Library Branches

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Libraries

How do I join the library?

Click the link for full joining information
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How many items can I withdraw at a time?

Once you are a member, you can borrow any combination of items up to a maximum of 14.

How long can I keep them for?

Most items are checked out for a period of three weeks, but many can be renewed at any library either by telephone or in person - as long as nobody else wants them!

Will borrowing items cost me anything?

Please click the link for full information
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How much are the fines for overdue items?

Please click the link for full information
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I am blind/partially sighted. Do I have to pay a hire charge for recorded sound, videos or CD Rom?

No. In this case, and for people who have difficulty reading print due to physical or learning disabilities or dyslexia do not pay hire or request charges, or fines.

Can I get access to the Internet at libraries?

Yes, you can get access to the Internet, e-mail and Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel etc) at all libraries. There are dedicated machines for children. Access if free, but we do charge for printing. Because of the demand, we limit users to one hour per day, and you may have to wait before a machine is free. In Southend Library there is a self-booking system which allows customers to pre-book a PC up to 7 days ahead. We are sorry, but you cannot pre-book by telephone or email.

What if I can't get to the library?

You can find information on the home delivery system and mobile library services on the Library pages of the website. Home Delivery: Fortnightly visits by trained Library volunteers ensure that over 250 people across the town can continue to enjoy their Library service. The service offers books, music CD's, videos, spoken word cassettes and CD's or community information. Items not immediately available can be requested free of charge. Mobile Library: The Mobile Library provides a three weekly library service to customers living in 123 elderly people's and nursing homes, sheltered housing or hospice across the town. For more information, ring the Central Library on 01702 534100.
More information

• Where I Live - Education and Health

  Find your closest School, Library, NHS Service and Leisure Centre based on your postcode.

We are not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

• Bookstart Book Crawl
  

  A new library-joining initiative for very young children, being introduced in all Southend Libraries now.

• DIAL - Southernd "Drop in" advice session Wednesday 13th May 2009 (10:30 -1:30pm)
  

  Southend Central Library: Ground Floor Meetings Room DIAL - Southend (Disability Information Advice Line) supports disabled people, their families...

• Home Library Service
  

  If you are unable to visit one of our libraries, we can bring material to you.

• In Your Neighbourhood - Police Surgeries at Leigh Library in 2009
  

  Following the success of previous 'drop-in' police surgeries, further monthly sessions have been planned at Leigh Library throughout 2009.

• Joining The Library
  

  You can join the library at any age and it's free!

• Libraries
  

  Southend-on-Sea Borough Libraries is one of the busiest library services in the UK, lending more books per head of population than any other library service.

• Library Community Services
  

  Southend Central Library provides a wide range of services for disabled customers, including: Large Print books Spoken Word cassettes...

• Library Fines, Fees and Charges
  

  Schedule of current library fines, fees and charges

• Library News and Events
  

  What's new and happening in the Library Service ....

• Library Service Offers Free Requests!
  

  As part of our dedication to customer satisfaction, any item from another library with Southend, Essex or Thurrock Libraries can be requested free of charge!

• Library Services
  

  More Than Just Books! As well as a huge range of books, Southend Libraries provide a wide variety of other services. These include: enabling...

• People's Network
  

  The Peoples Network is a project part funded by lottery money and managed by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. It started with funding for all library authorities to provide every library with PCs to access to the Internet for public use

• Pre-School (Storyrhymes)
  

  We are happy to welcome babies and pre-school children in all Southend Libraries. There are board books for babies and toddlers who are still learning...

• Reference
  

  On-line databases, search and enquiry facilities

• The Diskettes Reading Group
  

  This reading group is for visually impaired people and meets on the first Tuesday of the month at Southend Central Library. This is the second reading...

• Watercolours
  

  24th June - 15th July 2009