London Connection1Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives
- Address
- Bancroft Road, London, E1 4DQ
- Phone
- +44 20 7364 1290
- Website
- ideastore.co.uk
- Opening hours
- Tue 10:00-17:00 · Wed 09:00-17:00 · Thu 09:00-20:00 · Sat[1,3] 09:00-17:00
Best Libraries in Tower Hamlets, London
Libraries in Tower Hamlets lend books, e-books and audiobooks, and offer free Wi-Fi, study space, computers and events for all ages. Below you will find our selection of 10 libraries in Tower Hamlets, with address, phone number, website and opening hours for each one, followed by practical advice on choosing the right library, typical prices and answers to common questions.
10listed
3with phone number
8with website
3open on Sundays
10 Libraries in Tower Hamlets
2Idea Store Watney Market
- Address
- 260 Commercial Road, London, E1 2FB
- Phone
- +44 20 7364 4332
- Website
- ideastore.co.uk
- Opening hours
- Mon-Thu 10:00-18:00 · Sat 09:00-17:00
3Cubitt Town Library
- Address
- Strattondale Street, London, E14 3HG
- Phone
- +44 20 7987 3152
- Website
- towerhamletsarts.org.uk
- Opening hours
- Mon-Wed 09:00-18:00 · Thu 09:00-20:00 · Sat 09:00-12:30,13:30-17:00
4Whitechapel Idea Store
- Details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Address
- 321 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BU
- Website
- ideastore.co.uk
- Opening hours
- Mon-Thu 09:00-21:00 · Fri 09:00-18:00 · Sat 09:00-17:00 · Sun 11:00-15:00
5Idea Store Chrisp Street
- Details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Address
- Vesey Path, London, E14 6BT
- Website
- ideastore.co.uk
- Opening hours
- Mon-Thu 09:00-21:00 · Fri 09:00-18:00 · Sat 09:00-17:00 · Sun 11:00-15:00
6Bethnal Green Library
- Address
- Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 0HL
- Website
- ideastore.co.uk
- Opening hours
- Mon-Wed 10:00-18:00 · Thu 10:00-20:00 · Sat 09:00-17:00
7Idea Store, Bow
- Website
- ideastore.co.uk
- Opening hours
- Mon-Thu 09:00-21:00 · Fri 09:00-18:00 · Sat 09:00-17:00 · Sun 11:00-15:00
8St Philip's Church Library
- Address
- Newark Street, London, E1 2AA
9Idea Store
- Address
- 2 Churchill Place, London, E14 5RB
10Mile End Library
- Website
- qmul.ac.uk
How to choose a library in Tower Hamlets
- Join for free with proof of address.
- Use apps such as Libby and BorrowBox for free e-books.
- Look for children's rhyme times and homework clubs.
- Many libraries offer printing and scanning.
Checks and regulation: Public libraries are run by Tower Hamlets council.
How much does a library cost in Tower Hamlets?
Library membership is free. Prices vary by area, time of day and the complexity of the job or service, so always ask for a written quote or check the latest price list before you book.
Libraries across Tower Hamlets
Tower Hamlets covers neighbourhoods such as Canary Wharf, Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, Spitalfields, Bow, Mile End, Poplar, Wapping (postcodes E1, E2, E3, E14, E1W). The libraries listed on this page are located in or around E1, E14, E2. Getting around is easy thanks to the Elizabeth line, the Jubilee, Central, District and Hammersmith & City lines, the DLR and the Overground. If you live close to the borough boundary, it is worth comparing options in neighbouring boroughs too.
Libraries in nearby boroughs
- Libraries in City of London
- Libraries in Greenwich
- Libraries in Hackney
- Libraries in Lewisham
- Libraries in Newham
- Libraries in Southwark
Frequently asked questions
How do I join a library in Tower Hamlets?
Visit any branch with ID and proof of address, or register online.
Can I borrow e-books?
Yes, through the library's digital services.
Do libraries have study spaces?
Most have quiet study areas and free Wi-Fi.
Listings are compiled from public business information and OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL). Details can change, so please confirm opening hours and prices with the business before visiting. Businesses can request corrections via our contact page. Last reviewed: September 2026.