Essex Library Service

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Essex Library Service 74 libraries and 3 mobile libraries serving you throughout Essex. Encouraging reading for pleasure, information and learning. Free online resources.

Thousands of events. Extensive programme of library refurbishments. Like our page to get regular updates from Essex Libraries. You'll find out about what's new, some great reading ideas and events happening across the county. Share them with your friends and family. Other ways you can talk to us:

Webchat: https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/contact-essex-library-service/webchat/

Enquiry Form: https://essex-self.achieveservice.com/service/Library_questions_and_feedback

Twitter: http://goo.gl/xW4x7g

YouTube: http://goo.gl/hrRdvb

Well done and thank you to everyone who took part in, and helped with, this year's Summer Reading Challenge! 🎊
26/10/2026

Well done and thank you to everyone who took part in, and helped with, this year's Summer Reading Challenge! 🎊

26/10/2026

Service Update 📚

Canvey Library has now reopened. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

26/10/2026

Service Update : Due to an ongoing issue Canvey Library will be closed today Monday 26 October until further notice. We will reopen as soon as this is resolved

We will update you with any changes in due course. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Join us for our Dementia Inclusive Crafternoon Tea at Billericay Library Memory Café.Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of crafti...
26/10/2026

Join us for our Dementia Inclusive Crafternoon Tea at Billericay Library Memory Café.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of crafting, conversation and a cuppa in a welcoming, dementia-friendly environment.

Free to attend. No crafting experience needed.

Whether you'd like to get creative or simply enjoy a chat and meet new people, everyone is welcome.

Last Wednesday of every month, 2.30pm to 4.00pm

https://library-events.essex.gov.uk/series?si=382265&sn=Memory+Caf%C3%A9

Something magical is coming your way this half term...🪄 Join us for a spooktacular interactive storytelling session with...
25/10/2026

Something magical is coming your way this half term...🪄

Join us for a spooktacular interactive storytelling session with Wizard Stories and some fang-tastic Halloween crafts next week!

Friday 30 October at Chelmsford Library , Great Baddow Library, and Broomfield Library. Suitable for children aged 4 to 11. Book your space here: https://library-events.essex.gov.uk/search?q=wizard

Not local to Chelmsford? Check out our other spellbinding half term events on our website! ✨

Do you have an ancestor who took part in World War One?You could find them in Lives of the First World War. This Imperia...
24/10/2026

Do you have an ancestor who took part in World War One?

You could find them in Lives of the First World War. This Imperial War Museum London resource contains over 7 million life stories of individuals from across Britain and the Commonwealth.

Discover their stories...remember their lives.

Check it out today: https://livesofthefirstworldwar.iwm.org.uk/

"His eyes are orange, his tongue is black; he has purple prickles all over his back!" 🫣 Step into the deep dark wood thi...
24/10/2026

"His eyes are orange, his tongue is black; he has purple prickles all over his back!" 🫣

Step into the deep dark wood this autumn with our storytime sessions, writing competition, and a chance to win Gruffalo goodies with Explore Essex !

Join us in selected libraries for special Gruffalo Granny storytimes, featuring themed activities and the chance to win a copy of the book. Find a session near you: https://library-events.essex.gov.uk/search?q=gruffalo

You can also find us at Essex's Country Parks during half term! Join us at Thorndon Country Park on Thursday 29 October for a day of Gruffalo stories, giveaways, and woodland adventures, or find us at Great Notley, Hadleigh, and Weald for some autumnal and spooky themed sessions 👻

Young writers can enter our storytelling competition, inspired by ‘Gruffalo Granny’, where you can win themed prizes for your magical tale. Click here to find out more: https://www.explore-essex.com/gruffalo-comp

There's a Gruffalo adventure waiting for you this autumn! 🌳

Think you know your fairy tales? Put your knowledge to the test at our Once Upon a Quiz for teens at Witham Library! 🧚 E...
24/10/2026

Think you know your fairy tales? Put your knowledge to the test at our Once Upon a Quiz for teens at Witham Library! 🧚

Enjoy a fun-filled quiz inspired by the British Library Fairytale Exhibit, sip on some hot chocolate, and be in with a chance to win a goody bag packed with fairytale-themed goodies from the British Library.

Join us on Wednesday 28 October, 5pm to 6pm at Witham Library. Aimed at ages 13-18.

Bring your friends and join us for an enchanting evening of quizzing and fun! ✨

Book your free place here: https://library-events.essex.gov.uk/event?id=378394

Halloween Half-Term at Your Library! 👻🎃Looking for some spooky family fun this half-term? Our libraries are packed with ...
23/10/2026

Halloween Half-Term at Your Library! 👻🎃

Looking for some spooky family fun this half-term? Our libraries are packed with fang-tastic events to keep little witches, wizards and monsters entertained! Halloween crafts. Spooky stories and themed events

Whether you're brewing up some crafty creations, joining in with a themed activity, or simply enjoying a Halloween adventure at your local library, there's something for everyone.

Find your nearest event and make this half-term spook-tacular! https://library-events.essex.gov.uk/series?si=&sn=Halloween

Calling all young historians and explorers...Join us for Ancient Rome Fun & Crafts at North Weald and Debden Libraries n...
23/10/2026

Calling all young historians and explorers...

Join us for Ancient Rome Fun & Crafts at North Weald and Debden Libraries next Tuesday, 27 October! Enjoy songs, crafts, play activities and hands-on object handling in partnership with Epping Forest District Museum.

North Weald Library, 10am Under 5s, 11am Ages 5–12

Debden Library, 2pm Under 5s, 3pm Ages 5–12

Find out more https://library-events.essex.gov.uk/series?sn=Ancient+Rome+Fun+%26+Crafts

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