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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 Institution 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>
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<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&nbsp;</a></p>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/free-courses">LinkedIn Learning</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></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-

<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 36pt; color: #169179;"><strong>BorrowBox Book of the Month&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></span></h1>
<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; color: #169179;"><strong>April</strong></span></h1>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 32px;">Voices of the Dead - Ambrose Parry</span></h2>
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><img src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/UK2_fba2de9c-8819-4f92-93fe-ff202bcde178_638798761360069219/public" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 1.4;"><em><span style="font-size: 18pt;">1854 marks the dawn of a scientific age. Queen Victoria delivers a healthy heir after receiving chloroform during labour. Florence Nightingale makes headlines as she leads a troop of middle-class women out into the war zones as nurses. In Edinburgh, we see Henry Littlejohn appointed as the city's police surgeon, dubbing himself as the 'medical detective', investigating sudden deaths - whether accidental or intentional.</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 1.4;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 1.4;"><em><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br />Never has there been a time where people have been so enthralled by possibilities of science, but this appetite for the amazing is also being fed by a new generation of showmen and magicians, whose invention and ingenuity leave the public often unable to distinguish between the wonders of technology and the art of illusion.&nbsp;</span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 1.4;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">We are delighted to announce that our Book of the Month is&nbsp; Book 4&nbsp; in the Raven Fisher series by Essex Book Festival authors Ambrose Parry</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 1.4;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; color: #169179;">Download your e-audio copy <a href="https://essex.borrowbox.com/product/CGA_4850485/title/voices-of-the-dead" style="color: #169179;">here</a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 1.4;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; color: #ba372a;">Download your e-book <a href="https://essex.borrowbox.com/product/CGB_4658527/title/voices-of-the-dead" style="color: #ba372a;">here</a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 1.4;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 1.4;">&nbsp;</p>
<h1 style="text-align: center; line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-size: 24pt; color: #ba372a; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy reading or listening!</span></h1>
<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 1.4;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 1.4;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center; line-height: 1.4;">&nbsp;</p>

Book of the Month 

our-reading-suggestions

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;1.39 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><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/news/summer-reading-challenge-volunteering" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer</a></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>

<p>Read or listen to our Book of the Month</p>

<h1>Harlow Library refurbishment</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_7ad092f0-012b-48e4-be5c-4a2840ef693b_638097385588060161/public" alt="Harlow Library plans" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Harlow Library is a large two-storey building from the 1960s in the heart of the town centre. It was extensively refurbished in 2022 and is now a high quality, welcoming and inclusive space meeting residents&rsquo; needs and accommodating Adult Community Learning (ACL).</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The improved library space includes:​</p>
<ul>
<li>good stocks of books and resources that customers want</li>
<li>a caf&eacute; serving light snacks and drinks</li>
<li>a large, vibrant, exciting children's library, with sensory equipment​</li>
<li>a modern, flexible layout that can be used for events and group gatherings</li>
<li>quiet spaces where you can sit, study, read or work</li>
<li>a literacy area, with special books and materials for people of all ages who want help with their reading</li>
<li>an event/exhibition space on the first floor run in partnership with ACL​</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>All windows have been replaced; there is a new heating and ventilation system; new flooring and decoration​.</p>

opening-statement

<h1>Opening statement from Councillor Louise McKinlay</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_c4efa74e-2fbb-4342-a326-48e7d5f56710_638097302189205201/public" alt="Councillor Louise McKinlay with a blurry background" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">I am passionate about our library service and believe it has a vital and important role to play in improving the lives of our residents and in helping to level up the county.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Libraries need to be at the heart of our communities. Great libraries are welcoming and inviting, they provide spaces for people to study, to learn, to attend creative clubs, to meet authors, and to play. They offer a wide range of books, e-books, graphic novels and podcasts. They support people who are seeking work by providing IT facilities and through running volunteering schemes which enable them to develop their skills and enhance their CVs.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Libraries are places where you can learn about your local area and research your family history. Young children can prepare for attending school, students can find a place to study and residents can access lifelong learning opportunities, and our well-trained and experienced staff help you access the services you need.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This is my vision for Essex Libraries.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">We do much of this already, but this plan will enable us to do even more, and do it better.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Essex is fortunate to have one of the largest library services in the country, with 74 libraries, a home library service and a fleet of mobile libraries. Due to our wide reach, we can connect to and support every community across the county and enhance their lives. Underpinning this is our commitment to keep all our Libraries open as we drive forward our ambitious programme and deliver high quality services across all our locations.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Our libraries are a lifeline for many people and we will look at how to deliver the library service in different ways, as well as how we make the most of under-used space in our buildings and facilities across the county. We will design a service we can be truly proud of. One that is modern, vibrant, and sustainable. One that can improve life for everyone in Essex.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Through talking to residents and partners, it is clear that my passion for libraries is shared. People see libraries as a hub for communities to come together and interact, a vital resource for helping residents improve their literacy, and a place to learn new skills.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Following consultation feedback, this plan emphasises further our ambition to ensure our stock remains up to date and appealing to both existing and new users. It looks at how we can better localise our communications about local library events and clubs, and what we can do to reach more people where they live, study or work. Feedback showed that people understand why charges might be needed for some new facilities, and this plan shows how that might work alongside and complement existing and new free activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This plan describes the areas that we will be working on over the next four years:&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Library service and literacy</strong></li>
<li><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Communications and infrastructure</span></strong></li>
<li><strong>Supporting our communities and levelling up&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">We will be developing budgets to support this plan. We will be exploring ways we can work together with other organisations with similar aims. And most importantly, we will engage with our users and the wider community to develop further the services on offer.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Councillor Louise McKinlay</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community, Equality, Partnerships and Performance</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>"Literacy sits at the heart of the levelling up agenda. Improving literacy will improve the opportunities of individuals and communities. It is great to see Essex committing to these priorities and placing libraries at the heart of their strategy. Libraries are lifelong centres of literacy, creating reading communities and of vital importance to the one in 11 children from our most vulnerable communities who don&rsquo;t own a single book. With their commitment to literacy, Essex Libraries are showing themselves to be community activists and national leaders." - Jonathan Douglas CBE, Hon FRSL, Chief Executive, National Literacy Trust</p>

Opening Statement

what-will-be-different-for-our-residents

<h1>What will be different for our residents?</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>By achieving this plan, we will be&hellip;</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>supporting children and adults to improve their literacy</li>
<li>encouraging people to enjoy reading for pleasure</li>
<li>increasing the range and diversity of online resources</li>
<li>introducing relevant and exciting events and activities to engage and inspire new and existing library service users</li>
<li>growing volunteering opportunities to expand the services we can offer through our libraries</li>
<li>benefitting from a programme of library refurbishments throughout the county</li>
<li>using our updated digital and IT services to improve the customer experience</li>
<li>working with partners to provide joined up and equal access to additional services</li>
<li>supporting the levelling up agenda by focusing resources in areas that most need them</li>
<li>providing residents with skills and support to help them achieve their aspirations wherever they live</li>
<li>doing more to encourage residents to read, for example through Essex&rsquo;s Year of Reading</li>
<li>using data to better understand the habits and interests of our library users</li>
<li>marketing our services in dynamic and engaging ways using Instagram and other relevant media</li>
<li>seizing opportunities to help educate and inform people on critical issues such as climate change</li>
<li>engaging with residents to promote local events</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

What will be different for our residents

introduction

<h1>Introduction</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Library Service has a significant role in the community, providing access to reading, training, digital skills, trusted information, and cultural experiences to people at every stage of their lives.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>This plan is about improving and promoting&nbsp; the opportunities that the Library Service can offer and placing it at the heart of the community.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Having a Library is a promise to residents that they can access materials from an early age that support developing their reading skills and literacy right through to adulthood</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The library service aims to be relevant to people from birth to retirement. Libraries are places people in Essex should feel excited, happy, and safe to go to whether to read, use a computer, find information or to avoid isolation. We want the service to be valued and well used.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We provide support to families so that they can use and enjoy the library service at key stages in their lives: babies and toddlers coming to our Rhymetimes, school children joining the Summer Reading Challenge, students studying in libraries, older residents who may need help with modern digital technology, or those attending one of the many activities in libraries.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Through our mobile and home library offer and community outreach programmes we also improve access for people at risk of being socially isolated, residents with long term conditions or disabilities, communities which are hard to reach, and people who might find it difficult to visit a library .</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>All residents should know about and feel able to use our comprehensive online library service to reserve items and access our dynamic and exciting e-books, journals, and other resources, and take part in our new online groups and activities.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our staff and volunteers should feel valued and supported and we will continue to invest in staff development so that they are equipped to deliver the best possible service to our residents.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_4b34b320-8ceb-491c-8c50-b0902e24f28d_638097310799988164/public" alt="Children at Harry Potter Events in Libraries" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>"I have been using this library for a few years now. Very helpful and friendly staff. They always keep the premises neat and tidy. My kids love to go there every week." - Pitsea Library customer</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>"The staff are wonderful, so friendly and helpful and we would be lost without our local library." - Library customer</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Introduction

aim-1-library-service-and-literacy

Aim 1: Library Service and Literacy

wickford-library

<h1>Wickford Library</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_3aed3195-b562-4e59-a285-a1d65fceac33_638097338163321593/public" alt="Wickford Childrens Corner" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Since December 2021, Wickford residents have a modern, vibrant library located in the Willows Shopping Centre. The library includes:</p>
<ul>
<li>comfortable furniture</li>
<li>spaces where you can sit, study, work and meet friends</li>
<li>an area with charging points where you can work with your own devices</li>
<li>a large table where groups can meet</li>
<li>baby changing facilities and an accessible customer toilet</li>
<li>sensory equipment as part of a colourful and welcoming children&rsquo;s library</li>
<li>free computer and WiFi access</li>
<li>free use of library tablets</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>To complement the library service, Citizens Advice (CA) provide a Video Access Advice Point where residents can book appointments with trained CA volunteers.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>"The library provides us with a space away from the home environment to complete [my son&rsquo;s] learning tasks. Without this dedicated space, educating him would be a much greater challenge as the home environment affords many more distractions for us both.<em>" -&nbsp;</em>Library customer</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>"[The library service] enables me to borrow a wide range of books including audiobooks which I would otherwise not be able to afford." - Library customer</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_3aed3195-b562-4e59-a285-a1d65fceac33_638097339460068898/public" alt="Wickford Self Service Machine" /></p>

everyones-literacy

<h1>Everyone's Literacy</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_f6a7d1ff-e343-44b7-a2a6-fc4b57768f3f_638097348383863989/public" alt="Clacton's literacy area" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Everyone&rsquo;s Literacy areas have books and resources to help you improve your reading skills. They will help you develop a love of reading for pleasure. You will find them in all Essex libraries.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Everyone&rsquo;s Literacy areas contain:</p>
<ul>
<li>books for adults on how to support your child to read</li>
<li>phonics and learning-to-read books</li>
<li>books for children and adults with literacy difficulties</li>
<li>easy-read books for adults and children</li>
<li>fun resources to help children improve their vocabulary and reading skills</li>
<li>signposting to other areas of support for reading skills</li>
</ul>
<p>Find&nbsp;<a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/search?term=estlit" target="_blank" aria-invalid="true" rel="noopener">Everyone's Literacy Area books</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>All areas are clearly marked in each library.&nbsp;They have been developed in consultation with teachers, Adult Community Learning and other experts in literacy skills.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s great to have somewhere families can sit and read together.&rdquo; - Clacton Library customer</p>

Everyone's Literacy

getting-children-reading

<h1>Getting children reading</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>"I love my library because I can borrow books for free and my grandchildren can attend Baby Rhymetime" &ndash; Grandparent and member of Frinton library</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Introducing children to books at an early age can have a big impact on their development.</strong>&nbsp;All our libraries provide a wide range of resources to support children&rsquo;s development, from picture books which they will love to board books especially designed for little hands to hold. Children learn best when they are having fun: that&rsquo;s why we also offer a range of fun group activities for children and their grown-ups such as our Baby and Toddler Rhymetimes, Story Time sessions and family reading activities.</p>

Getting children reading

thank-you-to-our-library-volunteers

<h1>Thank you to our library volunteers</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>We would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt &lsquo;thank you&rsquo; to our volunteers, who make an immense contribution to Essex Library Service.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meet some of our library heroes and find out why volunteering is so important to them.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Anthea Symms, Home Library Service Delivery Volunteer and Reading Friends Volunteer, Coggeshall:</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Without exception every one of our customers has been a delight to deal with and it&rsquo;s humbling when they express gratitude for what we do. It&rsquo;s they who make the job so rewarding.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_32b9e881-c405-4545-8f3d-18a4c9c32b62_638097366500628846/public" alt="Lady volunteer helping eldly woman with a cane" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>L<strong>esley Robinson, Home Library Service Delivery Volunteer, Canvey:</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;d enjoyed working in the library and wanted to continue delivering the service to those customers who could no longer get there. I actually deal with some customers on my round whom I used to serve in the library and this service has been a lifeline to them and hugely rewarding for me.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Helen Hardwick, Baby and Toddler Rhymetime Volunteer and Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer, Clacton:</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;I have volunteered to help with the Summer Reading Challenge for the past few years and found it very rewarding. It&rsquo;s truly delightful to watch the children grow, both physically and in confidence week by week. Books are expensive these days, so it&rsquo;s great to see parents and young children regularly leaving the library with a pile of books!&rdquo;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_32b9e881-c405-4545-8f3d-18a4c9c32b62_638097367944061104/public" alt="Volunteer with a heart shape frame around her face" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Diane Donald, Baby and Toddler Rhymetime Volunteer, Chelmsford:</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;I enjoy the reaction from the children when they learn a new song and the joy on their faces when we read a story together. I love watching the little ones grow in confidence, and the children who don&rsquo;t have English as their first language have increased their vocabulary along with their parents, through rhymes and books.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_32b9e881-c405-4545-8f3d-18a4c9c32b62_638097369469706752/public" alt="Baby and Toddler Rhymetime session" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Sue Gallone, Home Library Service Delivery Volunteer, Clacton:</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Over the last 10 years I have taken books and talking books to five people, including one lady of 98 who has been with me throughout. It&rsquo;s made a massive difference to them, ensuring they have stories to read or listen to, and I&rsquo;ve also made some interesting friends. I enjoy chats with my Home Library Service customers, about books, family and the world in general.&nbsp; I&rsquo;ve learned about wartime south London, the East Yorkshire coast, the dance halls of Norfolk and life in Florence as a child in the 1930s. I always feel cheered after a visit and come away with an interesting anecdote.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>If you&rsquo;ve been inspired to volunteer with us, take a look at the&nbsp;</strong><strong>volunteering page</strong><strong>.</strong></p>

Thank you to our library volunteers

aim-2-communications-and-infrastructure

<h1>Aim 2: Communications and infrastructure</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Ensuring that residents are aware of the services and support on offer through the library service is fundamental to our plans for the future.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We will deliver professional, targeted, marketing campaigns to a range of audiences. Our communications will be dynamic and creative, with a local focus promoting the service offer to existing users, new audiences, and the wider community in a local area.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our physical library spaces are a vital part of how we deliver library services, and we are committed to the continued operation of &nbsp;all our libraries across the county. We will plan our physical spaces to ensure they are high quality, welcoming and as inclusive as possible and reflect the needs of all our residents.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our four main libraries are Chelmsford, Harlow, Basildon, and Colchester, and these will continue to be our flagship libraries. We will develop a plan to focus on these and the other libraries across the county to ensure that as many communities as possible benefit from improvements to the libraries local to them.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We will consider whether our libraries are in the right locations for our residents today and in the future. We will engage with housing developments and growth areas across the county to ensure support and contributions for a library service is considered for these new communities.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our technology and digital infrastructure are key components of how we deliver a modern library service. From free access to computers and IT in our libraries to the new digital offer, we recognise the importance in developing this aspect of our library service. As society becomes ever more digital, poor internet and Wi-Fi connection is no longer acceptable; instead, stable, fast access is essential for ensuring real benefits for work, education, and communication. We already have a Wi-Fi improvement programme for all libraries, and we will continue to improve our technological offer, such as providing more mobile devices for our residents and staff to use, along with improved printing facilities.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>To improve our communications and infrastructure, we will:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>improve our buildings&nbsp;</strong>- We will develop a planned programme of building improvements. We will consider upgrade and cosmetic improvements, how spaces are currently used, opportunities to use them differently and the potential to generate additional income from our estate.</li>
<li><strong>seek to reduce our carbon footprint&nbsp;</strong>- In line with our commitments to become a net-zero organisation, we will review the energy efficiency and environmental impact of our library buildings. Working with other parts of the organisation and our partners, we will develop a long-term plan for environmentally sustainable libraries.</li>
<li><strong>develop our mobile and outreach service&nbsp;</strong>- This could include promoting health and wellbeing initiatives, offering wider skills for adults, and reviewing opportunities for supporting priorities such as literacy and wider council objectives.</li>
<li><strong>engage better with new and existing users&nbsp;</strong>- We will develop a communications strategy to improve two-way communication with our customers locally. We will promote the range of services and activities on offer at different locations and highlight events and promotions relevant in particular neighbourhoods. We will target communications at appropriate times to encourage people to participate in library events and join their local library.</li>
<li><strong>improve communications with staff and volunteers&nbsp;</strong>- With a dispersed workforce, it is vital to keep people informed about what is happening across the service. We will explore the practical tools we can use and working practices we can adopt to ensure our staff and volunteers are always in the loop.</li>
<li><strong>develop an online platform&nbsp;</strong>- We will develop our online service to ensure it is high quality, welcoming and inclusive. Our digital library will have a more user-friendly interface and enhanced functionality, such as online bookings for special events and activities. It will also offer a more personalised service, including bespoke recommendations based on borrowing habits.</li>
<li><strong>update the printing services offered to customers&nbsp;</strong>- We will introduce Wi-Fi and self-service printing for customers to reduce the need for expensive home printing, bringing environmental benefits.</li>
<li><strong>roll out better mobile technology for staff and volunteers&nbsp;</strong>- We will provide staff and volunteers with mobile devices so that they can work more flexibly when dealing with customers, or when working in the community. Other colleagues will also be able to work in our buildings when they are out and about or not based in their usual workplace.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_f456c14c-18a6-4798-93a3-11474d5d082d_638097373884203663/public" alt="Children in a selfie frame" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_f456c14c-18a6-4798-93a3-11474d5d082d_638097378775780386/public" alt="Drag queen storytime" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>"Good stock of books and a very good request service." - Library customer</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>"My library card is my passport to follow courses in subjects that I always hoped to find time to pursue. I'm interested in the Latin names for garden plants, so chose a free course in Beginner's Latin." - Library customer</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Helpful catalogue so I can find the books I want&rdquo; -&nbsp;Library customer</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>"We didn&rsquo;t have much money and being able to have somewhere free to take them was invaluable, as well as being able to share books that I couldn&rsquo;t afford. It greatly improved my mental health." - Library customer</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>"Good to meet other people. I feel [the Baby Book workshop] has done me a lot of good also. Thank you!" -&nbsp; Dunmow Library workshop participant.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_f456c14c-18a6-4798-93a3-11474d5d082d_638097380169321500/public" alt="Library Volunteer" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;I enjoy working as a volunteer because I like helping customers and interacting with people&rdquo; -&nbsp;Galina, Volunteer at Braintree Library</p>

Aim 2: Communications and infrastructure

environmental-initiatives

<h1>Environmental initiatives</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We are doing our bit for the environment. We:</p>
<ul>
<li>distribute and collect recycling bags, batteries and small electrical items</li>
<li>provide &lsquo;inkbins&rsquo; to recycle ink cartridges,</li>
<li>collect old laptops to be refurbished for those in need</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In partnership with Active Essex, we lend out sports and leisure equipment, so that you don&rsquo;t need to buy them.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We also consider the environment when we build or upgrade our libraries. Some of our libraries have solar panels and most have LED lighting. Carbon emissions in new buildings will be at least one-third lower than required by current building regulations. We will install fittings to reduce water consumption. New buildings will have mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems to prevent overheating and recycle heat, providing clean low-cost energy and air cooling.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_46003a5b-4913-4eba-bff2-fbf51064620c_638097383813422453/public" alt="Solar panels on roof" /></p>

Environmental initiatives

harlow-library-refurbishment

Harlow Library refurbishment

skills-for-the-future

<h1>Skills for the future</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Our libraries offer services to help residents develop new skills from job seeking to creative writing.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our Work Clubs provide computers, software and technical support to help people use online resources to find jobs and guide them to other sources of employment advice. Our Code Clubs, led by volunteers, introduce programming to young people interested in creating digital content. They also give them the chance to learn about computational thinking, problem solving, planning, designing and collaboration. Through the funding available from our levelling up programme, we will be exploring how we can further expand our range of support for people who want to increase their skills.</p>

Skills for the future

aim-3-supporting-communities-and-levelling-up

<h1>Aim 3: Supporting communities and levelling up</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Books and reading are our core offer, but Essex library service also brings people together, fosters culture and creativity, helps people to learn&nbsp; lifelong skills, improve health and wellbeing, and provides a place where people can access information and support.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We offer a huge range of services and activities like baby weighing sessions, support to people with a visual or hearing impairment, and clubs where you can make new friends and learn a new skill or hobby.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In partnership with others, we help residents improve their digital skills and find jobs, while our coding clubs help young people become IT wizards.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We are also passionate about supporting &nbsp;the environment and are continually thinking about how we can do more to make a difference to climate change. &nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>To support our communities to level up, our libraries will:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>expand our outreach service further&nbsp;</strong>- Many of our customers visit our library buildings, but we also care about those residents who, for different reasons, cannot get to their local library. We will ensure they know about the Home Library Service and, if needed, we can arrange a visit from one of our friendly volunteers. We want to connect with local partners and be part of community events and activities so&nbsp; we will expand our mobile and outreach offer and&nbsp; take the library service out into the community.</li>
<li><strong>improve employability&nbsp;</strong>- In partnership with organisations such as Adult Community Learning, business and community groups, we will expand our employment support programmes. We will explore how libraries can be used in innovative ways to help adults gain new skills, improve their employability and find jobs.</li>
<li><strong>help improve health and wellbeing&nbsp;</strong>- We will explore with partners how we can offer residents help to improve their health and wellbeing, through our range of books, resources and activities. We believe we have an important part to play to reduce social isolation and improve mental health.</li>
<li><strong>help reduce digital exclusion&nbsp;</strong>- We will use our libraries to narrow the divide between those who have access to and who can use new technology and those who don't and can&rsquo;t. We will explore opportunities to increase technology training so that Essex residents can develop new skills and access services and information online. Through our outreach programme, we will take the library service and the digital experience out to the community.</li>
<li><strong>connect residents</strong>&nbsp;<strong>to new, exciting services&nbsp;</strong>- We will continue to develop partnerships that provide our customers with access to support services that can have a positive impact on their lives such as the Citizens Advice. We will also engage with external partners such as The Literacy Trust, The Arts Council, and Libraries Connected to deliver exciting projects to encourage people to read and enjoy storytelling and the arts.</li>
<li><strong>explore options for providing chargeable activities alongside the existing free activities&nbsp;</strong>- Libraries already offer a range of activities outside the core service.&nbsp; These include events such as holiday activities for children and young people.&nbsp; We will explore options for chargeable activities that we could offer in addition to our free sessions. These would provide an enhanced offer, service or experience to our existing customers; appeal to new users of the service; or raise awareness of libraries as a potential partner and venue for other organisations. We will explore the interest from all age groups for sessions such as adult arts and crafts to increase the use of our libraries by the local community.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_4eb3b6ad-ff39-4d17-9822-11d33d32dc44_638097388774585855/public" alt="Ladies at Knit and Natter" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;The Knit and Natter group puts a smile on many people&rsquo;s faces&rdquo; - Sharon, group organiser</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Very helpful staff&rdquo; -&nbsp;Library customer</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Will go the extra mile to give a good service&rdquo; -&nbsp;Library customer</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Good resources for studying and research&rdquo; -&nbsp;Library customer</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Helpful opening times&rdquo; -&nbsp;Library customer</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>"I attended Rhymetime sessions with both my children, and it was invaluable for meeting other parents when I may have otherwise felt isolated in my local area." - Library customer</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>"The library is where I form friendships with like-minded book lovers&hellip;. When I'm new to an area, the library is my first destination. There I know I will find a warm welcome and help from the librarians." - Clacton Library customer</p>

Aim 3: Supporting communities and levelling up

mobile-library-and-outreach-service

<h1>Mobile library and outreach service</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_e497ab3a-ec94-4f12-a67c-c7c84ea9e388_638097396251094549/public" alt="Mobile library outside library" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our mobile library and outreach service provides access to books and other resources to people who don&rsquo;t already visit libraries. It visits places such as retirement communities, traveller sites, schools, preschools, youth clubs and community centres. It provides a service for established and new communities in a flexible and agile way and enables us to target areas identified in the levelling up programme.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The mobile library and outreach service will also support the Summer Reading Challenge, the Year of Reading, and&nbsp; new events, such as summer fetes and holiday activity clubs.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_e497ab3a-ec94-4f12-a67c-c7c84ea9e388_638097399453402702/public" alt="Interior of the mobile library" /></p>

Mobile library and outreach service

reducing-social-isolation

<h1>Reducing social isolation</h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&ldquo;I have been feeling very isolated and have almost forgotten how to talk to people, so this is a lovely icebreaker as a great opening for conversation.&rdquo; - Reading Friend participant</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Delivered in partnership with national charity The Reading Agency, the Reading Friends scheme aims to tackle life's big challenges, such as loneliness and isolation, through the power of reading. The scheme brings people together with trained volunteers over the phone, as part of an online group or in person at one of our libraries. Using books, magazines, newspapers, or anything else, the group starts chatting, shares stories and builds social connections. This can be invaluable for vulnerable people.</p>

Reducing social isolation

Harlow Library refurbishment

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