FAQs2023-05-03T18:24:24+00:00

General Services

How does the home library service work?2023-04-19T09:00:55+00:00

Home Library Service volunteers can deliver books to your home for free if you are unable to visit the library. Please contact Librarydevelopment@southend.gov.uk for further details.

Can I collect recycling sacks, black refuse sacks and garden sacks at the library?2023-02-15T15:49:25+00:00

Recycling sacks are available at all libraries whilst stocks last and are free. We do not stock black refuse sacks. Gardens sacks can be purchased at all branches.

Can I use a computer?2023-02-15T15:37:26+00:00

Yes, one hour free with a library card.

Do you have Wi-fi?2023-04-19T09:01:30+00:00

You can use the wi-fi by using the GUEST setting on your device

Do you offer wireless printing and scanning?2023-02-15T15:34:20+00:00

Wireless printing is unavailable. Customers can only print by accessing the people’s network.

Do you offer Storyrhymes sessions?2023-02-15T15:33:23+00:00

Yes on a Wednesday and on other days at our branch libraries. Visit Facebook @southendbookstart or e-mail bookstart@southend.gov.uk for more information.

How do I join?2023-04-19T09:02:05+00:00

You can join online by going to https://southend.spydus.co.uk/ and click on Register or join in person at your local library with proof of name and address.

Borrowing and Returning

When the library is closed, can I still return my books?2023-02-22T10:25:35+00:00

Yes, you can return your books at the book drop point.

How long does it take to order a book from another library?2023-04-19T09:03:15+00:00

Books can be requested from another library in the City of Southend free of charge but for books ordered via SELMS(our partner libraries outside the City of Southend for £3.00 per request). Timescales depend on the reservation process, searching for the books and transporting them to the chosen library.

I am unable to access printed books. How can you support me?2023-02-15T15:45:27+00:00

The Access card is a support card that offers free access to audio books. Please ask staff for further information.

Is the late fee still applicable?2023-02-15T15:43:53+00:00

The loan period is 3 weeks. A late fee is applicable at 20p per day.

Can I renew my books?2023-04-19T09:03:55+00:00

Books can be renewed online at https://southend.spydus.co.uk/, via the Spydus Mobile App and by telephone at any library during their opening hours by calling 01702 215011.

Which libraries can I borrow and return books to?2023-04-19T09:04:28+00:00

Southend City Libraries are The Forum, Kent Elms, Leigh-on-Sea, Shoeburyness, Southchurch and Westcliff Library.

Are there any borrowing restrictions on books?2023-04-19T09:04:56+00:00

You can borrow up to fourteen items for 3 weeks. Library Use only and FE/HE books are available as reference only and unavailable for loan on a public library card.

Facilities

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.

What are all the floors of the Forum used for?2023-02-15T15:09:44+00:00

The ground and first floors are the main public library, the second floor is the University of Essex and the third floor is the University Centre South Essex college.

Are baby changing facilities available?2023-02-15T15:08:29+00:00

Yes, baby changing facilities are available on the ground floor.

Is there a café at The Forum?2023-02-15T15:07:47+00:00

There is no café at the present time, there are a nice selection of coffee shops on the high street.

Are there any art galleries in the Forum?2023-02-15T15:06:53+00:00

There are regular gallery exhibitions at The Focal Point Gallery, please visit www.fpg.org.uk for more information.

Do you offer meeting rooms and community space hire?2023-02-15T15:05:24+00:00

Yes, meeting room and community space hire – please email forumbookings@southend.gov.uk

Resources and Activities

Do you still have DVDs and CDs?2023-02-22T10:36:02+00:00

We only have a few DVDs in stock, these are usually general interest DVDs alongside our book stock. We no longer stock CDs in our libraries.

Do you accept donated books?2023-02-22T10:35:11+00:00

We are currently limited on the stock we can receive, please contact your library to check beforehand.

Can I suggest a book to purchase?2023-02-22T10:34:12+00:00

Visit www.southend.spydus.co.uk or pop into the library.

How do I access Borrowbox?2023-02-22T10:32:56+00:00

You can sign up for a library card online. A code can be provided that you bring to the library with your address ID to collect your card. Please contact librarymanagers@southend.gov.uk for further assistance.

Are there any library clubs/reading groups?2023-02-22T10:45:41+00:00

Please contact librarydevelopment@southend.gov.uk for information about reading groups.

Are there any events during the school holidays this year?2023-02-22T10:45:51+00:00

For information regarding upcoming events, visit https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/library or our Facebook page.

Are there books we can choose in other languages?2023-02-22T10:24:54+00:00

We have a variety of resources for adults and children, dual language books, transparent languages online and language books customers can search and reserve books free of charge whilst in the library or via https://southend.spydus.co.uk.

Hire The Forum

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

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