In this post, we’ve selected and featured 10 top libraries in Essex. Read on to learn about them and the services and facilities they offer.
1. The Forum Southend-on-Sea Library
The Forum Southend-on-Sea Library is a contemporary library built in partnership between Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, South Essex College and University of Essex, making available in excess of 150,000 books.
At the library, there are various services available, including free access to computers and Wi-Fi, access to a community gallery known as the Focal Point Gallery and the Forum Space, a large area that can be found on the ground floor the building. Meetings rooms are also bookable for a fee. There are many other features of the library such as dedicated areas for children and teenagers, and you can book a tour to get an idea of the breadth of services and facilities available to you.
Contact the helpful staff at this library in Essex by emailing forumusersupport@southend.gov.uk, or ringing 01702 534128.
2. Colchester Library
Colchester Library is a library branch belonging to Essex County Council and is open to patrons 7 days week, giving you plenty of opportunity throughout a week to pay a visit.
In addition to traditional library services such as the ability to loan and return books, at Colchester Library you can also access a digital library, which enables you to access at no cost, thousands of ebooks and audiobooks, digital magazines, newspapers and reference materials. Facilities available at this establishment include access to free Wi-Fi, computers, printing, scanning and photocopying services, baby and toddler rhyme sessions for parents and their young ones, a sensory wall and space for study.
Contact the library by ringing 0345 603 7628 or emailing colchester.library@essex.gov.uk.
3. Chelmsford Library
Another library managed by Essex County Council, Chelmsford Library is one you can visit any day of the week.
At this library, you can access free WI-FI, computers, and rooms that can be hired, facilities for changing babies and accessible bathrooms. This library also runs events to help people find jobs and improve their CVs, rhyme sessions for parents and their babies and toddlers and creating family trees, among others. Appointments can also be made the register births.
Chelmsford Library’s phone number is 0345 603 7628. You can also get in touch by emailing chelmsford.library@essex.gov.uk.
4. Basildon Library
Basildon library is located in the Basildon Centre on St. Martin’s Square and is open on Monday to Saturday.
Like other branches of libraries managed by Essex County Council, members have the ability to borrow books and access a multitude of digital resources, computers, Wi-Fi, events, the ability to recycle batteries, rooms available for hire, space for studying in, facilities for changing babies and a sensory wall. In addition, citizen’s advice and Jobcentre Plus is available.
Get in touch with the library by emailing basildon.library@essex.gov.uk or calling 0345 603 7628.
5. Rayleigh Library
Take a trip to Rayleigh Library on 132/4 High Street any day of the week except Sunday when it is closed.
You can make use of the facilities and services you would expect from any library branch that is run by Essex County Council, such as printing, scanning and photocopying, Wi-Fi and useful events such as craft workshops, sessions on how to use tablets and Storytime sessions for children aged 4-8 years old.
If you have any questions, drop the library an email at rayleigh.library@essex.gov.uk or give a call on 0345 603 7628.
6. Harlow Library
The folk of Harlow can enjoy a visit to Harlow Library, which is open Monday to Saturday. The library is closed on Sundays.
At this branch, appointments can be made for birth, death and marriage registrations, and assessments for Blue Badges. Membership allows you to borrow books, read ebooks and audiobooks and other digital publications such as magazines, newspapers and online reference resources. The standard access to Wi-Fi, computers, printing and scanning is available, and events such as writing workshops for children and a meet up for parents and children who are about to begin primary school.
The email address for Harlow Library is harlow.library@essex.gov.uk and its phone number is 0345 603 7628.
7. Grays Library
Funding from the Carnegie Foundation helped build the building for Grays Library, which first opened in 1907. The library is open to Monday to Friday with pay and display parking available at the back of the building.
Run by Thurrock Council, Grays Library boasts numerous services such as language courses, a study room, jigsaws, a book club, a games club, books for babies, an adult reading group, rooms that are available for hire, Wi-Fi access, a service for people who are housebound, local newspapers, among many others.
Want to get in touch? You can email at grays.library@thurrock.gov.uk or ring 01375 413 976.
8. Stanford-le-Hope Library
Based on High Street, Stanford-le-Hope Library was open in 1958 and houses more than 8000 books and audio. This library is only open on Wednesdays from 10 am – 1 pm, and then again at 2 pm – 5 pm.
Another Thurrock Council library, you can find a car park and disabled access into the building, along with different services, which among others include, rhyme time sessions for parents and their babies and toddlers, finding your history, an adult reading group, a book club, large books in print, internet access and a scanner.
If you have any questions, you can email stanford.le.hope.library@thurrock.gov.uk or call on 01375 672 058.
9. Blackshots Library
Opened in 1953, Blackshots Library went through a refurbishment in 1997. It is considered to be one of the busiest libraries in the region despite being one of the smallest managed by Thurrock Council. There is nearby parking and disabled access into the building, which consists of one floor.
Services and facilities available to you at this library include Wi-Fi access, Talking Books, a book club, a knitting group, an adult reading group, among others.
Give the library a call on 01375 373 244, or send an email to blackshots.library@thurrock.gov.uk.
10. Corringham Library
Corringham Library was opened in 1972 and underwent a refurbishment in 1995. Based in the town centre on St Johns Way, you can visit this library on weekdays and on Saturdays.
Similarly to other libraries in the Thurrock Council network, you can access music, DVDs, find your history online, a scanner, Wi-Fi, hire a room, make use of a study room, a book club, an adult reading club and make donations for cancer and dementia. Take a look at this page for a full list of services and facilities available at this branch.
Email the library with any questions you may have at corringham.library@thurrock.gov.uk or call 01375 678 534.