Children & family services

Each Tower Hamlets library or Idea Store has a children's section that offers a wide range of books and  books on CD for babies, children and young people.

The opportunity exists for local schools to bring groups of children into the library as part of its class visits programme.

While all libraries will deal with individual homework enquiries, at any time, special homework clubs run by Idea Store staff to help children and young people find the information they need to complete their homework are held at different times in the week.

All Idea Stores and libraries run story and rhyme times for children under 5 and their parents and carers. Bow Idea Store holds a regular toy library. To find out more about toy libraries throughout Tower Hamlets please contact the Toyhouse Library Association of Tower Hamlets on 020 7729 2266.

Chatterbooks reading groups for children aged 8 – 12 run in all Idea Stores and libraries to encourage children to read widely and talk about their reading with their peers and Idea Store staff.

A programme of events and activities runs throughout the year. For more information contact the Children a Young People’s Officer on 020 7364 5096 or look at www.ideastore.co.uk for up to date listings.

Tower Hamlets Libraries and Idea Stores take part in the national Summer Reading Scheme which is extended to include children under 5 years old and teenagers up to the age of 16 years.

Tower Hamlets Libraries and Idea Stores take part in the national Bookstart scheme getting books to babies in the borough to help families develop a love of sharing books together.

For more information about children's services in Idea Stores & libraries contact:

Shadwell Centre
455 The Highway
E1W 3HP

Tel: 020 7364 5096
E-mail: ideastore@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Pid No: 449