Library Service

Services for Young People

You are never to young to join Barking and Dagenham libraries. All libraries in the borough have a wide range of books and materials for children of all ages. This includes picture books, dual language books, books to help with school work. There are also DVD and videos suitable for children, and some libraries have toy libraries too.

Young People aged 15 and under

Children of all ages are welcome to join the library. If you are aged 15 and under then a parent or guardian's signature is required. Proof of ID and address of guarantors is required.

What you can borrow

Children - Ages up to 15

Borrow up to 12 items. There are no fees or fines on books or books on tape and CD. Charges and fines apply to music tapes, CDs, DVDs, videos and language courses.

You can keep items for:

3 weeks for books, tapes and CDs
3 weeks for language courses
1 week for films

A fee is charged for borrowing music tapes and CDs, videos, DVDs and language courses.

Online Services for Young People

The library service subscribes to some online services which are particularly suitable for young people and useful to help with homework too. You can access these using your Barking and Dagenham library card number from any internet connected computer at home, school, or wherever you access the internet. So have your library card ready to give them a try.

Britannica Junior|

This site is suitable for ages 5-11, and includes a dictionary and subject searching for school subjects such as Art, Mathematics and Geography. Since it is UK based the information is relevant to the National Curriculum.

Britannica Student|

This site is suitable for ages 12-18. A good encyclopedia for homework or leisure use it includes links to the CBBC news site. Most articles include links through to other relevant websites and information.

Issues Online|

Produced by Independence publishers, Issues online is a reference source published in the UK relating to topical issues in our society. The information includes statistics and reproductions of articles as well as opinions on current topical subjects. The series includes information on animal rights, cloning and racism. The information is suitable for secondary level through to higher education.

Other online information services can be found at the Online Reference Resources web page and includes subject dictionaries, biographies of famous people, art and music information including pictures and sound.

Homework websites|

Links to websites which may help you with course and homework or revision for your courses.

Computer Facilities and Internet Access

All libraries have computers available for use. These offer access to the internet and word processing. If you are 15 and under you will need to be a member of Barking and Dagenham libraries and have a parent or guardians' permission to use the service. There is an option for a parent or guardian to give their consent for computer use on the membership form. Proof of ID and address of guarantors is required.

Events for Young People

All libraries in the borough have special events for children and young people of all ages. These include story and rhyme time and baby bounce for pre school children to reading groups, reading challenges and summer events. Please contact your local library to find out what is happening in your area.