New library opening hours
Following last year’s decision to alter the borough’s library service and further consultation with residents, new opening hours for the borough’s libraries have been announced.
New library opening hours (104KB PDF file)
The configuration of opening hours at Library Locals has been designed taking into account the findings of the local consultation, and the existing evidence and intelligence the Council has about the needs of residents and usage figures at all Library Locals.
The consultation on library local opening hours found the following: out of 320 respondents who indicated a preference for the proposed opening hours of their library local, 155 indicated Option B (the closest match to the proposed hours) as their first preference; by comparison, 105 indicated Option A as their first preference and 60 indicated Option C as their first preference.
Opening hours for the four ‘Library Plus’ branches in North Chingford, Walthamstow, Leyton and Leytonstone have had their hours extended and will now be open for 63 hours a week. As well as offering books, CDs, DVDs and free internet access you will soon be able to pay your Council Tax bill and get additional help and advice. This scheme is currently operating in Leyton Library and will, in the coming weeks, be rolled out across other Library Plus branches.
The ‘Library Local’ branches in Higham Hill, Hale End, Lea Bridge and Wood Street will now be open for 30 hours a week and these branches will continue to offer the same services you have come to expect from your local library.
Whether you are taking a trip to a Library Plus or a Library Local we would advise you to check online or in person to find out your library’s new opening hours. Similarly, if you are concerned about a regular activity or event you attend, please contact the relevant library for further details.
Cllr Geraldine Reardon, Waltham Forest's Cabinet Member for Leisure, Art and Culture, said:
This has been a long and difficult process, and we're grateful to everyone who's taken the time to share their thoughts on opening hours or the wider changes to the service. I know this has been a tough time for residents and library staff alike, but I know these changes will allow us carry on providing an excellent, sustainable library service to current library users whilst offering something more to people who haven't been regular visitors in the past.
South Chingford Library and Harrow Green Library update
South Chingford and Harrow Green libraries closed on Friday 2 December 2011. This move follows the Cabinet decision on 11 October and a Full Council debate on 20 October concerning the future of the library service. The move will allow for a modern, sustainable library service that meets residents’ needs while saving Waltham Forest taxpayers £1m a year.
As part of this decision, the Council agreed to work with parties interested in establishing a community-led library in South Chingford.
Proposals were submitted during the formal consultation process, and the Council's Community Engagement Team will be helping residents plan the development of a community library, manage its delivery and work towards the project’s long-term sustainability.
While no detailed proposals regarding a community-run library in Harrow Green have yet been put forward, the exact same offer will, of course, be open to community-spirited residents living in the area.
No service will operate from either location after 2 December, and existing stock and equipment will be redistributed. The Council is currently considering possible future uses for both buildings, though no final decisions have yet been made.
Residents who were not able to return their books, CDs or DVDs before 2 December can drop them off at any other library location in Waltham Forest.
Residents interested in being involved with a community-run library in either South Chingford or Harrow Green should contact the Council’s Community Engagement Team on 020 8496 3000.
Details of how you can access the nearest libraries to Harrow Green or South Chingford:
- Harrow Green travel information (182KB PDF file)
- South Chingford travel information (149KB PDF file)
If you are a user of public transport, further information on what concessions may be available to you can be found here:
- TFL concessionary fare information (23KB Word file)
Fun at your library this half term!
Monday 13 February - Friday 17 February 2012
Your library is full of fun things for families to do during the half term holidays. We have books full of adventure and information, animal stories, and books that are scary and funny. You can also borrow CDs and DVDs and use our computers for free.
If you enjoy stories and making things then come along to one of our Free stories and craft sessions. Please contact the library from Monday 6 February 2012 to book your place.
» more on half term activities
Waltham Forest Libraries Celebrate LGBT History Month 2012 - An Audience with Catherine Hall
North Chingford Library
Monday 27 February 2012, 7.45pm-8.45pm
Come and listen to Catherine talking about her new novel 'The Proof of Love' and about her experience of writing LGBT literature. There will also be a question and answer session.
» more on An audience with Catherine Hall
Business Event
Regular activities in libraries
Waltham Forest Libraries also have a wide range of regular activities for the whole community
» more on regular activities in libraries
Leyton Library pilot scheme
From 20 June 2011, we will be piloting a new scheme at Leyton Library whereby visitors can access additional services and make enquiries about Council services. Housing and Benefits advice will be available through pre-booked appointments.
» More on Leyton Library pilot scheme
Free WiFi hotspots at your library
Free wireless hotspots – a fast, reliable wireless broadband connection to the Internet is available for everyone to use throughout the library.
» More on WiFi library hotspots
Popular links
Libraries online - our 24/7 library service
Search the catalogue, view and renew your loan items and make reservations 24 hours a day. You can even join the library online. To use the online service you will need to enter your library card number. This is a letter followed by eight numbers with no spaces (eg. R01234567). You will also need a PIN. If you do not know your PIN, please visit your local library. You will need to show your library card to obtain your PIN. Unfortunately, we are unable to email your PIN for reasons of Data Protection.
Access Libraries Online
Callpoint - our 24/7 telephone renewal service
Need to renew your books? No access to a computer? Dial 0115 929 3388 for Callpoint - our 24/7 automated telephone renewal line. You will need your library card number and your PIN. If you do not know your PIN, contact your local library.