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Can't find an item you are looking for?

 

If the item you want to reserve is not available, you can fill in a library request form

 

Lost something in one of our libraries?

 

Think you may have left something at a library? Please fill out our lost property form. The library will contact you within 5 working days. 

 

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Contact us

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Staff monitor Livechat between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

 

To contact your local library directly, please fill out our enquiry form.

 

 

 

Enquiry form

 

You can complete the library enquiry form if you want to contact a library, have any questions, or if you want to pass on comments or suggestions about the library service. We aim to respond to your enquiries within 5 business days.   

 

Phone

 

 

You can call our Contact Centre on

0345 603 7628 

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm, to speak to an advisor, or use the 24-hour automated service (option 1) to renew your items (also at weekends).

 

 

 

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    A-Z of Library Services

    Our library locations and opening times

    Join the library

    Reserve, renew or return an item

    Our Online Library

    Using our libraries

    Our mobile and home library services

    Our services for children and young adults

    Health and wellbeing

    Volunteer at your local library

    Book of the Month

    Our Reading Suggestions

    Join a book group

    Our strategies, policies and terms

    Essex Book Festival

    Help pages

Find a book group

 

You can search for a book group near you or ask at your local library for more details. We support over 400 groups with a great choice of reads. 

 

You can also search for and register a private book group via The Reading Agency .

 

Start a book group

Register your group

 

By registering your group you: 

  • 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 

  • can choose to welcome new members via contact made with the library 

 

You can complete a Essex Book Group Registration form or go to your local library and tell them: 

  • the name of your group 

  • where and when you will meet 

  • what quantity and format of books you will need (we may be able to supply large print, audio books, e-books or e-audio) 

  • the name and contact details of the organiser 

 

Meet in your local library

 

Talk to library staff if your group would like to use a space in your local library.

 

Online Book Groups

 

If you’re looking for ways to set up a new virtual group, these websites can help: 

  • BBC Arts: Novel Connections - How to set up your own online book group 

  • Goodreads - decide what to read next and see which books are being discussed 

  • Bustle - tips for hosting a digital book club