham-abbey-library/">Waltham Abbey Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/walton-library/">Walton Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/west-clacton-library/">West Clacton Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/west-mersea-library/">West Mersea Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/wickford-library/">Wickford Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/wickham-bishops-library/">Wickham Bishops Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/witham-library/">Witham Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/wivenhoe-library/">Wivenhoe Library</a><br /><a href="our-library-locations-and-opening-times/writtle-library/">Writtle Library</a></p>
</div>
</div>
<hr />
<div class="row">
<h1>Find your nearest Location</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1X6khLzhlH6T9SVhSIApcGo911FytmxeT" width="100%" height="480"></iframe>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>

<h1>Join the library</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are two ways to join your local library:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>1. Join the library online</strong></h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can <a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/user/register" aria-invalid="true">join the library for free online</a> and get a temporary membership.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You will get a registration number by email, which allows you to:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>search our library catalogue for items</p>
</li>
<li>book onto library events&nbsp;</li>
<li>use our e-library</li>
</ul>
<p>You cannot reserve items with a temporary membership. Temporary memberships last for a period of two years.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>To get full library membership, take your registration number to your local library. You will also be able to:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>collect your library card</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>change your membership type if you want to</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You will need to bring identification that includes your name and address. This can be a driving licence, bank statement or recent utility bill.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>2. Join at the library</strong></h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Pop into your local library to join and get your membership number and library card.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>For full adult membership, you will need to bring identification that includes your name and address. The can be a driving licence, bank statement or recent utility bill.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you ever need to change your details, you can do this by logging on to your online library account.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you lose or damage your library card, it will cost &pound;1.35 to replace.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Library notifications</strong></h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If we need to contact you about reservations, overdue items or anything else, we will drop you a line by email, text or voicemail.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you don&rsquo;t want to get notifications, speak to a member of staff at your local library and they will update your contact preferences.</p>

<h1><strong>Reserve, renew or return a library item</strong></h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>reserve a library item</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>renew a library item online, or at the library</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>return a library item</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Reserve a library item</strong></h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>To reserve a book, audio book, CD or DVD for free, search our catalogue for the item. To do this, press the magnifying glass at the top of the page, type in what you're looking for and press enter. (On a mobile device, select the three lines at the top of the screen to reveal the catalogue search box.)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Once you&rsquo;ve found it, click the:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>&lsquo;place hold&rsquo; button next to the item if you&rsquo;re using a desktop computer</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>3 dots next to the item if you&rsquo;re using a mobile or tablet</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>You will be asked which library you want to collect the item from.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We&rsquo;ll telephone, email or send you a text message when the item is ready.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can cancel the reservation at any time from your online account.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If the item you want to reserve is not available, you can fill in a <a href="https://essex-self.achieveservice.com/service/Request_library_items">library request form</a> to:</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>find a book that is not available from any libraries in the <a href="https://tlc.ent.sirsidynix.net.uk/client/en_GB/default">Libraries Consortium</a>, which we may be able to purchase</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Renew a library item</strong></h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>To renew a library item, <a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/user/login" target="_blank" rel="noopener">log in to your account</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can renew an item up to 10 times online, so long as nobody else has asked to borrow it.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>When you return the item to your local library, you may be able to borrow it again if it has not been reserved.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>To see what date the item is due back at the library, <a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/user/login" target="_blank" rel="noopener">log in to your account</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We will call, email or send you a text message a few days before your item is due.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/help-pages/how-to-renew-items-online" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read detailed guidance and watch a video</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can also renew your items at one of the self-service machines at the library. Ask staff if you would like help in doing this.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You will need to <a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-strategies-policies-and-terms/facilities-charges-and-loan-charges-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pay a hire charge</a> if you want to renew a CD or DVD.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Return an item</strong></h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As we are a member of the <a href="https://tlc.ent.sirsidynix.net.uk/client/en_GB/default">Libraries Consortium</a>, items borrowed from libraries in Essex or <a href="https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/find-a-library">Thurrock</a> can be returned to any library in the consortium.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>You can also return items borrowed from any library in the Libraries Consortium to any library in Essex or Thurrock.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>To see when an item should be returned, log on to your account.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you do not return an item in time, you may need to pay an overdue charge.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We will contact you by email, text message or telephone to tell you when a library item is due to be returned.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h1>Health and wellbeing services</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><a href="https://essexfrontline.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Essex Frontline</span></span></span></a></h2>
<p>A directory of health and wellbeing services across Essex.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-reading-suggestions/reading-well/" target="_blank" aria-invalid="true" rel="noopener"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Reading Well</span></span></a></span></h2>
<p>The Reading Well booklists help you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using helpful reading.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The books are chosen by health experts and people living with the conditions covered. People can be recommended a title by a health professional, or you can borrow the books from our catalogue.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><span style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 18pt;">Domestic Abuse Collection</span></h2>
<p>Collections to support those affected by domestic abuse can be found in 12 of our libraries; Basildon, Braintree, Brentwood, Canvey Island, Chelmsford, Colchester, Epping, Harlow, Maldon, Rochford, Clacton and Saffron Walden.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The books in the collections are gathered together in a display unit so they can easily be found. These books were chosen by a working group, including people with lived experience of domestic abuse, to support those affected. Titles include how to cope with trauma, how to recognise and deal with controlling behaviour and titles for children.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you are affected by domestic abuse help is available on the <a href="https://www.essexcompass.org.uk/">COMPASS website</a> and via the Essex Domestic Abuse Helpline 0330 333 7 444&nbsp;</p>

<h1>Volunteering with libraries</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Volunteering feels good! Volunteer at your local library:</p>
<ul>
<li>it's rewarding</li>
<li>learn new skills</li>
<li>meet people</li>
<li>contribute to your community</li>
<li>make someone's life better.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Volunteer roles</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.volunteeressex.org/opportunities/home-library-service-volunteers-7197/">Home Library Service Delivery Volunteer</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.volunteeressex.org/opportunities/library-work-clubs-computer-support-volunteer-12681/">Library Work Club&nbsp;Volunteer</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.volunteeressex.org/opportunities/computer-support-volunteer-12749/">Computer Support Volunteer</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.volunteeressex.org/opportunities/code-club-volunteer-12694/">Code Club Volunteer</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.volunteeressex.org/opportunities/baby-and-toddler-rhyme-time-volunteer-vange-wivenhoe-walton-on-the-naze-and-harwich-libraries-12741/">Baby and Toddler Rhymetime Volunteer</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.volunteeressex.org/opportunities/library-family-and-local-history-support-volunteer-13058/">Library Family and Local History Support Volunteer</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li><a href="https://www.volunteeressex.org/opportunities/library-activity-supporter-walton-13284/">Library Activity Supporter Volunteer</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.volunteeressex.org/opportunities/memory-cafe-support-volunteer-13181/">Memory Caf&eacute; Support Volunteer</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.volunteeressex.org/opportunities/volunteer-health-digital-literacy-champion-13392/">Health &amp; Digital Literacy Champion</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.volunteeressex.org/opportunities/digital-champion-14852/">Digital Champion</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.volunteeressex.org/opportunities/everyone-s-literacy-volunteer-14012/">Everyone's Literacy Volunteer</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.volunteeressex.org/opportunities/arty-bookworms-everyones-literacy-volunteer-supporting-and-running-themed-sessions-for-children-under-5-and-their-parents-carers-within-libraries-across-essex-14812/">Arty Bookworms - Everyone's Literacy Volunteer</a></li>
<li>Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer - this volunteering opportunity is now closed for 2024. It will reopen for recruiting new volunteers in Spring 2025</li>
</ul>
<h2>Training and expenses</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We provide the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Support for volunteers including a welcome pack and appropriate training</li>
<li>Expenses for any travel costs</li>
</ul>
<h2>The next step</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Contact your local library for more information or email libraryvolunteer@essex.gov.uk</p>

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