Bethnal Green Library
Opening hours
Our current opening hours are:
| Monday | 10am to 6pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10am to 6pm |
| Wednesday | 10am to 6pm |
| Thursday | 10am to 8pm |
| Friday | CLOSED |
| Saturday | 9am to 5pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
Let’s Discuss Death
Thursday, October 30
Experience a collaboration between Bethnal Green Library and Let’s Discuss Death. This is a free community event designed to open up conversations about death, dying, and grief. These are topics that affect us all, yet they often remain unspoken. Our goal is to break down these taboos and create a safe space for honest discussion and reflection.
The afternoon will feature a series of engaging and powerful events, including a documentary screening, a talk from a death doula, and intimate roundtable discussions with a panel of professionals. You are welcome to attend any or all of the scheduled sessions.
Throughout the day, a dedicated space will be available for quiet reflection and refreshments. You can also browse a curated display of death and grief-related books, both fiction and non-fiction, available to browse and borrow in the main library.
We hope you'll leave feeling more confident and comfortable thinking and talking about death and grief.
Please join us in the three events below:
Solitude with Schubert
Film screening and conversation with the directors
2.00pm - 3.30pm
A meditation on grief, connection and the healing power of music, Solitude with Schubert is an intimate portrait of how art can help us find meaning in loss, and the ways in which echoes of those we’ve loved and lost stay with us, and ultimately live through us.
Following a screening of the 30 minute film, directors Matilda Hay and Rachel Clara Reed will facilitate a conversation with those who have watched the film.
Link to FREE tickets coming soon.
Planning for the Inevitable
Talk and Q&A
4.30pm - 5.30pm
Research shows that 90% of people think it’s important to plan for the end of their lives, but only 14% actually get round to it! But following the pandemic, more people realise that planning for the inevitable is essential, as now we are more aware that we cannot know what will happen to us and when. Take a moment from your busy life to think about planning ahead.
Ann Kenrick will lead an informative, entertaining and thought-provoking session outlining key decisions you can make in advance, to ease the burden on your family and friends if you lose mental capacity.
Link to FREE tickets coming soon.
Let’s Discuss Death
An evening of conversations
6.00pm - 7.15pm
Moving beyond the usual large-group lecture, this event is designed to create a more intimate and personal experience. You'll hear from a panel of diverse and compassionate professionals - including a funeral director, palliative care consultant, and death doula - who will share their unique perspectives.
After a brief introduction from each speaker, you'll have the chance to engage in small-group conversations with them. This unique format allows you to choose who you want to speak with and gives you a dedicated 10 minutes at a time to ask your questions and hear their stories.
Link to FREE tickets coming soon.
Children's Events and Activities
Story Time
Rhymes, stories and fun for babies and children up to 5 years old, plus time to choose your favourite books! Story Time takes place at all Idea Stores and Libraries
Monday to Saturday (excluding Friday), 10.30 - 11am
Homework Club
Come and use our computers, desk space and information resources to help you get your homework finished. Our staff will be on hand to point you to resources to help. We use Britannica Online, as well as other online and printed resources. Some sessions will also have Homework Club volunteers to help you if you get stuck.
Mondays, 4:00 - 5:30pm
LEGO Club
LEGO club is an opportunity to unleash your building creativity. We will give you a new challenge every week and you can build to your hearts content!
Tuesdays, 4 - 5pm
Art Club
This weekly themed art club lets your creative side come alive!
Using paints, glue, glitter and lots of other items you can create something beautiful. Maybe a celebration card or a painting of winter or spring or just something crazy that you just want others to see!
Saturdays, 3pm
Adult's Events and Activities
Refugee Group
Everyone's welcome at this friendly weekly social group. Meet people, make friends, and share stories and advice - with the occasional guest speaker. PLUS free tea and coffee.
Wednesdays 11am - 12pm
How to find us
Bethnal Green
8, 309, D6, 106, 254The Library is situated in Bethnal Green Gardens.
Disabled access
Partial – please call us before visiting to check whether the building is suitable to your needs. We have two buildings that are fully accessible nearby:
- Idea Store Whitechapel (0.7 miles)
- Idea Store Bow (1.8 miles)