This is Harlow Library and Adult Community Learning in Harlow. You can find us near the Water Gardens in Cross Street in the town centre.

Our normal opening times are:

Monday: 9.00am – 5.30pm
Tuesday: 9.00am – 5.30pm
Wednesday: 9.00am – 5.30pm
Thursday: 9.00am – 5.30pm
Friday: 9.00am – 5.30pm
Saturday: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Sunday: Closed

Sometimes our opening times may change if it is a Bank Holiday weekend – you can find more information on our website: libraries.essex.gov.uk

Library Map

Asking for help or advice

Everyone who works at the library wears a red lanyard with their name on. 

You can ask us for help or advice.

You can usually find us at the Welcome desk – it’s on your right as you come in.

Don’t worry if no one is at the ‘Welcome’ desk. We might be helping another customer, but we will be with you as soon as we can.

There are chairs nearby if you feel uncomfortable standing. 

The library staff will need some identification with your name and address on it before they can give you a library card. A driving licence, bank statement or recent utility bill will do.

There are different types of library card which can help if you have difficulties with memory or organisation – just ask our staff.  

When you arrive, you will walk through some double doors and then into the library.

The library will have displays of books.

The self-service machines which you can use to borrow, renew and check your account is located in front of you and to the left of you as you enter the library.

The children’s area is at the front of the library to the right as you walk in.

On your right is a table with two chairs near the welcome desk. Newspapers are put there every day for you to read.

Sometimes this area can be busy and noisy if we have an event.

Near this area, on the left are the public computers and study areas.

You can use our computers if you have a library card.

On the right in the main part of the library has lots of shelves filled with books.

They are divided into different genres such as crime and horror as well as non-fiction, audio books and large print.

Fiction books are shelved under the author’s surname in alphabetical order.

The shelves are labelled to help you find what you are looking for.

There are also signs on the individual shelves.

This is a display for ‘Author of the Month’.

It changes monthly and is usually in front of you when you walk in.

If you can't find what you need, you might be able to order it from another library. 

Staff can show you how to search the library catalogue. 

When a book you have ordered arrives, you will get a notification.

You can then pick up your book from the reservation shelf, located near the “Welcome” desk.

The book will be labelled with your name and you can borrow it just like any other item.

The literacy area and tables to the right of the library are usually one of the quietest places in the library.

They can also be good places to read or study.

The literacy area is where you will find books that are easier to read if you have dyslexia or other reading difficulties.

Other services at the library 

The library computers are free to use if you have a library card.

You can book a computer online before you arrive, but don’t worry if you haven’t booked, there are usually a few available.

If you need to print anything there is a charge. Our staff can explain how to do this and how to pay.

We also have photocoping facilities you can use. 

The photocopier takes coin payment or you can ask staff to help you and put the charge on your library card.

The photocopier is near the "Welcome" desk. 

At the back of the library is our recycling area.

You can also recycle used batteries and ink cartridges as well as small electricals.