What is a community library?
A community library is a library run by the local community. Essex County Council is keen to work with local organisations and residents to set up community libraries where there is local support.
A pilot project in 2017 showed that community libraries can work where the conditions are right. There are currently community libraries in:
Chrishall Community Library
Chrishall Pavilion
Jigneys Meadow
Chrishall
SG8 8RP
Opening hours
Facilities
Toilets
Other services
- Café area
- Parish council desk
- Chrishall Archive
Finchingfield Community Library
Finchingfield Guildhall
Church Hill
Finchingfield
CM7 4NN
Opening hours
Public holidays
All libraries are closed on the following days:
- Bank Holidays
- Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day
- Good Friday and Easter Sunday
Facilities
- Study space
- Reading corner
- Booksales
Other Services
- Distribution point for BDC recycling bags
- Recycling box for old batteries
- Guildhall, museum and events
Great Bromley Community Library
The Great Bromley Cross Inn
Ardleigh Rd,
Colchester
CO7 7TL
Opening hours
Facilities
Toilets
Other Services
- Post Office
- Coffee Shop
Jaywick Community Library
Jaywick Public Hall
Golf Green Road
Jaywick
CO15 2RH
Opening hours
Public holidays
All libraries are closed on the following days:
- Bank Holidays
- Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day
- Good Friday and Easter Sunday
Facilities
- Borrow books, DVDs and audio
- Free WiFi
- Photocopying
Lamarsh Community Library
Lamarsh Village Hall
Henny Road
Lamarsh
Bures
CO8 5EU
Opening hours
Facilities
DVD and jigsaw exchange
Other services
- Braintree District Council recycling sacks (one roll per household)
Steeple Bumpstead Community Library
The Moot Hall
Steeple Bumpstead
Haverhill
Suffolk
CB9 7DQ
Opening hours
Public holidays
All libraries are closed on the following days:
- Bank Holidays
- Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day
- Good Friday and Easter Sunday
Facilities
- Braintree District Council recycling sacks (one roll per household)
Community libraries may not have the full range of library services.