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:
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
Wartime in Bethnal Green:
Local History Sources for Tracing the impact of the First and Second World Wars
Monday 10 November
11.00am - 12 noon
TALK: Week of Remembrance
Join us to explore how war shaped the lives and landscapes of Bethnal Green and wider Tower Hamlets.
Discover archives, images, and maps from WWI (1914–1918) and WWII (1939–1945) Learn how to access local history sources at Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives
Venue: Bethnal Green Library
Speaker: Richard Wiltshire Archives Manager, Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives
No pre-booking required
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)