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Idea Store Bow

Idea Store Bow

Opening hours

Normal opening hours in operation.

Standard opening hours
Monday9am – 9pm
Tuesday9am – 9pm
Wednesday9am – 9pm
Thursday9am – 9pm
Friday9am – 6pm
Saturday9am – 5pm
Sunday11am – 3pm
inside idea store bow

Service outage - Thursday 31 October

Due to essential IT network maintenance work on Thursday 31 October, Public access PCs will not be available at Idea Store Bow.

Printing from mobile devices via the Wi-Fi network will be unaffected.

The closest site with an open surfing space on Thursday is Bethnal Green Library. We’re sorry for any inconvenience.

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, 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

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

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!

Sundays, 12noon - 1pm

Adult Events and Activities

Prime Time

Have an enjoyable and relaxing time, meet new and familiar friends, chat and enjoy a cup of tea.(For over 50s)

Tuesdays, 10.15 - 11.45am

Book Group

Discuss books with fellow readers at our informal, free monthly meetings. Discover what we're reading this month.

Every 1st Wednesday of the Month, 7pm
 

Play Reading Group

Join our new group reading a different play aloud together.

Every 3rd Wednesday of the month 6.30pm

Get Online - Go Digital

Need help using your smart device or want to brush up on your IT skills? Come along to our weekly workshop and learn at your own pace.

Thursdays, 2.15 - 3.45pm

Free period products from Flow Happy

Idea Stores are working in partnership with Flow Happy to help tackle period poverty in Tower Hamlets.

Free sanitary items are available at this Idea Store for anyone who would benefit from using them. Look out for the Flow Happy cabinet in store.

We also appreciate any donations of period products towards the scheme.

  • 64% of girls aged 14-21 have missed school because of their periods
  • 46% of those who struggled to afford products kept sanitary pads or tampons on for longer than recommended or used toilet paper – This creates a risk of infection not to mention shame and embarrassment.
  • 75% said they had prioritised spending money on food – No one should be facing that choice.
flow happy - feminine hygiene should be free logo

How to find us

1 Gladstone PlaceRoman RoadGreater LondonLondonE3 5ES

From Mile End station cross Bow Road and walk up Coborn Road. Then right up Tredegar Road, left up St Stephen’s Road, and right onto the Roman Road.

From Bow Church station cross Bow Road, turn right, then left up Fairfield Road. At the end, turn left onto Tredegar Road, right onto Parnell Road, and left onto the Roman Road.

Disabled access

Partial - most of Idea Store Bow is accessible (including our public toilets), with the exception of one study room. Please ask a member of staff if you require assistance or email ideastore@towerhamlets.gov.uk in advance of your visit if you have any questions.