TLC: Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest Libraries

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Waltham Forest

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The library app will unavailable to use from 29/11/23. 

'My Library App' Update

Welcome to Waltham Forest Libraries

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

Room Hire

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Bookshelf

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Libraries

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<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>
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<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>

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<h2 class="text-center py-4" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Volunteering feels good!</span></h2>
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<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>
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<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;<span style="font-size: 14pt;">You can also check out our Libraries 2 You volunteer opportunities<strong> below</strong>:</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://legendsoftheforest.co.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10208094" target="_blank" rel="noopener">- Libraries 2 You Support Assistant</a></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 2;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://legendsoftheforest.co.uk/volunteers/opportunity/10208095" target="_blank" rel="noopener">- Libraries 2 You Delivery Driver</a></span></p>
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<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>
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Volunteering

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<h2 class="text-center py-4" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Libraries 2 You</span></h2>
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<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>
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<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>
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Book Delivery Service

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<h2 class="text-center py-4"><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Events &amp; Activities</span></h2>
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<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>
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<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>
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Events & Activities

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Browse our e-library

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Digital Resources 

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<h1 class="text-center py-4"><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Business and IP Centre (BIPC) Local</span></h1>
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<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>
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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Support is free for everyone at any stage of their business journey:</strong></span></p>
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<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>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">For More Information&nbsp;</h3>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<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>
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BIPC

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Staff Picks

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Account

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<h2 class="text-center py-4" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Waltham Forest Libraries Staff Picks</span></h2>
<h3 class="text-center py-4" style="text-align: center;">Browse through a recommendation of books suggested to you by our staff.</h3>
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<div class="col-md-3 mb-4"><img class="rounded mw-100" src="https://m-sdprep.sol.us/v4/DPItemImage.aspx?dpid=a91db9a3-00a9-4f1d-ba09-d32c99e2298b&amp;id=69DC044957C3442E9D384C5DF4E074:18283" alt="" /></div>
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<h3>The Candy Machine: How Cocaine Took Over the World&nbsp;<br />by Tom Feiling</h3>
<p>Although this is non-fiction it is compelling, fluid and I had trouble putting the book down. It explains how the cocaine industry evolved, how it works, what damage it does to supplier and transit nations including Colombia, Mexico and Jamaica and how turning drugs into a moral question has produced a series of laws wasting enormous amounts of money without making any difference.</p>
<p><strong>Kenneth</strong></p>
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<h3>Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys&nbsp;<br />by Viv Albertine</h3>
<p>A no holds barred account of life at the raw edge of the punk rock scene and her life thereafter, she describes her life as a struggling female artist in what was a very male dominated world with sparkle and great humour.</p>
<p><strong>Jim</strong></p>
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<h3>Bringing Down the House<br />By Ben Mezrick</h3>
<p>This is Mezrick&rsquo;s first non-fiction book, he writes about an inside story of how a group of six MIT students brought down the casinos by counting cards in blackjack, not illegal but forbidden by most casinos. A descriptive and informative book making it a good read. Although based on a true story, Mezrick has added many fictional elements to the story which didn&rsquo;t take place in real life.</p>
<p><strong>Dipen</strong></p>
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<h2 class="my-1 pt-2 text-center">&nbsp;</h2>
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<h3>In the City&nbsp;<br />by Paul Du Noyer</h3>
<p>An exploration of London's music from public execution songs and East End music halls, to the Kinks and Lily Allen. It includes London-born artists such as David Bowie and Johnny Rotten as well as international artists who were shaped by their visits to the city such as Bob Dylan and Jimmy Hendrix. &nbsp;<br /><strong>Julian</strong></p>
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<h3>Stillness And Speed: My Story&nbsp;<br />by Dennis Bergkamp</h3>
<p>The way Bergkamp speaks about the game is&nbsp;<br />unlike 99% of pundits and ex-players: insightful, thoughtful and forward-thinking. The philosophy of a true footballing genius regarding his sport. &nbsp; Wonderful insight into a very private personality. If we could incorporate his philosophy into our game, maybe there's hope for us yet. &nbsp;If you're an Arsenal fan it&rsquo;s a must read.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Kenneth</strong></p>
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<h2 class="text-center py-4"><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Local Studies &amp; Archives</span></h2>
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<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Waltham Forest Archives and Local Studies Library hold a wide range of manuscript, printed and pictorial resources for research into the history of the Waltham Forest area and its communities.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">We can help if you want to research:</h3>
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<p style="text-align: center;">(1) Your family history</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(2) Development of the local area</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(3) The history of your house or street</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(4) Subjects for a school project or for academic research</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Waltham Forest Archives and Local Studies Library service will be relocating to Walthamstow Library in early 2024. From 23 November 2023, the Searchroom will be closed temporarily in advance of our move.</strong></span></h3>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>- <a href="https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/content/waltham-forest-archives-and-local-studies-library">Click Here</a>&nbsp;- </strong></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>to find out more.</strong></h3>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">For information on appointment availability</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">please email <a href="mailto:wfa.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wfa.enquiries</a></h3>
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Local Studies & Archives

We can help if you want to research:

Waltham Forest Archives and Local Studies Library service will be relocating to Walthamstow Library in early 2024. From 23 November 2023, the Searchroom will be closed temporarily in advance of our move.

- Click Here -

to find out more.

For information on appointment availability

please email wfa.enquiries