London Libraries

Idea Stores

• Find your local Idea Store
• Idea Store opening hours
• 24 Hour Renewal Line 0115 929 3388

Idea Store Books & Reading 

Community Languages

A wide range of books, CDs and DVDs are available in community languages; Bengali, Chinese, Somali, Urdu and Vietnamese.

Fees & Charges

Borrowing books, CDs and DVDs from Tower Hamlets Idea Stores & Libraries is free. However, there are charges for some services and fines charged for loaned items that are overdue.
 
Please note that these fees & charges may be subject to change.

Never pay an overdue fine again!
Did you know that if you register your email address with us, you will receive notifications letting you know when your items are due back?

How many items can I borrow?

You can borrow up to 12 items for three weeks including a maximum of 4 audio visual items. If items are returned late you will have to pay a fine. Books may be renewed up to 5 times if there are no outstanding reservations attached; you can renew a DVD or CD only once. 

How to make a stock suggestion

If you would like to make a suggestion for the purchase of a book title currently not in our catalogue, please complete the 'Stock Suggestion Form'

Please note that we do not undertake to acquire titles that you suggest, although we will consider them if they meet the criteria set out in our collection policy. We will not consider any suggestions from authors or publishers promoting their own titles.

Newspapers & Magazines

You will find a wide selection of newspapers and magazines available at your local Idea Store or library. The A - Z list provides information on the location of titles and the length of time back issues are kept for. 
A selection of newspapers and journals are available to browse and search online.

Premium Reservation Service

To place a reservation for a book title that is not in stock, within Tower Hamlets and our London Libraries Consortium partners, please speak to a member of staff at your local Idea Store. Please note that there is a Premium Reservation Service charge of £5 per item.

Reservations for Tower Hamlets CDs and DVDs are free, however there is a premium charge of £5 for each item reserved from outside the borough.