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Welcome to Idea Store

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Search the Catalogue, renew and reserve items

Log in to your Idea Store account and discover our range of books, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and more. You can renew your books and reserve items for collection.

You can also renew items using our automated phone line 0333 370 4700. Press option 5 then option 1. Enter your card number without the D.

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Children and families

Looking for fun and engaging activities for your little ones? Check out our exciting lineup of events and resources that cater tot he whole family.

From storytelling and arts and crafts to homework help and more, we've got something for everyone!

East End History CLub

East End History Club, Parent/Carer & Under 5's Session

Friday 7 June 2024, 10-11:30am
Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives

Come along to our Parent/Carer’s & Under 5's meet up,and explore historical records on the famous East End. A chance to meet other parents, enjoy a cuppa and look through our unique collection of maps, photographs,newspapers, pamphlets and much more.

Toys will be available for children ages 0-5 with a mini brunch and refreshments including Tea & Coffee.

hunger burns

Exhibition: Hunger Burns

The Bengal Famine of 1943
May - August 2024

An immersive project exploring the interconnection between lived experience, food, and memory during the Bengal Famine of 1943

Tablet Lending Service

The Idea Store Service is piloting a tablet computer lending service over the next six months.

Residents of Tower Hamlets who are digitally excluded can borrow one of a limited number of tablet computers from Idea Store Whitechapel for up to 12 weeks in order to get online and improve their digital skills.

idea store tablets
hands holding tablet and mobile phone

eLibrary

With your Idea Store membership you can access thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines and newspapers for FREE.

map of shadwell

Local History Library and Archives

East End history at your fingertips. Access our huge digital library, collections and free online resources.

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Join today!

Join the Idea Store to borrow books, reserve items online and access our online resources such ebooks, audiobooks, online newspapers and magazines.

Idea Store Learning

With more than 900 courses to choose from, there is something for everyone from photography, languages, art & design, dance, ESOL, maths to fashion and digital skills.

Our aim is to help you to achieve your full potential. Whatever your ambitions, we can work together to help you achieve it through our courses.

collage of idea store learning