Tel: 0333 370 4700

Enrol: 0207 364 5665

What's On

Scroll down the page to discover an exciting range of events every month as well regular, weekly activities, for all ages, on offer at your local Idea Store.

	Unite and Resist! 5 September 2019 - February 2020 Our new exhibition showcases original archives from our collections which illustrate the prolific activism of the people of Tower Hamlets in the latter decades of the twentieth century. From the Stepney School Strike to the Battle of Brick Lane, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and Stop Clause 28, the exhibition shines a light on these and other important moments in the borough’s recent history including several lesser known struggles. Full list of exhibition events
February
	February Half Term Activities Saturday 15 - Sunday 23 February We've got a jam-packed programme of events to keep the kids entertained over the Half Term at Idea Store! Discover what's on in the Half Term
	Baghdad: A Rich City with a Broken Heart A talk by Dr Farah Al-Hashimi Saturday 22 February, 2:00 - 4:00pm Farah, who experienced three wars in Iraq, will offer a personal perspective on the changes that happened to the city of Baghdad and its people following the war of 2003. This will be covered through an exploration of the Iraqi’s art, culture and architecture from 1900s to the present. Idea Store Canary Wharf
	Odd Men Out: A History of Gay Men in Britain in the 1950s and 1960s Thursday 27 February, 7:00 - 8:30pm Author John- Pierre Joyce joins us to discuss his book Odd Men Out. Odd Men Out traces the transformation of gay men from ‘odd’ to ‘normal’ over a decade-and-a-half of social, legal and cultural change – from the circumstances leading to the appointment of the Wolfenden Committee in 1954 to the emergence of the Gay Liberation Front in 1970. Drawing on letters, diaries, novels, newspapers, films, plays, radio and television, John-Pierre Joyce explores contemporary attitudes to homosexual men and the development of a recognisably ‘gay’ identity – while giving voice to a generation of gay men and other witnesses to a neglected part of British history. Idea Store Whitechapel
	East End Born and Bled: The Remarkable Story of London Boxing Saturday 29 February, 2:00 - 4:00pm Come and meet Jeff Jones who tells the extraordinary story of the birthplace of boxing in London's East End. No other place in the world has been so important to boxing, or produced so many champions, as the small area of London's East End. Find out how this specific part of Britain shaped boxing, and what was behind the national and international success of these fighters. Idea Store Whitechapel
March
	Green Week Monday 9 - Friday 13 March Are you worried about climate change or your impact on the environment? Do you want to take a positive approach to becoming more green? Join in our informative and environmentally friendly activities celebrating Green Week View the full programme
	Women’s Poetry Hour Tuesday 17 March, 6:00 - 7:30pm This month is Women’s History Month, and we are celebrating female poets and poetry. Are you a female poet? Bring a poem or two and share with the group. Enjoy readings and group discussions about famous female poets. Come along, share ideas and celebrate women’s creative history, present and future. All genders and ages are welcome. Free refreshments provided. Idea Store Bow
	Basic Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine Taster Saturday 28 March, 1.30 - 4.30pm This taster session will give you an appreciation of the basic principles underlying traditional Chinese holistic health practices and help you to develop basic knowledge of the patterns of harmony and disharmony in traditional Chinese medicine Enrol at your local Idea Store or by calling 020 7364 5665 Course Code: B2610. £13, Concession £4 Idea Store Whitechapel

Throughout the Year
	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 Saturday10:30am - 11:15am
	Reading Aloud Relax after school with refreshments and a story The Daily Serial for children up to 11 years takes place at all Idea Stores and libraries. Monday to Friday, 3:30pm
	Idea Store Business Workshops and Seminars Idea Store runs a monthly series of seminars and workshops for small business at Idea Store Whitechapel. Whether you're just starting out, have a great business idea or need help with marketing or your online social media presence - we'll have a seminar for you - and it's FREE. See our current events

Mondays

	Conversation Club Meet new friends and practise your English at this free and friendly conversation club. For speakers of other languages. Mondays, 10:00 - 11:00am Idea Store Bow Mondays, 10:00 - 11:00am Idea Store Chrisp Street Mondays, 2:00 - 3:00pm Idea Store Canary Wharf
	Job Support Session with Krypton Training Delivered in partnership with Krypton Training Ltd, a specialist careers advice and employment support service provider. Helps you with the skills you need to get back to work, including creation of CVs and covering letters and support with application forms and interview technique. For more information or to book an appointment contact 020 7375 3843 Mondays, 10:00am - 5:00pm Idea Store Whitechapel
	Prime Time Have an enjoyable and relaxing time, meet new and familiar friends, enjoy a cup of coffee and chat with staff about new books, CDs, DVDs. For the over 50s. Mondays, 11:00am - 12.00pm Idea Store Bow
	Knit Wits Bring your knitting, lunch and hang out with other knitters.New members always welcome. Unravel and unwind!! Mondays 1:00 - 2:00pm Idea Store Canary Wharf
	Make the Most of Your Tablet, Your Computer and the Internet Learn and practise basic computer skills at your own pace. Mondays, 1.00pm - 2.00pm Idea Store Bow
	Book Break Sit back and relax whilst listening to stories and poems, or join in with the reading and conversation. Mondays, 2pm - 2.45pm Idea Store Whitechapel
	Boys' Book Club For boys up to 11 years. A club especially for boys to get together and share their reading experiences, explore a range of reading materials and media and talk about anything that interests them. Snacks and drinks provided. Have lots of fun making friends and enjoy a variety of activities. Look out for quizzes and prizes – and maybe a penalty shoot out. In all Idea Stores and libraries Mondays, 4:00 pm
	PopLaw Legal Advice PopLaw is FREE legal advice clinic run by qualified solicitors who will offer initial legal advice on all areas of the law except family and immigration. This is a drop-in service, no appointments necessary. Mondays, 6:15pm - 8:15pm (starts 6 February 2017) Idea Store Whitechapel

Tuesdays

	Make the Most of Your Tablet, Your Computer and the Internet Learn and practise basic computer skills at your own pace. Tuesdays, 10.00am - 12.00pm Idea Store Watney Market Prime Time Have an enjoyable and relaxing time, meet new and familiar friends, enjoy a cup of coffee and chat with staff about new books, CDs, DVDs. For the over 50s. Tuesdays 11:15am - 12:45pm Bethnal Green Library
	Toy Library Borrow good quality educational toys to enjoy at home with all the family. Run in partnership with Toyhouse. Tuesdays (Term Time Only) 11.00am - 11.45am Idea Store Bow
	Conversation Club Meet new friends and practise your English at this free and friendly conversation club. For speakers of other languages. Tuesdays, 11:00am - 12:00pm Idea Store Whitechapel
	Job Support Session with Krypton Training National Career Service and Employment Support service provided in partnership with Krypton Training Ltd. Helps you with the skills you need to get back to work, including creation of CVs and covering letters and support with application forms and interview technique. For more information or to book an appointment contact 020 7375 3843 or email admin@kryptontraining.co.uk 1st Tuesday of the month, 10am - 5pm, Idea Store Bow 2nd Tuesday of the month, 10am - 5pm, Idea Store Canary Wharf 3rd Tuesday of the month, 10am - 5pm, Idea Store Watney Market 4th Tuesday of the month, 10am - 5pm, Idea Store Chrisp Street
	Book Break Sit back and relax whilst listening to stories and poems, or join in with the reading and conversation. Tuesdays, 1:00pm - 2:00pm, Idea Store Canary Wharf Tuesdays, 2:00pm - 3:30pm, Idea Store Chrisp Street
	Citizens Advice Bureau Service Information and Advice on all general enquiries in Tower Hamlets. If you need some help, support or advice, call this number for information about our services: 020 7247 1050 Tuesdays 1:00pm 5:00pm Idea Store Chrisp Street
	Girls' Book Club This group is a fun way for girls to get together and enjoy stories and a wide variety of activities, such as quizzes and creative projects. Make new friends and gain new experiences by taking part. In all Idea Stores and libraries Tuesdays at 4:00pm
	PopLaw Legal Advice PopLaw is FREE legal advice clinic run by qualified solicitors who will offer initial legal advice on all areas of the law except family and immigration. This is a drop-in service, no appointments necessary. Tuesdays, 6:00pm - 8:00pm Idea Store Chrisp Street

Wednesday

	Conversation Club Meet new friends and practise your English at this free and friendly conversation club. For speakers of other languages. Wednesdays, 11:00am - 12:00pm Idea Store Watney Market
	Legal Advice Free 30 minute one to one legal advice sessions with barrister Allison Fordham. By appointment only. To check available dates and book a slot please check with staff at the Help Desk in person at Idea Store Canary Wharf. Two Wednesdays in the month, 4pm - 6pm Idea Store Canary Wharf
	Job Support Session with Krypton Training National Career Service and Employment Support service provided in partnership with Krypton Training Ltd. Helps you with the skills you need to get back to work, including creation of CVs and covering letters and support with application forms and interview technique. For more information or to book an appointment contact 020 7375 3843 Every Wednesday, 10:00am - 5:00pm Idea Store Whitechapel
	Aaj Kal: Current affairs in Bengali Discuss local and international news,views or even a book and learn basic computer skills over tea and coffee. Wednesdays, 11:00am - 12:00pm Idea Store Chrisp Street
	Make the Most of Your Tablet, Your Computer and the Internet Learn and practise basic computer skills at your own pace. Wednesdays, 12:00pm - 1:00pm Cubitt Town Library Wednesdays, 2:00 - 4:00pm Idea Store Chrisp Street
	Code Club Would you like to learn to make your own computer games? At Code Club you can learn to make cool games, animations and websites too! Fun for ages 7 - 11 years Wednesdays at 4pm In all Idea Stores and libraries
	Chess Club Come along and play chess, learn or polish your game in a relaxed and friendly environment. Suitable for children aged 7+. Complete beginners and experienced players welcome. Wednesdays, 5:30 - 6:00pm, Children Only 6:30 - 7:00pm, All ages Idea Store Whitechapel
	Turning Pages Book Group A chance to talk all things books! Discover this month's Book Group title! Third Wednesday of every month 6 - 7.30pm Idea Store Canary Wharf
	Book Group Discuss books with fellow readers at our informal, free monthly meetings. Discover this month's Book Group title! First Wednesday of the month, 7:00pm - 8:30pm Idea Store Bow

Thursday

	Tower Hamlets Startup Surgery Have you recently embarked on their entrepreneurial journey and are looking for support and guidance to grow your business? Do you live in London and have a business idea or you’re an entrepreneurs who has registered their business within the last 12 months? Then this is the event for you! Learn about the SiLL programme and how you could potentially join. Or, if you have already registered for the program you can book a one to one. Access to our business support digital classroom If you have a laptop please bring it with you Thursdays 9:30am – 1:00pm Idea store Whitechapel, 1st Floor Business Zone
	Citizens Advice Bureau Service Information and Advice on all general enquiries in Tower Hamlets. Booking an appointment is necessary. To book an appointment call 020 7247 1050 Thursdays, 9:30am - 1:00pm Idea Store Chrisp Street
	Prime Time Come along to our weekly gatherings for anyone over 50! We aim to bring you culture, news, books, activities, talks and outings. Prime Time sessions are a great way to unwind and relax with a cup of tea. Thursdays, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Idea Store Chrisp Street Thursdays, 10:00am - 12:00pm, Idea Store Watney Market Thursdays, 11:15am - 12:45pm Cubitt Town Library
	Book Break Sit back and relax whilst listening to stories and poems, or join in with the reading or conversation. Thursdays, 2:30pm - 4:30pm Bethnal Green Library Thursdays, 2:00pm - 3:30pm Idea Store Watney Market
	Make the Most of Your Tablet, Your Computer and the Internet Learn and practise basic computer skills at your own pace. Thursdays, 2.00pm - 3.00pm Idea Store Canary Wharf
	Idea Online [all ages] First Thursday every month 2:00 - 3:00pm and 5:00 - 6:00pm Did you know that Idea Store has a range of exciting online services? Come along to our guided demonstrations. Idea Store Chrisp Street
	Teenage Book Club For over 12s only.Let’s share reading with others in a relaxing and friendly environment. Work with Idea Store staff to create a place that is special for you, where you can spend time with your friends and make new ones. In all Idea Stores and libraries Thursdays, 4:00pm
	Book Group A chance to talk all things books! Discover this month's Book Group title! 3rd Thursday of the month, 6:00 - 7:00pm Cubitt Town Library
	Book Group Discuss your favourite books with fellow readers at our free monthly bookgroup. Discover this month's Book Group title! 2nd Thursday of every month, 6:30pm - 8:00pm Idea Store Whitechapel
	Book Group Discuss your favourite books with fellow readers at our free monthly bookgroup.. Discover this month's Book Group title! 4th Thursday of every month, 6:30pm - 8:00pm Idea Store Watney Market

Friday

	Councillor Bex White – Surgery Do you have any questions or concerns about local government? Come along to speak with Bex White to discuss the issues. No appointment required. 3rd Friday of every month, 9:30 – 11:30am Idea Store Chrisp Street
	Account3 Legal Advice Session Free, drop-in general legal advice session with Account3. Money and debt, housing, council tax, employment rights, special needs education, consumer issues. Fridays, 2:00pm - 4:00pm Idea Store Bow
	Make the Most of Your Tablet, Your Computer and the Internet Learn and practise basic computer skills at your own pace. Fridays, 2.15pm - 3.45pm Idea Store Whitechapel
	Homework Club Homework to do? We will help you find the answers with Britannica Online and other online and printed resources. In all Idea Stores and libraries Fridays from 4:00pm

Saturday

	Dads' Club Dads’ Club is for dads to share books with their children. In all Idea Stores and libraries Saturdays, 11:15am
	Family Reading Group An opportunity for families to read together and share stories. Meet new families and make new friends. In all Idea Stores and libraries Saturdays, 2:15pm
	Councillor Kahar Chowdhury – Surgery Do you have any questions or concerns about local government? Come along to speak with Kahar Chowdhury to discuss the issues. No appointment required. 2nd Saturday of every month, 11:00am – 1:00pm Idea Store Chrisp Street

Sunday

Art Club
Explore your creative side, find out about famous artists and look at how illustrations complement a story. Age: 5 - 11yrs.
Sundays, 2:15pm
Idea Store Bow, Idea Store Canary Wharf, Idea Store Chrisp Street and Idea Store Whitechapel