Sydenham Community Library 

Hatfield Peverel Library

Chigwell Library

Thornton Heath Library

Great Wakering Library

South Norwood Library

North Woolwich Library

Clayhall Library 

Mitcham Library

Morden Library

Hook & Chessington Library

North Chingford Library

Great Parndon Library

Edmonton Green Library

Harwich Library

The Library at Deptford Lounge

Roxeth Library 

Enfield Highway Library

Forest Hill Community Library

Harlow Library

Thames Community Hub

Coulsdon Library

Prettygate Library

Greenstead Library

Aldersbrook Library

Springfield Library

Guildford Library 

Rainham Library

Shirley Library

Maldon Library

Wanstead Library

Blackshots Library

Lewsey Library

Lea Bridge Library

Saffron Walden Library

Keith Axon Centre

Mark Hall Library

Kenton Library 

Stanmore Library 

West Clacton Library

Danbury Library

Canvey Library

Angel Raynham Library

Pitsea Library

South Benfleet Library

Manor Park Library

Isleworth Library

Southminster Library

Bowes Road Library

Seven Kings Library

Stanford Le Hope Library

Vange Library

Old Harlow Library

Heston Library

Idea Store Watney Market

Oxted Library

Pollards Hill Library 

Witham Library

Purley Library

Ridge Avenue Library

Rayleigh Library

Selsdon Library

East Ham Library 

Great Tarpots Library

New Cross Community Library Service

Godalming Library

Hackney Community Library Service

Whalebone Community Hub at Chadwell Heath Community Centre

Blackheath Village Community Library

Stansted Library

Catford Library

Wickford Library

Wood Street Library

Kelvedon Library

South Woodham Ferrers Library

Gants Hill Library

Epsom Library

Osterley Library

Redhill Library

Belhus Library

Fore Street Library

Rochford Library

Leagrave Library

West Ealing Community library

Brentwood Library

Holland Library

North Melbourne Library

Custom House Library

Fryerns Library

Dalston CLR James 

Farnham Library

Horley Library

Tudor Drive Library

Chadwell Library

Weybridge Library

Oakwood Library

Earls Colne Library

Wivenhoe Library

Canning Town Library

Palmers Green Library

TLC: Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest Libraries

Dark Theme

Light Theme

Waltham Forest

#000000

Welcome to Waltham Forest Libraries

Waltham Forest Libraries has a range of hire rooms available to book.

Room Hire

We offer free events at all of the libraries within Waltham Forest!

Events At Your Library

Mob Zone

bookshelf

Bookshelf

digital-content

comments-suggestions

<p><iframe style="border: none; max-width: 100%; max-height: 100vh;" src="https://forms.office.com/e/6FGG8WX6YE?embed=true" width="1200" height="1200px" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"> </iframe></p>

Comments & Suggestions

libraries

<p>&nbsp;</p>

Libraries

room-hire

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Waltham Forest libraries are fully equiped with various room and halls of all sizes to choose from and hire out for an event.</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The rooms include a large hall available at Walthamstow Library with a maximum capacity of 100 people at one given time and a maximum of 80 people in our smaller sized hall available at Leytonstone Library. We Also have small to medium sized meeting rooms which range from 8 to 26 people in capacity.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">For details of the facilities available at each site and prices, please click on the required library above:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">To start the booking process please complete the <a href="https://libraries.walthamforest.gov.uk/digital-content/room-hire/booking-form"><strong>Booking Form</strong></a>:</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>For further assistance please contact our bookings team via e-mail:</strong> <a href="mailto:library.bookings@walthamforest.gov.uk">library.bookings@walthamforest.gov.uk</a></span></p>

volunteering

<div class="upper-div">
<div class="row mb-3">
<h2 class="text-center py-4" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Volunteering feels good!</span></h2>
<div class="col-md-6 mb-4 shadow-sm"><br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Volunteering is at the heart of communities in Waltham Forest and reflects the commitment of residents to help one another. There are lots of opportunities for residents to get involved in volunteering locally.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">To register your interest in volunteering , <strong>select your local library below</strong> and create an account. Once that is complete, all you have to do is fill out the form.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://legendsoftheforest.co.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10182703?searchqs=searchString=&amp;btnSearchBasic=search" target="_blank" rel="noopener">- Walthamstow Library</a></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://legendsoftheforest.co.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10182871?searchqs=searchString=&amp;btnSearchBasic=search" target="_blank" rel="noopener">- Chingford Library</a></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://legendsoftheforest.co.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10182915?searchqs=searchString=&amp;btnSearchBasic=search" target="_blank" rel="noopener">- Leytonstone Library</a></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://legendsoftheforest.co.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10182912?searchqs=searchString=&amp;btnSearchBasic=search" target="_blank" rel="noopener">- Lea Bridge Library</a></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://legendsoftheforest.co.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10182911" target="_blank" rel="noopener">- Leyton Library</a></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://legendsoftheforest.co.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10182910?searchqs=searchString=&amp;btnSearchBasic=search" target="_blank" rel="noopener">- Wood Street Library</a></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://legendsoftheforest.co.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10182914?searchqs=searchString=&amp;btnSearchBasic=search" target="_blank" rel="noopener">- Hale End Library</a></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://legendsoftheforest.co.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10182913?searchqs=searchString=&amp;btnSearchBasic=search" target="_blank" rel="noopener">- Higham Hill Library</a></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 2;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="line-height: 2;">&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<div class="col-md-6 mb-4 shadow-sm" style="text-align: center;">
<p><img src="https://www.thegrovelibrary.net/Profiles/library/Assets/ClientData/Images/Grove_Library_Section/021-Volunteer.jpg" alt="Volunteering in our Library &raquo; The Grove Library" width="429" height="286" /></p>
<p class=" p-3"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Come volunteer at your local library and be a library assistant, you will recieve training on how the library system works, customer enquiries and how to run daily events for kids &amp; adults.</span></p>
<p class=" p-3">&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row justify-content-center mb-3">
<div>&nbsp;</div>
</div>

Volunteering

book-delivery-service

<div class="row mb-3">
<h2 class="text-center py-4" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Libraries 2 You</span></h2>
<div class="col-md-6 mb-4 shadow-sm"><br />
<h4><span style="color: #b96ad9;">What is the book delivery Service?&nbsp;</span></h4>
<p>The book delivery service is available for residents of Waltham Forest who cannot leave their homes to visit the library.</p>
<p>We deliver books, audiobooks, DVDs and large print books straight to your door every four weeks and we'll collect the old items at the same time.</p>
<p>We can deliver to Waltham Forest care homes and nursing homes too.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><span style="color: #b96ad9;">What do we deliver?&nbsp;</span></h4>
<p>When you apply to join the service, a member of the library team will call you to discuss your preferences and understand what items you would like delivered whether it be books, DVDs, or audiobooks.</p>
</div>
<div class="col-md-6 mb-4 shadow-sm" style="text-align: center;">
<h4><br /><span style="color: #b96ad9;">How to apply?&nbsp;</span></h4>
<p>To join, simply email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:libraries.support@walthamforest.gov.uk">libraries.support@walthamforest.gov.uk</a>&nbsp;with your name and telephone number expressing your interest in our book delivery service.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Alternatively, you can call us on 02084963000, then option 5 and then ask for the library book delivery service. One of our friendly agents will take your details and organise a member of our team to contact you to have a chat about your next steps.</p>
<p class=" p-3">&nbsp;</p>
<h4><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Do you want to become a volunteer?&nbsp;</span></h4>
<p>If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, we currently have 2 different volunteer roles available. Click below for more information.</p>
<p><a href="https://legendsoftheforest.co.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10208094">Libraries 2 You Support Assistant</a></p>
<p><a href="https://legendsoftheforest.co.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10208095">Libraries 2 You Delivery Driver</a></p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row justify-content-center mb-3">
<div>&nbsp;</div>
</div>

Book Delivery Service

events-activities

<div class="upper-div">
<div class="row mb-3">
<h2 class="text-center py-4"><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Events &amp; Activities</span></h2>
<div class="col-md-6 mb-4 shadow-sm"><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Waltham Forest Libraries offer an extensive programme of free, fun and exciting events for people of all ages and varying interests. You can find out what your local library offers by clicking on the library above, you can also visit your library and ask a member of staff.&nbsp;</strong></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</h3>
</div>
<div class="col-md-6 mb-4 shadow-sm" style="text-align: center;">
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Check out our social media pages and eventbrite page where you can turn on notifcations to recieve information about promotional events and updates to the service.</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/walthamforestlibraries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="height: auto;" src="https://llc.ent.sirsidynix.net.uk/custom/web/content/Insta%20logo.jpg" alt="Instagram" width="100" height="99" /></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/WFLibraries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="height: auto;" src="https://llc.ent.sirsidynix.net.uk/custom/web/content/facebook%20logo.jpg" alt="Facebook" width="100" height="97" /></a> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/waltham-forest-libraries-11667141273" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="height: auto;" src="https://llc.ent.sirsidynix.net.uk/custom/web/content/Capture.PNG" alt="Eventbrite" width="96" height="97" /></a></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Events & Activities

browse-our-elibrary

Browse our e-library

digital-resources-

Digital Resources 

bipc

<div class="upper-div">
<div class="row mb-3">
<h1 class="text-center py-4"><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Business and IP Centre (BIPC) Local</span></h1>
<div class="col-md-6 mb-4 shadow-sm"><br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Located on the ground floor of Leytonstone Library just steps away from the Leytonstone Central Line station, the BIPC Local has business development resources, community workspace, and expert advice available from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">(excluding public holidays).</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Support is free for everyone at any stage of their business journey:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li>Drop in to discuss your ideas for a new start-up or thriving scale-up.</li>
<li>Make a one-to-one appointment with one of our advisors to receive focused help.</li>
<li>Bring your laptop and latte and enjoy our bright, welcoming workspace with free wi-fi in the heart of Leytonstone.</li>
</ul>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">For More Information&nbsp;</h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><a href="https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/businesses/business-and-ip-centre-bipc-local" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_799de7ca-2bd1-4466-81c5-c2e6845265ce_637956472190329581/public" /></a></h3>
</div>
<div class="col-md-6 mb-4 shadow-sm" style="text-align: center;">
<p class=" p-3"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><img src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_799de7ca-2bd1-4466-81c5-c2e6845265ce_637956472216747725/public" width="274" height="274" /></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>For free webinar and events: </strong></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Take the first step to building your business by signing up to our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/business-amp-ip-centre-bipc-local-17639879813" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eventbrite</a>&nbsp;page so you&rsquo;ll never miss any of our great events, workshops and networking opportunities.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>For inspiration: </strong></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bipc_walthamforest/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>&nbsp;feed is full of inspiration, advice, links to events, and fun engagement posts. Follow us to never miss a post; don&rsquo;t forget to like and comment!</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bipc_walthamforest/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="height: auto;" src="https://llc.ent.sirsidynix.net.uk/custom/web/content/Insta%20logo.jpg" alt="Instagram" width="75" height="75" /></a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/business-amp-ip-centre-bipc-local-17639879813" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="height: auto;" src="https://llc.ent.sirsidynix.net.uk/custom/web/content/Capture.PNG" alt="Eventbrite" width="75" height="75" /></a></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<hr />
<div class="row justify-content-center mb-3">
<h3 id="h_5831991804791656331727339" style="text-align: center;">If you wish to sign up to the monthly newsletter that provides curated content of interest to business owners&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Please email <a href="mailto:startups@walthamforest.gov.uk">startups@walthamforest.gov.uk</a></h3>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
</div>

BIPC

library-faqs

<div class="row mb-3">
<h2 class="text-center py-4" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Library FAQs</span></h2>
<div class="col-md-6 mb-4 shadow-sm"><br />
<h3><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Membership FAQs</span></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000;">How can I apply online for a membership?&nbsp;</span></h4>
<p>You can join online by filling out our <a href="https://libraries.walthamforest.gov.uk/user/register" target="_blank" rel="noopener">application form</a>. Once you have applied you will receive a registration number which you will need to take to your local library with at least one proof of address (digital or paper) for a member of staff to verify and for you to receive your physical library card.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000;">Can a membership be taken out on the spot?&nbsp;</span></h4>
<p>Yes, if you bring at least one proof of address (digital or paper) to your local library we can sign you and anyone under the age of 18 up to a library membership on the spot.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000;">Is there a library membership fee?&nbsp;</span></h4>
<p>No, there is no fee for becoming a member of the library. However, fees may apply for replacement cards.&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<div class="col-md-6 mb-4 shadow-sm" style="text-align: center;">
<h4>&nbsp;</h4>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Library Book FAQs</span></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">How does loaning a book work?</span></h4>
<p style="text-align: left;">Once you are a member you can borrow up to 15 books at one given time and you can borrow them for a period of 3 weeks, this period can be extended up to 5 times by logging into <a href="https://libraries.walthamforest.gov.uk/bookshelf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our website</a> and checking your account or by calling <a href="&ldquo;tel:0333%20370%204700&rdquo;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">0333 370 4700</a>. You may not be able to extend your due back date if the book has been reserved.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Is it possible to search the library's catalogue online?&nbsp;</span></h4>
<p style="text-align: left;">Yes, through <a href="https://libraries.walthamforest.gov.uk/bookshelf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our website</a> you can search the library catalogue for books within our borough and throughout the consortium.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Can I reserve a book?</span></h4>
<p style="text-align: left;">Yes, you can reserve books online by searching for them through <a href="https://libraries.walthamforest.gov.uk/bookshelf">our website</a>, you just need a registered account. You can also have staff assistance to reserve a book at one of your local libraries. Fees apply to this service if you are over the age of 18.&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row mb-3">
<div class="col-md-6 mb-4 shadow-sm"><br />
<h3><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Library Event FAQs</span></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000;">How do I find out what events are going on?</span></h4>
<p>We post all events onto our <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/waltham-forest-libraries-11667141273" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eventbrite page</a>; you can narrow your search by checking out our <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/waltham-forest-libraries-11667141273#collections">collections page</a> where all the libraries and promotional events are listed.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000;">Are library events free?&nbsp;</span></h4>
<p>Yes, all library events are free and all residents are welcome to join. There is no requirement to book for our events unless it is specifically stated in the listing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000;">What is the best way to keep up to date with library events?</span></h4>
<p>The best way to keep up to date with library events would be by following our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WFLibraries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/walthamforestlibraries/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram </a>and <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/waltham-forest-libraries-11667141273" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eventbrite</a>. We also have a <a href="https://libraries.walthamforest.gov.uk/digital-content/browse-our-elibrary/enewsletter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monthly newsletter</a> that covers new and promotional events as well as other library news.&nbsp;</p>
</div>
<div class="col-md-6 mb-4 shadow-sm" style="text-align: center;">
<h4>&nbsp;</h4>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Library Building FAQs</span></h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Can I print and photocopy at the library?</span></h4>
<p style="text-align: left;">Yes, all our libraries are equipped with printers that can print and photocopy. You will find instructions on how to do this at your local library. All prices are displayed here.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Is there wireless internet available?&nbsp;</span></h4>
<p style="text-align: left;">Yes, all our libraries have a public wireless internet connection available. When you connect you will need to register with your email address.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #000000;">Can I come with my own laptop?</span></h4>
<p style="text-align: left;">Yes, all our libraries have desks that are designated workspaces, these spaces may be used if you have your own device or if you are studying. None of our workspaces can be reserved beforehand.</p>
</div>
</div>

Library FAQs

search

Search

account

Account

<div class="upper-div">
<div class="row mb-3">
<h2 class="text-center py-4"><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Oxford Dictionary Of National Biography</span></h2>
<div class="col-md-6 mb-4 shadow-sm"><br>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Over&nbsp;<strong>60,000</strong>&nbsp;biographies,&nbsp;<strong>72 million</strong>&nbsp;words,&nbsp;<strong>11,000 portraits</strong>&nbsp;of significant, influential or notorious figures who shaped British history &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oxforddnb.com/search?q=&amp;searchBtn=Search&amp;isQuickSearch=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener">perform advanced search</a></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.oxforddnb.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_fccffb52-3a4d-4ed9-910a-eec79f2ac1e7_637956470862441529/public"></a></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</h3>
</div>
<div class="col-md-6 mb-4 shadow-sm" style="text-align: center;">
<p class=" p-3"><img src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_fccffb52-3a4d-4ed9-910a-eec79f2ac1e7_637956470884183136/public" width="272" height="253"></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<hr>
<div class="row justify-content-center mb-3">
<div>&nbsp;</div>
</div>

Oxford Dictionary Of National Biography

Over 60,000 biographies, 72 million words, 11,000 portraits of significant, influential or notorious figures who shaped British history – perform advanced search