TLC: Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest Libraries

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Waltham Forest

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Leyton Library will be closed for repairs from 5th December.

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

Events At Your Library

Our libraries have rooms and halls of all sizes available to hire out for an event. 

Room Hire

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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>
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<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>
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<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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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">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></h3>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If there is a specific library you would like to volunteer in specify that in the email. We will provide training on a large range of library tasks:</span></strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Library customer assistant</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Library events assistant</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Library book delivery service</li>
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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">For more information please email <strong><a href="mailto:libraries.support@Walthamforest.gov.uk">libraries.support@Walthamforest.gov.uk</a></strong></p>
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Volunteer at your local library

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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>
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<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>
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<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>
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<h4><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Do you want to become a volunteer?&nbsp;</span></h4>
<p>If you are interested in becoming a volunteer to help deliver books and information to residents using our book deliver service, please send an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:libraries.support@Walthamforest.gov.uk">libraries.support@Walthamforest.gov.uk</a>&nbsp;</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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<h1><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Wanting to catch up with the latest headlines or just looking for something thought-provoking? </span></strong></h1>
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<h1><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Looking for long reads, cover stories or Interviews? </span></strong></h1>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We will have something to suite you.</span></h4>
<h4>Choose from <a href="https://libraries.walthamforest.gov.uk/digital-content/enews-mags/libby" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Libby</a><strong> or</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://libraries.walthamforest.gov.uk/digital-content/enews-mags/pressreader" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Pressreader </strong></a>or <a href="https://libraries.walthamforest.gov.uk/digital-content/enews-mags/waltham-forest-talking-newspaper" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Waltham Forest Talking Newspaper</strong></a></h4>
<h4>&nbsp;</h4>
<h4>These are all free to use resources provided that you have a library membership.&nbsp;</h4>

Online Magazines and Newspapers

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<p><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Best-selling authors? New release titles? Classics and crowd-pleasers?</span></strong></p>
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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Waltham Forest Libraries digital collection has it all. Say hello to your future library, wherever you are, whenever you are free. Find your next book and start reading using <strong>Over Drive </strong>or <strong>BorrowBox.</strong></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">With <strong>uLIBRARY</strong> you can take your library&rsquo;s digital collection anywhere &ndash; browse, borrow and enjoy the best in eAudiobooks and eBook on your smartphone or tablet.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">These are all free to subscribe to provided you have a <a href="https://libraries.walthamforest.gov.uk/user/register">Waltham Forest Libraries membership.&nbsp;</a></span></p>

E-Books & Audiobooks

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<div id="portlet-topper-toolbar_56_INSTANCE_ANo0VDGma0S1"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Waltham Forest Libraries have a number of excellent online courses which are&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp;FREE</strong>&nbsp;to everyone with a Waltham Forest library card. &nbsp;Whether you want to pass your driving test, learn to speak a new language, improve your computing skills or learn how to make a good cocktail ... there will be a course for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size: 14pt;">To access each service you will need to enter the number on your library card barcode excluding any spaces eg. 0040099999. </span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size: 14pt;">These are all free to subscribe to provided you have a <a href="https://libraries.walthamforest.gov.uk/user/register">Waltham Forest Libraries membership.&nbsp;</a></span></div>

Online Courses

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Digital References

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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>
<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>
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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>
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<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>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
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BIPC

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Staff Picks

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<h2 class="text-center py-4"><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Our Public PC's</span></h2>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Use of computers is free in all Waltham Forest libraries:</span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A valid library card from Waltham Forest, or any of our London Library Consortium partners, is required to use a computer terminal in a Waltham Forest library. To join the library free of charge, visit your local library with one&nbsp;proof of&nbsp;name and address or&nbsp;complete the online application form.</span></h3>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Free Internet access at all our libraries opening a gateway to the world of online information at even our smallest branch</span></h3>
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<h2 class="text-center py-4"><span style="color: #b96ad9;">Free Wifi hotspots @ the Library</span></h2>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Free wireless hotspots are a fast, reliable wireless broadband connection to the internet is available for everyone to use throughout the library. All you need to use the service is a laptop, PDA or mobile phone with built in WLAN capability or an added WiFi card.</span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">WiFi is available at all of our libraries</span></h3>
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<h3 id="Help" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Help?</span></span></h3>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Please ask a member of library staff if you require information regarding WiFi access or download</span></h3>
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Get Online

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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"><a href="https://ideastore.towerhamlets.gov.uk/manifestations/69DC044957C3442E9D384C5DF4E074:18283"><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="" /></a></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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<div class="col-md-3 mb-4"><a href="https://ideastore.towerhamlets.gov.uk/manifestations/69DC044957C3442E9D384C5DF4E074:109774"><img class="rounded mw-100" src="https://m-sdprep.sol.us/v4/DPItemImage.aspx?dpid=a91db9a3-00a9-4f1d-ba09-d32c99e2298b&amp;id=69DC044957C3442E9D384C5DF4E074:109774" alt="" /></a></div>
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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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Wanting to catch up with the latest headlines or just looking for something thought-provoking?

Looking for long reads, cover stories or Interviews?

We will have something to suite you.

Choose from Libby or Pressreader or The Waltham Forest Talking Newspaper

These are all free to use resources provided that you have a library membership.