Local libraries
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
The government recently announced that public libraries can reopen from 4 July 2020.
The safety of our staff and customers is very important to us which means Barking and Dagenham Libraries are not yet ready to open to the public.
We are working on:
- preparing to open Barking Learning Centre and Dagenham Library from 1 September 2020
- preparing plans to offer a reduced number of open libraries with reduced opening hours
- preparing an order and collection service for borrowing of items
- preparing a booking system for limited access to public computers and study spaces
Library members can continue to access e-books and Online Library Services and Resources 24/7. If you need assistance with your library membership, please contact libraries@lbbd.gov.uk. If you’re not a member of the library, you can join the library online.
If you are self-isolating and join the library online you will be able to use the eBooks and audio books online with the temporary library number that is issued online.
If you do not have online access, our Home Library Services Team can deliver books to your home. You can contact them by calling 020 8724 8532 or email: specialistservices@lbbd.gov.uk.
Due to the high volume of enquiries please bear with us and keep checking our website for further updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Your library loans
There will also be no overdue charges from 19 March 2020 to 31 August 2020 and all loans due after 19 March 2020 have been automatically extended to 1 September 2020.
If you have an item waiting for you at a library, the pickup date has been extended to 14 September 2020.
All dates will be kept under review.
Local libraries
Find your local library location, opening times, services and facilities.
Our libraries offer a range of activities that are open to all.
If you're not sure where your local library is, simply type your postcode into find your nearest to see what's in your area.
- Barking Library at Barking Learning Centre
- Dagenham Library
- Marks Gate Library
- Robert Jeyes Community Library
- Barking & Dagenham College, Rush Green Campus library
- Thames View Library
- Valence Library
Barking Library
Barking Learning Centre, 2 Town Square, Barking IG11 7NB
020 8724 8725 (Adult library), 020 8724 8722 (Children's library)
Transport links
Buses: 5, 62, 169, 238, 287, 368, 387, EL1, EL2
Train: Barking
Parking: Bobby Moore Way and London Road car parks are nearby.
Opening times
| Monday | 9am to 9.30pm |
| Tuesday | 9am to 9.30pm |
| Wednesday | 9am to 9.30pm |
| Thursday | 9am to 9.30pm |
| Friday | 9am to 5pm |
| Saturday | 9am to 5pm |
| Sunday | 10am to 4pm |
| Closed on Bank Holidays | |
Collections and services
- Council One Stop Shop (assisted self-service)
- books and large print books
- audiobooks on CD
- CDs and DVDs
- newspapers and magazines
- public computer access – library members or guest use
- scan stations - to submit documents to the council
- freephone telephones to council services
- wi-fi
- information section, including directories, maps, legal information and statistics
- 24-hour online information collection, which allows free access to online encyclopaedias, dictionaries, magazines and newspapers
- a range of activities for all ages (reading zone, children's centre activities, etc)
- a reading group meets on the first Monday of the month from 6pm to 7pm
- an audio book group meets on the first Wednesday of the month between 10am to 12pm
- a poetry group meets every 2 weeks on a Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm
- Barking writers group every 2 weeks on a Saturday from 10am to 12pm
- coffee morning every Thursday from 10.30am to 11.45am
- Barking Learning Centre
- work club every Monday 10am to 11.30am
- Basic IT classes / computer session on Mondays 10am to 12pm
- council one stop shop (assisted self-service)
Room hire
We have a variety of spaces available. If you wish to hire a room and want to know about availability and fees, please contact us on 020 8724 5135 or email blcroombookings@lbbd.gov.uk
Access for disabled users
For information about access for disabled users, visit AccessAble.
Dagenham Library
1 Church Elm Lane, Dagenham RM10 9QS
020 8724 3942 (library enquiries only)
Transport links
Buses: 145, 173, 174, 175, 364
Train: Dagenham Heathway Underground
Parking: pay and display parking is available in the nearby shopping mall car park.
There are disabled bays available in the Mall car park and 4 disabled bays diagonally opposite the library on Dagenham Avenue.
There is also a disabled drop-off and pick-up point at the side of Dagenham Library in Church Elm Lane.
Opening times
| Monday | 9am to 7pm |
| Tuesday | 9am to 7pm |
| Wednesday | 9am to 7pm |
| Thursday | 9am to 7pm |
| Friday | 9am to 5pm |
| Saturday | 9am to 5pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Closed on Bank Holidays | |
Collections and services
- books and large print books
- audiobooks on CD
- CDs and DVDs
- newspapers
- public computer access – library members or guest use
- wi-fi
- 24-hour online information collection, which allows free access to online encyclopaedias, dictionaries, magazines and newspapers
- scan stations - to submit documents to the council
- My Account computers and freephone telephones to council services
- a range of activities for all ages
- Council One Stop Shop (assisted self-service)
- a reading group meets on the fourth Thursday of the month, from 10.30am to 11.30am
Room hire
We have two large community meeting rooms and three smaller meeting rooms for hire - suitable for meetings and conferences.
If you wish to hire a room and want to know about availability and fees, please contact us on 020 8724 5135 or email dagenhamlibraryroombookings@lbbd.gov.uk
Access for disabled users
For information about access for disabled users, visit AccessAble.
This is a community-run library, staffed by volunteers and supported by the library service.
Marks Gate Library
Marks Gate Community Centre, Rose Lane, Marks Gate RM6 5NJ
020 8270 4165
Transport links
Buses: 62, 296, 362
Train: Chadwell Heath Overground Station, Newbury Park Underground Station
Parking: there is a car park at rear of building.
Opening times
| Day | Times | Staff assisted hours |
| Monday | 10am to 5pm | 10am to 12pm |
| Tuesday | 10am to 5pm | 10am to 5pm |
| Wednesday | Closed | Closed |
| Thursday | 10am to 5pm | 2pm to 5pm |
| Friday | 10am to 5pm | 2pm to 5pm |
| Saturday | Closed | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
| Closed on Bank Holidays | ||
Collections and services
- books and large print books
- audiobooks on CD
- public computer access – library members or guest use
- wi-fi
- 24-hour online information collection, which allows free access to online encyclopaedias, dictionaries, magazines and newspapers
- a range of activities for all ages
Access for disabled users
For information about access for disabled users, visit AccessAble.
This is a community-run library, staffed by volunteers and supported by the library service.
Robert Jeyes Community Library
Robert Jeyes Community Library will be closed from 5pm Thursday 19 March until further notice.
Chadwell Heath Community Centre, High Road, Chadwell Heath RM6 6AS
020 8270 4305
robertjeyes.library@lbbd.gov.uk
Transport links
Buses: 62, 86, 173, 362
Train: Chadwell Heath Station
Parking: there is a car park alongside building.
Opening times
| Day | Times | Staff assisted hours |
| Monday | 10am to 5pm | 1.30pm to 5pm |
| Tuesday | 11.30am to 6pm | 1.30pm to 6pm |
| Wednesday | 10am to 5pm | 10am to 2pm |
| Thursday | 10am to 7pm | 2pm to 5pm |
| Friday | Closed | Closed |
| Saturday | 10am to 4pm | Not available |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
| Closed on Bank Holidays | ||
| Closed on Saturdays before a Bank Holiday Monday | ||
Collections and services
- books and large print books
- audiobooks on CD
- newspapers and magazines
- public computer access – library members or guest use
- wi-fi
- 24-hour online information collection, which allows free access to online encyclopaedias, dictionaries, magazines and newspapers
- arts, drama and dance activities for all ages
- active age activities
- children’s centre activities
- a reading group meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 7.30pm
Access for disabled users
For information about access for disabled users, visit AccessAble.
Barking & Dagenham College, Rush Green Campus library
The Library & Learning Resources Centre at the Rush Green Campus of Barking and Dagenham College is open for local residents to use.
Thames View Library
Sue Bramley Community Centre, Bastable Avenue, Barking IG11 0LG
020 8270 4164
thamesview.library@lbbd.gov.uk
Transport links
Buses: EL1, EL2
Train: Barking Station
Parking: street parking is available
Opening times
| Monday | 10am to 5pm |
| Tuesday | 10am to 7pm |
| Wednesday | 12pm to 5pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 12pm to 5pm |
| Saturday | 11am to 3pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Closed on Bank Holidays | |
Collections and services
- books and large print books
- audiobooks on CD
- CDs and DVDs
- newspapers
- public computer access – library members or guest use
- wi-fi
- 24-hour online information collection, which allows free access to online encyclopaedias, dictionaries, magazines and newspapers
- a range of activities for all ages
Access for disabled users
For information about access for disabled users, visit AccessAble.
Valence Library
Becontree Avenue, Dagenham RM8 3HT
020 8270 6864
Transport links
Buses: 62, 368, 128, 150
Train: Chadwell Heath
Parking: street parking is available
Opening times
| Monday | 10am to 5pm |
| Tuesday | 10am to 7pm |
| Wednesday | 10am to 5pm |
| Thursday | 10am to 5pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10am to 4pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Closed on Bank Holidays | |
Collections and services
- books and large print books
- audiobooks on CD
- language courses
- CDs, DVDs
- newspapers and magazine
- public computer access – library members or guest use
- wi-fi
- 24-hour online information collection, which allows free access to online encyclopaedias, dictionaries, magazines and newspapers
- archives and Local Studies Centre in the Valence House Museum (on the same site) - please check Valance House Museum page for their opening times
- a reading club meets on the first Saturday of the month, from 10.30am to 12pm
Access for disabled users
For information about access for disabled users, visit AccessAble.
Borough-wide services
- What you can borrow
- Books in other languages
- Reading Well
- School visits and talks
- School library service
What you can borrow
You can borrow a wide range of items, including books, audio books, DVDs and CDs.
Adults (ages 16 and over)
- 16 books and/or audiobooks on tape and CD can be borrowed for 3 weeks
- 4 music CDs can be borrowed for 3 weeks
- 4 DVDs can be borrowed for 1 week
- 2 language courses can be borrowed for 3 weeks
Children and young people (ages up to 15)
Under 16s can borrow up to 12 items at a time.
- Books, audio books, CDs and language courses can be borrowed for 3 weeks
- DVDs can be borrowed for 1 week
Find out how much we charge for hiring CDs, DVDs and language courses.
Books in other languages
Our libraries stock a selection of books in these languages:
- Arabic
- Bangla
- French
- Gujarati
- Hindi
- Polish
- Punjabi
- Spanish
- Tamil
- Turkish
- Urdu
For more information or book selection choice, contact your local library.
Reading Well
Reading Well supports you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using helpful reading.
The books are all recommended by health experts, as well as people living with the conditions covered and their relatives and carers.
You can be recommended a title by a health professional, or you can visit your local library and take a book out yourself. If the book you need is not available, you can reserve it online to pick up from any library in the borough.
There are five book lists available:
- Reading Well for mental health
- Reading Well for young people
- Reading Well for children
- Reading Well for dementia
- Reading Well for long term conditions
Reading Well was recognised by the Royal Society for Public Health as a finalist for the 2017 Public Mental Health and Wellbeing Award
Reading Well Mood-boosting Books
Reading Well Mood-boosting Books is a national promotion of uplifting titles, including novels, short stories, poetry and non-fiction for all ages. The books are all recommended by readers and reading groups.
All titles can be borrowed from Barking and Dagenham Libraries. If you are not a library member you can join online
Visits by school classes to any borough library are very welcome. They can be arranged with the library you wish to visit.
The school library service provides a wide range of resources for:
- primary teachers
- student teachers
- advisory teachers
working in Barking and Dagenham.
Visits are by appointment only, Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm (including school holidays).
Contact us to find out if your school subscribes to the service or for more information:
020 8724 8531
specialistservices@lbbd.gov.uk
Curriculum support loans
Primary phase teachers working in the borough can borrow up to 30 books and one audiovisual item at a time to use in the classroom.
Resources are chosen with the Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and 2 of the National Curriculum in mind. New titles are regularly added.
Collections are issued for a term, and can be renewed for a further term. Loans can be exchanged more often if required.
A van service delivers and collects the loaned items. Loans are automatically delivered as soon as possible after being requested, but schools need to contact us (details at the bottom of the page) to arrange for collection.
Delivery and collection day is usually a Thursday.
Special loan collections
We have special loan collections which can be requested in the same way as Curriculum Support Loans. The range includes:
- material for Black History Month
- author collections
- folk and fairy tales
- challenging picture books
Book purchase scheme
Subscribing schools are welcome to visit us to select books for their school library or classroom collections. Visits are by appointment only, Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm (including school holidays).
You can choose from a wide range of:
- fiction and non-fiction texts
- dual language books
- SATs titles
- big books
We can order titles or subjects not available.
If teachers find it difficult to access the showroom, our staff can select material on their behalf.
Schools can invest in extra books by transferring money from their budgets.