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Welcome to Idea Store

search the catalogue

Search the Catalogue, renew and reserve items

Log in to your Idea Store account and discover our range of books, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and more. You can renew your books and reserve items for collection.

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

Warm Hubs

Warm Hubs

We welcome you to come for a chat, have a hot drink and stay a while.

As the weather gets colder and temperatures drop, Tower Hamlets Council has set up Warm Hubs. These spaces are for residents who feel alone or are worried about heating their homes due to rising costs.

Half-Term Activities

Monday 17 - Friday 21 February

This half-term, join us at Idea Store for fun activities! We have arts and crafts, LEGO building, and storytelling and much more. Bring your family and friends and enjoy the week with us!

half term
history of docklands

History of Docklands

The Impact of World War II on the Isle of Dogs

Sunday 23 February, 12 - 2 pm
Idea Store Canary Wharf

A presentation by Deborah Levett, volunteer and trustee of Friends of Island History Trust, a local community history group.

The talk will feature personal photographs and reflections of Islanders who experienced the effects of war at first hand.

Suitable for ages 15 and above.

works at Idea Store Canary Wharf

Improvement Works at Idea Store Canary Wharf

Exciting changes are underway!

Over the next few months, we're creating a new and improved children's library, adding more study space and improving facilities at Idea Store Canary Wharf. 

mum and child

Children and families

Looking for fun and engaging activities for your little ones? Check out our exciting lineup of events and resources that cater to the whole family.

From storytelling and arts and crafts to homework help and more, we've got something for everyone!

download the idea store app

Download the Idea Store app

Made just for Idea Store the app lets you:

  • access your membership account anytime, anywhere!
  • search the catalogue
  • renew your loans
  • place reservations
  • download eBooks and audiobooks
  • access our magazine and newspaper services
  • find out about in-store and online activities at the Idea Stores and libraries

Idea Store Learning

We have more than 900 courses to choose from. You can find something for everyone, including photography, languages, art & design, dance, ESOL, maths, fashion, and digital skills.

Our aim is to help you to achieve your full potential. Whatever your ambitions, we can work together to help you achieve it through our courses.

learning
hands holding tablet and mobile phone

eLibrary

With your Idea Store membership you can access thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines and newspapers for FREE.

map of shadwell

Local History Library and Archives

East End history at your fingertips. Access our huge digital library, collections and free online resources.

join idea store

Join today!

Join the Idea Store to borrow books and reserve items online. You can also access our online resources, such as ebooks, audiobooks, and online newspapers and magazines.

Tablet Lending Service

Residents of Tower Hamlets who have no access to digital devices can borrow a tablet from Idea Store Whitechapel for up to 12 weeks. This will help them get online and improve their digital skills.

tablets