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TLC: Havering

Havering Libraries

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Returns to libraries, 5 July - 6 September

Summer Reading Challenge 

National Poetry Day is the UK's biggest celebration of poetry

National Poetry Day 2025

Mob Zone

bookshelf

Bookshelf

digital-content

libraries

Libraries

getting-to-our-libraries

<h1 style="text-align: center;">Getting to our Libraries</h1>
&nbsp;
Here you will find useful information on how to visit the libraries in Havering.
&nbsp;
Please be advised that from Saturday 29 March, Gidea Park, Harold Wood and South Hornchurch Libraries will be permanently closed.&nbsp; Below you will find further information about how to plan your journey to our other libraries.
&nbsp;
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Public Transport</h2>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Plan your journey in advance with the TFL journey planner</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
To view a list of buses that will take you to our libraries, please visit our <a href="https://libraries.havering.gov.uk/digital-content/libraries/find-a-library">library pages</a>.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<a href="https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/dial-a-ride/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">If you are a member of the Dial-a-Ride scheme, you can book your journey here.</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<a href="https://book.taxicardbooking.com/portal/#/account/auth/CORPORATE">If you have a Taxicard you can plan your journey here.</a>
&nbsp;
<h3>Parking</h3>
&nbsp;
Please visit our <a href="https://libraries.havering.gov.uk/digital-content/libraries/find-a-library">library pages</a> for details on car parks at our libraries.&nbsp; You will also find further information for blue badge holders.

Getting to our Libraries

renew-your-loans

<h1 style="text-align: center;">Renew your library loans</h1>
&nbsp;
To renew your library books online, click on the 'Account' or 'Login' link in the menu at the top of your screen, where you will be able to log in to your account with your library card and PIN.
&nbsp;
You can also renew your books using our 24 hour renewal line on 0333 370 4700.&nbsp; Just remember to have your library card handy!

Renew your loans

local-studies

Local Studies

ebooks-and-audiobooks

<h3 style="text-align: center;">Ebooks and Audiobooks</h3>
&nbsp;
To download ebooks or audiobooks please choose a provider and follow the links to their sites and apps.
&nbsp;
Please have your library card handy.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<img style="float: right;" src="https://resources.overdrive.com/wp-content/uploads/Libby_BorrowEA-2-1-22.jpg" alt="Libby logo, with text borrow ebooks and audiobooks" width="250" height="250" /> &nbsp;
<h2 style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Libby, by Overdrive</h2>
&nbsp;
Borrow and read ebooks and audiobooks for free with Libby. &nbsp; &nbsp;
&nbsp;
It's really easy to use - all you need is a library card to get started!&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Download Libby</a> | <a href="https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby#GettingStarted" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Getting started with Libby</a> | <a href="https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Libby Help</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
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<h1 style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</h1>
<img style="float: right;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/UK_1463b7f2-ba2c-455c-ab68-b7ecbbd5360b_638411049802585535/public" alt="Blue Ulverscroft logo, blue background with a white u" width="250" height="250" />
<h1 style="text-align: left;">Ulverscroft Digital</h1>
&nbsp;
Ulverscroft Digital provide a wide range of e-audiobooks that can be downloaded to the ULibrary app or straight to a desktop PC.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.ulibrary.net/about/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Download ULibrary</a> | <a href="https://www.ulibrary.net/how-it-works/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Getting started with Ulverscroft Digital</a> | <a href="https://www.ulibrary.net/faqs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ulverscroft Digital FAQ's</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<div style="text-align: center;"><img style="float: right;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_1463b7f2-ba2c-455c-ab68-b7ecbbd5360b_637956466619787420/public" alt="Green borrowbox logo, green box with borrowbox on the front" width="250" height="231" /></div>
<div class="col-md-12 col-sm-6 p-3">
<h1 style="text-align: left;">BorrowBox</h1>
BorrowBox offers easy access to a broad choice of eAudiobooks for you to borrow and listen to through a simple app for smartphone and tablets&nbsp; You can also borrow&nbsp; and download your eAudiobooks to your PC or Mac to put them onto an iPad or other MP3 player.
&nbsp;&nbsp;
You can borrow up to 4 eAudiobooks at a time and they'll automatically expire at the end of the three-week loan period, so you won't need to return them.
&nbsp;
Upon logging in, your PIN is the last four digits of your library card number, not your library PIN.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.borrowbox.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Download Borrowbox here</a>
</div>
&nbsp;

Ebooks and Audiobooks

summer-reading-challenge

<img src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/UK2_47cd37f2-061a-4efe-9b66-dcdc8a8d7c87_638853439038037147/public" alt="Story Garden decorative text, with image of children and creatures playing in a garden" width="507" height="285" />
&nbsp;
Summer Reading Challenge 2025
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Summer Reading Challenge is returning to Havering libraries, and as always - it's free!&nbsp; This year it's all about the magic of nature with the theme 'Story Garden'.&nbsp; Its aim is to inspire children from ages 4-11, to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature.
&nbsp;
<h1>How to take part</h1>
&nbsp;
1.&nbsp; From Saturday 5 July, children can start registering to take part.&nbsp; Simply visit any Havering library with your library card and ask one of our team members if you can register.&nbsp; If your child is not yet a member of the library, please <a href="https://libraries.havering.gov.uk/user/register">complete our online registration form</a>.&nbsp; You will be given a temporary library card number which you can bring with you, along with an official form of name and address.&nbsp; We will then issue you a new library card.
&nbsp;
2.&nbsp; Once your child is registered, they'll be given a 'Story Garden' character to go on our progress wall and a list of session times.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
3.&nbsp; Borrow 6 library books and take them home.&nbsp; Once your child has read 2 books, return to the library you registered with, during one of the sessions and your child can speak to one of our library volunteers to tell them about the books they have read.&nbsp; If you'd prefer you can do a book review for one of the books and tell us about the other one.&nbsp; Your child will be given a 'Story Garden' sticker booklet and the first two stickers.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
4.&nbsp; Return when your child has read another two books to receive the next set of stickers.
&nbsp;
5.&nbsp; To complete the challenge return before 6 September to tell us about books 5 and 6, after which, they will receive a certificate and medal and be entered into a prize draw for a nature book.&nbsp; Pre-school children will receive a gold sticker instead of a medal.
&nbsp;

Summer Reading Challenge

national-poetry-day

National Poetry Day - 2 October 2025
&nbsp;
National Poetry Day is the UK's biggest mass celebration of poetry.
&nbsp;
This National Poetry Day, we explore the theme of&nbsp;Play, honouring poetry's ability to surprise, delight and challenge us in creative ways.&nbsp; Poetry, like play, thrives on imagination and experimentation.&nbsp; It invites us to bend rules, invent new ones and discover unexpected meanings.&nbsp; Whether crafting a clever limerick or playing with rhyme and rhythm, poetry turns language into a playground where everyone is welcome.&nbsp; Lets celebrate the fun, freedom and inventiveness that poetry shares with the world of games.
&nbsp;
Each year, Havering Libraries celebrates National Poetry Day with a poetry competition, focused on the yearly theme.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The competition is open to all ages.&nbsp; Please include your name, age and library card number with your entry and hand it in to any Havering Library.&nbsp; Alternatively, you can send your entry to <a href="mailto:haveringlibrariescompetitions@havering.gov.uk">haveringlibrariescompetitions@havering.gov.uk</a>.&nbsp; The&nbsp;closing date is Saturday 8th November 2025.&nbsp; Winners will receive book prizes and their poems will be displayed in all libraries.

National Poetry Day

recommended-reading

digital-resources

Digital Resources

volunteering

<h1 style="text-align: center;">Volunteering in Havering Libraries</h1>
&nbsp;
<img src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/SDEMEA_851878e6-71cc-4d0d-84b3-4ec0f27cebf2_637956467244984201/public" alt="Four happy people wearing blue t-shirts with the word volunteer on them" />
&nbsp;
At Havering Libraries, we welcome those who are willing to give up their precious time to help their local library service and give back to their community.
We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities for adults and some for children above the age of 13.
&nbsp;
<h2>Volunteer opportunities</h2>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://tv-uk2.sol.us/data.aspx?ctid=eb8613ca-e5ce-4ab0-ac10-4a21ec2eba7b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chess Club Volunteer</a>
<a href="https://tv-uk2.sol.us/data.aspx?ctid=fa6de795-aa9b-4243-9cdd-d3f17052eaee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Event Assistant Volunteer</a>
<a href="https://tv-uk2.sol.us/data.aspx?ctid=c5c9c7fc-4c1f-465e-b4fe-7a07395095b0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Homework Buddy Volunteer</a>
<a href="https://tv-uk2.sol.us/data.aspx?ctid=5ffeafe8-1464-49de-aba9-53c1a5f3ced5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Local Studies Volunteer</a>
<a href="https://tv-uk2.sol.us/data.aspx?ctid=a4bab3b7-1461-4eb4-86e8-6eed53fd3b59" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marketing &amp; Publicity Volunteer</a>
<a href="https://tv-uk2.sol.us/data.aspx?ctid=d1604088-7ac3-40d6-b62a-10c2d49f397a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Meeter &amp; Greeter Volunteer</a>
<a href="https://tv-uk2.sol.us/data.aspx?ctid=f5a85955-370e-4545-a16e-9d2133940b45" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reading Buddy Volunteer</a>
<a href="https://tv-uk2.sol.us/data.aspx?ctid=84f9fdf2-6d20-41c9-98db-a5fef765e02d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shelving Squad Volunteer</a>
<a href="https://tv-uk2.sol.us/data.aspx?ctid=ed55eb31-d153-41b1-b903-fbf656b0fb65" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Summer Reading Challenge Volunteer</a>
<a href="https://tv-uk2.sol.us/data.aspx?ctid=cf2578d8-a68e-406a-9364-f0d1b7c80cb3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Techy Buddy Volunteer</a>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Apply Now</h3>
&nbsp;
If you are aged 16+ please <a href="https://app.betterimpact.com/Application?OrganizationGuid=f4fd70cb-bce4-4fd3-a085-d819bd2f5de1&amp;ApplicationFormNumber=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a> to register and complete an application form.
&nbsp;
If you are aged between 13-15 and would like to volunteer for the Summer Reading Challenge or as part of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, please <a href="https://app.betterimpact.com/Application?OrganizationGuid=f4fd70cb-bce4-4fd3-a085-d819bd2f5de1&amp;ApplicationFormNumber=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here</a> to complete your registration and application form.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
You will need to register with MyImpact Page to complete the forms.&nbsp; MyImpact Page is run by <a href="https://www.betterimpact.com/siteguide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Better Impact.</a>

Volunteering

meeting-rooms

<h1 style="text-align: center;">Library Meeting Rooms for Hire</h1>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
We have a range of meeting rooms available to hire in Havering libraries at competitive rates.
&nbsp;
Our meeting rooms are equipped with tables and seating, with some spaces suitable for meetings or conferences for up to 100 people.
&nbsp;
Alternatively, the rooms can be used for exercise classes, parties (please enquire with each individual branch), study groups and more.
&nbsp;
You are also welcome to visit any of the branches to have a look at the space for yourself.
&nbsp;
Please email <a href="mailto:libroombookings@havering.gov.uk">libroombookings@havering.gov.uk</a> to make a room booking enquiry
&nbsp;
<hr />
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<div class="col-md-3 mb-4 shadow-sm">
<h2 class="my-1 pt-2 text-center">Elm Park Library</h2>
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</div>
<div class="col-md-9 mb-4 shadow-sm">
St Nicholas Avenue
Elm Park
RM12 4PT
&nbsp;
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;Capacity of 30
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;Kitchen facilities
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&pound;23 per hour
&nbsp;
</div>
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<div class="row mb-3">
&nbsp;
<div class="col-md-3 mb-4 shadow-sm">
<h2 class="my-1 pt-2 text-center">Harold Hill Library</h2>
</div>
<div class="col-md-9 mb-4 shadow-sm">
19a Farnham Road
Harold Hill
RM3 8ED
&nbsp;
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Meeting Room</h3>
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;Capacity of 30
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&pound;28 per hour
&nbsp;
<h3 style="text-align: left;">HUB Room</h3>
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;Capacity of 30
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&pound;28 per hour
&nbsp;
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Office Space</h3>
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;Capacity of 6
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&pound;21 per hour
</div>
<div class="row mb-3">
<div class="col-md-9 mb-4 shadow-sm">
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
</div>
<hr />
<div class="row mb-3">
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<div class="col-md-3 mb-4 shadow-sm">
<h2 class="my-1 pt-2 text-center">Hornchurch Library</h2>
&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="col-md-9 mb-4 shadow-sm">
44, North Street
Hornchurch
RM11 1TB
&nbsp;
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Large Meeting Room</h3>
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;Capacity of 100
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&pound;33 for the first hour, then &pound;27 for each subsequent hour
&nbsp;
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Classroom 1</h3>
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;Capacity of 50
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;28 IT points
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&pound;28 per hour
&nbsp;
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Classroom 2</h3>
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;Capacity of 12
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;30 IT points
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&pound;23 per hour
&nbsp;
</div>
<hr />
<div class="row mb-3">
&nbsp;
<div class="col-md-3 mb-4 shadow-sm">
<h2 class="my-1 pt-2 text-center">Rainham Library</h2>
&nbsp;
</div>
<div class="col-md-9 mb-4 shadow-sm">
6, Celtic Farm Road
Rainham
RM13 9GP
<h3 style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</h3>
Dr Deri Stephens
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;Office Space
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;Capacity 10 seated, 12 standing
&bull;&nbsp; &nbsp;&pound;23 per hour
&nbsp;
</div>
<hr />
<div class="row mb-3">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Meeting Rooms

housebound-library

<h1 style="text-align: center;">The Housebound Library Service</h1>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>How the Service Works</h2>
The service exists to provide a tailor-made service to all members of the community who are unable (whether on a temporary or permanent basis) to visit their local library.
&nbsp;
It is available to residents of Havering who are unable to get to the library due to age, illness or disability and have no-one who can visit a branch library on their behalf.
&nbsp;
Our volunteers will visit you in your own home at an arranged date and time with your local library and provide you with all the services that are available through loan in the Library Service.
&nbsp;
Loan of all categories of fiction and non-fiction (in either spoken word CD or large print stock) are available from the entire Havering Libraries' collection.
&nbsp;
We compile an individual reader profile for each of our customers based on their reading preferences, which is regularly updated and allows us to provide our customers with the service they require.
&nbsp;
Customers can borrow up to 25 items at any time and we are happy to renew items on request.
&nbsp;
All items may be borrowed to individual customers free of charge.&nbsp; In addition we are happy to take and supply requests free of charge.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3>Spoken word (talking books)</h3>
If you prefer to listen to books rather than reading them, we have a wide range of spoken word CDs for you to choose from.
&nbsp;
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Large Print Books</h3>
For customers who have difficulty reading normal sized print, all our local libraries stock books in larger print.
&nbsp;
If you or a friend / relative are interested in using our Housebound Service, please telephone your local library.&nbsp; The phone numbers can be found <a href="https://libraries.havering.gov.uk/digital-content/libraries/find-a-library">here.</a>

Housebound Library

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Events

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From the creator of One Snowy Night comes this entertaining Easter board book for the youngest of Percy fans!

The Easter egg hunt

The Easter egg hunt

By: Butterworth, Nick, author, artist.

Lists: