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idea store join

Join today!

Register to join - Membership is free.

Once you join, we will ask you to verify your email. You will then receive an email with a temporary membership number.

You will need to exchange your temporary membership to a full membership and get an Idea Store membership card to

  • borrow books and ebooks
  • reserve items online

You will have to visit an Idea Store for this. Go to an Idea Store with your temporary card number above, and take some form of ID with your name and address.

You will then get a card. With your Idea Store card you can order books in advance using our Click and Collect service.

If you are unable to provide ID with your name and address you will be issued with a temporary membership card for three months that enables you to:

  • borrow 2 books for up to 3 weeks
  • book up to 3 internet sessions per day (see Using a computer in Idea stores)
  • Access to online resources such as ebooks, audiobooks, online newspapers and magazines.

Choose a book from our online catalogue and we'll email you when it’s ready to collect.

When visiting, please remember to bring your Idea Store Card if you decide to borrow items. You can also use your digital card from the Idea Store app.

Need help with the self-service?

No problem, our staff are there to assist you. We encourage customers to download the Idea Store App on their mobile devices.

It is simple to use and all our online services are available on it. You can link your membership barcode number to the app allowing for quick access on our self-issuing kiosks’ without your card.

Data protection

Your personal details are required for the creation of a library account. This information is held on a common database shared by The Libraries Consortium [TLC] authority members. Find out more about how we use and keep your data safe.

Renewing your items

You can renew your items by logging in to the Choose a book from our online catalogue with your card number and PIN.

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

Tower Hamlets Libraries Byelaws