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The Forum Library

The Forum Library is based in the town centre’s ‘Educational Zone’ and is one of six libraries in the City of Southend.

Focal Point Gallery

Focal Point Gallery is South Essex’s only public contemporary art gallery.

The Big Screen

Screening artist commissions, live transmissions, and short and feature films.

University of Essex

Home to the curious, brave and bold.

University Centre South Essex

A dedicated, well equipped space for higher education students.

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A community hub for culture and learning

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The Forum Southend-on-Sea is a unique and exciting partnership which has brought together a state-of-the-art library, cultural & learning facilities to the heart of Southend City Centre. Just off of the High Street, set in a landscaped area, and education zone, it boasts home to two higher education centres, an art gallery, The Forum Library and a Big Screen offering many opportunities for community events.

THE LIBRARY

A state-of-the-art library, and cultural learning facility in the heart of Southend.

Have you discovered the wealth of resources in the Forum Library yet? If not, now’s the time.

FOCAL POINT GALLERY

Focal Point Gallery is South Essex’s only public contemporary art gallery, open to all.

Offering an exciting and ambitious programme of largely free workshops, talks, outdoor film screenings and offsite projects.

THE BIG SCREEN SOUTHEND

Presenting artist commissions, live transmissions, and short and feature films.

The Big Screen Southend is a purpose-built display screen which opened in 2013.

UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX

Home to the curious, brave and bold.

A university where curiosity prevails, and where exploring new ways of thinking and pushing boundaries, isn’t just encouraged, it’s expected.

UNIVERSITY CENTRE SOUTH ESSEX

University Centre South Essex offers quality degrees validated by high-ranking institutions.

The third floor of the Forum offers a dedicated, well equipped space for higher education students to undertake their studies.

Completed in August 2013, The Forum Southend-on-Sea provides the City with a state-of-the-art integrated municipal and academic public library.

By pooling resources in this way, the three partners can offer residents and students alike unprecedented access to the books, archives and records they jointly hold. This joint approach means each of the organisations benefits from upgraded and expanded library and learning opportunities. As a result, their joined up and more cost-effective services meets the changing needs of the community and gives better value for money.

Are there food and drink restrictions in the library?2023-02-22T10:38:52+00:00

Food and drink are allowed on both the ground and first floors of the Forum, but no hot food is allowed. No food or drink is allowed by the computers.

Can I charge my laptop?2023-02-22T10:38:11+00:00

Yes, we have charging points at most study tables.

Do you have reading and study areas?2023-02-22T10:37:42+00:00

There are various tables and chairs with plug points located on the ground and first floor.

Do you have a designated disabled parking bay?2023-02-15T15:10:14+00:00

The disabled parking is situated on the Farringdon Service Road at the side of the playground.

Opening Times

The Forum Library

Monday – Friday 8am – 7pm
Saturday 8am – 5pm

Focal Point Gallery

Wednesday – Saturday 11am – 5pm

Please check exhibition dates to avoid installation periods when the gallery will be closed.

University of Essex

Monday – Friday 8am – 7pm
Saturday 8am – 6pm

24/7 access for students with ID card

University Centre South Essex

Monday – Friday 8am – 7pm
Saturday 8am – 5pm
Sunday 11am – 4pm

The Forum Southend, Elmer Square, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1NS

Hire The Forum

We have a number of rooms within The Forum that are available to hire.

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