Library Service

Supporting you through tough times

The boroughs libraries have a range of free and low cost services for all the family which will help you balance your books!

Don't forget that internet access is free in your local library, and at the Barking Learning Centre there is free Wi-Fi access if you want to bring in your laptop.

It is free to join the library and borrow books. For a small charge you can also borrow CDs and DVDs. Our membership of the London Libraries Consortium means library members have access to millions of books, CDs, DVDs and other items available for loan to suit all tastes.

Join the library|

You can also join online, print off the form and bring in proof of ID to your local library.

Find a library|

Find your nearest library.

Local libraries|

Maps and locations of the borough's libraries.

Did you know it has been estimated that borrowing instead of buying 2 books and 2 DVD's each month could save someone more than £30.

Library Subscriptions

A subscription service is available for music loans, spoken word books and toys. Loans of CDs and spoken word will be cheaper with a subscription, because you can borrow as many items as you like during that time.

A subscription to a toy library is just £1 per year

3 toys can be borrowed for up to 3 weeks at a time and then changed for others! Ask at your local library for details.

A subscription to the music library is available for 3 months, 6 months or a year

3 months is £12
6 months is £17
12 months is £32

A subscription for the spoken word library is available for a year at £32, £17 for 6 months, £12 for 3 months. Again there is no upper limit on the number of items that can be borrowed over this period. Normally each spoken word item costs £1 for each 3 week loan.

Employment

Not only do all Barking and Dagenham Libraries offer free internet access, but free office applications such as Word and Excel are available too. You are able to brush up your skills and create a CV. With internet access you are able to search for jobs, apply online and use email too.

Libraries also have local and some national newspapers to look for vacancies.

Leisure Time

Want to find details of clubs and societies in the borough and surrounding areas you can join. Look at the Local Community Information Database in your local library or via the Barking and Dagenham Library web pages from your home PC.

Not Just Books

Libraries have regular events for all ages. These can range from author talks, coffee mornings, craft activities for adults and children to quizzes and reading groups. Most events are free and for most you can drop in. You are welcome to attend alone or bring a friend.

Toy Libraries

There are a number of toy libraries around the borough, most of these are in the boroughs libraries. Toy Libraries are where children can borrow a wide range of developmental toys. You can borrow 3 toys for up to 3 weeks at a time and then change them for others!

Free Information and Getting Help

The Information Services Section at Barking has information on your rights and the law. A range of leaflets, sources of legal information and guides to help with everyday issues are also available. The staff can also signpost you to voluntary and other sources of information and advice.

The service also subscribes to a number of online reference sources (e-resources) to bring a variety of information books to your home, school or work PC. These include encyclopaedias, dictionaries and subject dictionaries. They are useful for homework too.

Just login using your Barking and Dagenham library card.

Supporting you through tough times|

Your guide to the wide range of support and advice available.