Stories and rhymes for the under fives! 

Come and join our friendly welcoming group, meet other parents, carers and grandparents, and engage and interact with your baby or toddler by listening to our stories and joining in with our rhymes and songs.

Baby And Toddler Rhymetime

Nursery rhymes, action songs, and a story. Ages 0-4 years.

Baby and Toddler Rhymetime

Book a session with our I.T Volunteer for help on your own device such as a laptop, tablet or phone, or log on to on of our library computers for printing and other help.

Sessions are 30 minutes. Book your place either by visiting the library or email:harlow.library@essex.gov.uk

IT Support Sessions

Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together!

Baby and toddler is a fun, active and enjoyable event for children. The staff at Canvey library will host each session singing a bunch of nursery rhymes and if enough time or a request a story will be read as well.

Join us for a morning of knitting and chat every Wednesday.

Bring along your own projects and share your skills and ideas.

Knit and Natter

Weekly wildlife themed activities, suitable for children aged 18 months to 5 years.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Craft Nature Knowledge

One-to-one help with an experienced volunteer for customers with an interest in family history.

Book your place by emailing Rayleigh library at Rayleigh.Library@essex.gov.uk, calling us or by coming in to the library.

Ancestry One-To-One

Do you require some help or support with an aspect of computing? Every Wednesday our volunteer will have 4 slots available for customers to have a one to one session for 45 minutes to an hour on an IT subject of their choice. These will take place on the hour at 10am, 11am, 12noon and 2pm.

To book a place contact staff at braintree.library@essex.gov.uk or call 03456037628

One To One Support With Computers And IT

Book a session with our I.T Volunteer for help on your own device such as a laptop, tablet or phone, or log on to on of our library computers for printing and other help.

Sessions are 30 minutes. Book your place either by visiting the library or email: brightlingsea.library@essex.gov.uk

Learn how to get online and use computers in these free sessions for beginners.

Sign up for a free six-week course run by our friendly volunteer.

For more information and to book email southwoodham.library@essex.gov.uk

Learn My Way Computer Coaching

Free your child's imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together!

Term time only.

Our Rhymetime sessions have a limited capacity for health and safety reasons. On the day a ticket for the session will be issued from the Children's Library Desk on a first come first served basis to enable entry into the session. Once maximum capacity is reached for the session no one else will be admitted.

Free your child's imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together!
Two sessions every Monday and Wednesday.
10.15am and 11.15am.

Baby & Toddler Rhymetime

A chance to connect with the local community and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee (and the occasional biscuit!).
Run entirely by volunteers who will greet you with a smile and be there ready for a chat.
Bring a friend or come alone, there will always be somebody to talk to and somebody to listen in a nice friendly space.

Community Tea Time

Join us for tea and coffee. Relax for a while and find out what the library has to offer. Our friendly volunteer will be on hand to give advice on library services and activities as well as local community information.

Community Tea

Free your child's imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together!

Sing along to Nursery Rhymes at the library - a chance for child and parent/carer to interact and connect!

Baby and Toddler Rhymetime 5

Baby and Toddler Storytime

Rhymes and songs for babies 0 to 12 months.

Limited places but no booking required.

New Baby Rhymetime

Join us after Rhymetime for our Stay and Play session. Enjoy a cuppa and chat with other parents whilst your little ones enjoy playing with a range of toys with their friends.

Stay and Play

Stories and rhymes for under 5's.  Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together!
No booking required.

Baby And Toddler Rhymetime 5

Adults come along and meet people, join in a game of cards or a board game.

These sessions are run by Rainbow services Harlow. Call 01279 308150.

Invitation to Play

Basildon Library Sensory Wall will be available each morning 10am to 11am (Please note on Tuesdays and Thursdays, this will be after the Baby and Toddler Rhymetime at 10am to 10:30am) and also 3pm to 4pm each afternoon. 
Parents must remain with children at all times.

Sensory Session

Free IT support from a volunteer is at hand for anybody using our library computers Available 1pm to 4pm.

I.T Support

Reading Cubs is for children aged 2 to 4 years, with a story and some singing, followed by a craft activity.  Join us to develop your children's language skills by having activities based around a book.

Reading Cubs

Join us at Great Baddow Library for an hour of seated exercises with instructor Ola.

Class suitable for adults only. Booking essential. £4.00 per session.

To book a place please visit Great Baddow Library and speak to a member of staff.

Seated Chair Exercise Class

Book a session with our Volunteer for help with your own device such as a laptop, tablet or phone, or log on to one of our library computers.

Book your place either by visiting the library,  calling 0345 603 7628, or emailing walton.library@essex.gov.uk

Computer support

If you enjoy knitting, crocheting, sewing and like to have a good chat, come along and join our friendly group.
Swap ideas, share patterns, and make new friends over a nice cuppa.

Have a Yarn

On the last Wednesday of every month, we offer a puzzle swap opportunity for all puzzle enthusiasts.

A drop-in session, no need to book.

Puzzle Swap

Stories and rhymes for under 5's.  Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together!  
No booking required

Join Srina for an hour of gentle chair-based exercise at her seated yoga class. Classes are suitable for adults of all abilities, and cost £4 per session, payable by cash or card, either in advance or on the day. There is no need to book for this event - just turn up.

Seated Yoga

Are you a new parent with a baby under 12 months? Join us for this informal rhymetime and learn how to interact with your baby through rhymes and songs to give their early communication a boost. Meet friends and have fun with your new baby in a relaxed setting.
This group is suitable for new parents of children up to 12 months.

New Parents' Rhymetime

This is a free after school activity which teaches programming skills as well as problem solving, collaboration, planning and computational thinking skills.

12 weekly sessions aimed at 9 to 13 year olds. 

For more information and to book contact  staff at braintree.library@essex.gov.uk or call 03456037628

Code Club

Children of all ages love creating with blocks. As well as being fun, it has a real educational quality, helping the development of motor skills, creativity and problem-solving skills.

Build on your skills using building blocks!

Suitable for ages 4 and over.

Block Builders Construction Club

Using games that the whole family can get involved in, these fun and interactive tutor-led sessions are designed to make learning fun and give you and your child skills to use at home!
-﻿--
3:30pm - Arrive for a free drink and Snack 
3﻿:45 to 5:15pm - Fun learning session

Harlow Homework Club

Share your love of crafting, such as: embroidery, cross-stitch, quilting, felting, macrame, beading, weaving, quilling and paper crafts - and more!

Share your craft skills and try something new. Bring along your own craft (crafts are not supplied).

Craft Club

Join us for an evening of hot chocolate, mince pies and Christmas readings! 

This will be a relaxed, adult-orientated reading of Christmas poems, short stories and excerpts from stories delivered by various readers.

We hope to see you there!

Christmas Readings

This winter, come join us for a warm welcome every day on the library first floor. 
Choose between a tea or a coffee, play a board game and see what the library has to offer. 
All are welcome!

Warm Welcomes

Come along to Harwich Library and meet our IT Volunteers who will be on hand to offer hints and tips on using computers, help with using your own device,  job seeking, covering letters, CV's and uploading to job sites and other IT related queries.

Book a free 1/2 hour session by visiting the library or email: harwich.library@essex.gov.uk

Alternatively, call us on 0345 603 7628 and ask to be put through to Harwich Library.

IT Support

Join in with stories and rhymes. 
Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together!

Free your child's imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together.

Stories and rhymes for the under fives! Meet other parents and make new friends.

Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together!

Stories and rhymes for under fives! Meet other parents and make new friends.

A chance to make new friends and have a chat over a cup of coffee. Everyone welcome.

Harwich Library Coffee Morning

Get help with online searching and applying for jobs, CV writing, advice and support. Booking required by email at chelmsford.library@essex.gov.uk or in person at the library.

Work Club

If you enjoy knitting/crocheting and like to have a good chat, come along and join our friendly group.

Swap ideas
Share patterns
Offer help and advice to new knitters
Enjoy the company of others

Knit And Natter

Sensory stay and play for babies

Join us for a coffee or tea at our community coffee morning and find out all about your local library service.

Community Coffee Morning

Come and join us for songs and rhymes for the under 5's.
Meet other parents and make new friends,

An opportunity for you to weigh your child and seek advice about your child's overall health and wellbeing.

Healthy family drop in

From beginner to advanced - all welcome.

Share your ideas and bring along your projects.

Sessions may be limited by space. For more information, contact Wickford Library.

Join our friendly knitting and crochet group.

Knit, Crochet and Natter

Need help using your Mobile Phone, Tablet or Laptop?
Our expert volunteer can help you. Android and Apple support.
One-to-one tuition. 1 hour per session. 10am or 11am.
To book your place visit the library.


Should you be unable to attend your session on the day please inform the library.

Tech Training Sessions

This is a volunteer-led weekly community tea event with hot drinks, biscuits and the chance for a chat.

Community Tea, Halstead Library

If you enjoy knitting or crocheting, and want to meet likeminded people, come and join our friendly group.

Bring your own projects, swap tips and ideas, share patterns, and offer help and advice to new knitters.

A chance to make new friends and have a chat over a cup of tea or coffee. Everyone welcome.

If you need help with CV writing, cover letter writing, job searches or applications drop in at Braintree Library for assistance. Free weekly sessions on the first floor of the library, every Thursday from 10am to 12noon. No booking necessary.

Guided walks in the nature. Get healthier whilst meeting new people and reconnecting with nature.

Finding Your Feet Walks with Community 360

Our IT volunteer is here to help you with any IT support you need.  Please email coggeshall.library.gov.uk to book an appointment.

A weekly gathering of chess players, to play chess, socialise and have fun.

Chess Club

Community Board Game

Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together!

Join in with songs and stories and find out more about sharing books and rhymes with babies and young children.

Meet other parents and carers and see what the library has to offer you and your family.

Come and join us for a story after our Rhymetime.

Children's Storytime

Come and vote for your favourite BookTrust Storytime book!

This event is ideally for children aged under 5 but all are welcome.

Enjoy a great storytime, fun activities, meet new friends and be part of the national poll to find the best BookTrust storytime book 2023.

Booktrust Storytime

Share your love of crafting, such as: knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, quilting, felting, macramé - and more!

Share your craft skills and try something new. Bring along your own craft (crafts are not supplied).

Join us for rhymes and songs for the under 5s!

Book groups are a great way of discovering new books and authors. They are also a fun way of socialising and meeting new people.

If you enjoy reading and like to discuss your latest discoveries, drop into our monthly book group meeting.

New members welcome.

Desert Island Book Group

Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together!

Sessions are subject to change during School Holidays, please ask in the Library for more information.

Warm Welcomes Baby and Toddler Rhymetime

Join us for a coffee at our community coffee morning and find out all about your local library service.

Pop in for a chat about volunteeting , hundreds of opportunities to get involved with your community.

Volunteer Centre Harlow

The Community Hub offers a range of services for all Harlow residents affected by crisis situations, as well as information on community and social activities and access to volunteering.

Community Hub Pop Up

Providing you with FREE advice and support on:
Downloading and accessing the NHS App
Making your appointments online
Ordering your medicines safely and securely
Call Adam on 07549034124 or speak to library staff for more information

Health and Digital Literacy Hub

A small group who enjoy reading fiction. They set themselves a challenge of reading 'outside their comfort zone'. 
They take home a copy of a book that they have all selected to read and then discuss the following month what they thought of the book.

Canvey Reading Group

Have fun and meet new friends! Work together to complete different puzzles each week. Open to all ages

Jigsaw Club

A chance to enjoy a game of Scrabble and make new friends.

Scrabble Club

Come along for a fun afternoon play session with musical instruments, puppets, blocks, puzzles and colouring pages.

Meet other parents and make new friends! Free to attend and no booking required.

Would you like to learn about your ancestry?  Our volunteer can help you. 
Please email cogggeshall.library@essex.gov.uk to book an appointment.

Book an appointment at another time by contacting the staff at Coggeshall Library.

Ancestry

Free six week computer skills course for absolute beginners.
It starts by showing you what a keyboard does, then what the mouse does, going on to things like sending an email and attaching photos, all in a fun way.
Booking required. Please book by speaking to a member of staff in the library or by emailing braintree.library@essex.gov.uk

Learn My Way

Small group who enjoy reading fiction. They set themselves a challenge of reading "outside their comfort zones"
If you enjoy reading and like a challenge to read something different come along and meet Canvey Island Reading Group.

Community group meeting for a chat and some knitting.

Come and share you thoughts and views with others.

Epping Booktalk

Basildon Library Sensory Wall will be available each morning 10am to 11am (Please note on Tuesdays and Thursdays, this will be after the Baby and Toddler Rhymetime at 10am to 10.30am) and also 3pm to 4pm each afternoon. 
Parents must remain with children at all times.

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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>
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<h2>A</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.accesstoresearch.org.uk/" target="_blank" aria-invalid="true" rel="noopener">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>
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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 Library 19th Century Newspapers</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>
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<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>
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<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><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>
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<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/digital-content/using-our-libraries/essex-library-of-things">Essex Library of Things</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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<h2>K</h2>
<p><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/entertainment/kanopy">Kanopy</a></p>
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<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>
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<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><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/entertainment/moshi">Moshi App</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/news/moshi-has-arrived-at-essex-libraries">Moshi Corner</a></p>
</div>
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<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><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/entertainment-free-courses-and-reference-services/reference/arts-literature-and-music">Nielsen BookData</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>
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<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>
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<h2>Q</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<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><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-services-for-children-and-young-adults/young-adults">Reading Well for Children</a><br /><a href="https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-services-for-children-and-young-adults/young-adults">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>
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<h2>S</h2>
<p><a href="https://essex-self.achieveservice.com/service/Request_library_items" target="_blank" rel="noopener">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/summer-reading-challenge-2023">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" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sustainability Challenge</a></p>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<h2>X</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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</div>
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<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>
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<h2>Z</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<div class="col-xl-2 col-lg-3 col-md-4 col-sm-6 p-2">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<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

volunteer-at-your-local-library

Volunteer at your local library

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>

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