Following the latest Government guidelines most Essex libraries are temporarily closed to the public from Thursday 5 November 2020. Sixteen sites* will remain open to offer public computer access by appointment only.

You will still be able to reserve items and you will be able to collect these from your chosen library.

Please note that all libraries will close by 5pm. Please check individual library opening hours.

The Registration Service and Blue Badge Assessments that take place from our libraries will continue to operate and have face to face appointments. The Mobile Library Service will temporarily be paused. The Home Library Service will continue to operate where possible.

You can book a library computer session online or by ringing the library enquiry line on 0345 603 7628. You will need a permanent library card number to complete your booking.

What this means for your library account/loans:

• Items due on or after 15 October will have their loan period extended until Friday 8 January 2021
• Reservations – you will be able to collect these from your chosen library once they become available

Please bear with us while these changes take effect.

While library services are limited please continue to use the fantastic range of e-resources that we have on offer, including e-books, e-audio, e-comics, newspapers and magazines. These are all available from our catalogue home page.

If you’re not a library member you can join online to access these e-resources with an online temporary membership number.

For the latest updates of what’s happening in Essex libraries, follow us on Twitter and Facebook and sign up to receive library newsletters by email.

*Basildon, Billericay, Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester, Dunmow, Epping, Harlow, Harwich, Maldon, Rayleigh, Rochford, South Benfleet and Witham.