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We’re proud to announce that all libraries in Waltham Forest have been officially recognised as Libraries of Sanctuary! This national award celebrates our collective commitment to being welcoming, inclusive, and safe spaces for everyone – especially people seeking sanctuary, including refugees and asylum seekers. From inclusive staff training and community-focused events, our libraries are here to support and uplift every resident.
Thank you to all our partners, staff and residents who make this possible.
 Waltham Forest Libraries are proud to be Libraries of Sanctuary, offering a welcoming space for all and celebrating Refugee Week by honouring the stories, cultures, and contributions of people seeking sanctuary.
Our libraries are safe, welcoming spaces where everyone belongs — and where language is no barrier to imagination, discovery, and connection.
As part of our celebration, we’re shining a spotlight on our rich collection of Community Language Books - specially curated to reflect the diversity of Waltham Forest. Whether you're reading for pleasure, learning with your children, or staying connected to your roots, there's something for everyone.
Books are available in: Urdu | Polish | Romanian | Bengali | Lithuanian | Turkish | Ukrainian | Albanian | Bulgarian ... and many more!
From children’s stories and poetry to novels and non-fiction, these books are part of our commitment to inclusivity and lifelong learning for all.
Let’s celebrate the power of community, language and the stories that bring us together.
English Conversation Classes
Looking to improve your spoken English in a friendly, informal setting?
Join our free English Conversation Classes held at libraries across Waltham Forest. These sessions are perfect for beginners and those looking to build confidence in everyday conversation. Ask at your local library or visit our website to find the next session near you. Or if you are looking for an ESOL class, visit our website for more information.
Migrant Welcome Hub and Drop-In Support, every Thursdays 2pm to 4pm
Our Migrant Welcome Hub at Lea Bridge Library offers friendly, practical help for newly arrived migrants and refugees. Get support with accessing services, housing advice, language learning, local orientation, and more - no appointment needed.
Everyone is welcome at Waltham Forest Libraries. Visit any Waltham Forest Library or browse online to discover our community language collections. Ask a librarian for help finding titles in your preferred language!
Urdu (اردو) والتھم فاریسٹ لائبریریوں میں ہر ایک کو خوش آمدید کہا جاتا ہے۔
کسی بھی والتھم فاریسٹ لائبریری کا دورہ کریں یا ہماری ویب سائٹ پر جائیں تاکہ کمیونٹی زبانوں میں دستیاب کتابیں دریافت کی جا سکیں۔ اپنی پسندیدہ زبان میں کتابیں تلاش کرنے کے لیے لائبریرین سے مدد لیں!
Polish (Polski) Wszyscy są mile widziani w bibliotekach Waltham Forest. Odwiedź dowolną bibliotekę w Waltham Forest lub przeglądaj online, aby odkryć nasze zbiory w językach społeczności. Poproś bibliotekarza o pomoc w znalezieniu książek w preferowanym języku!
Romanian (Română) Toată lumea este binevenită la bibliotecile din Waltham Forest.
Vizitează orice bibliotecă Waltham Forest sau caută online pentru a descoperi colecțiile noastre în limbi comunitare. Cere ajutor unui bibliotecar pentru a găsi titluri în limba preferată!
Bengali (বাংলা):ওয়ালথাম ফরেস্ট লাইব্রেরিতে সবাইকে স্বাগত জানানো হয়। কোনও ওয়ালথাম ফরেস্ট লাইব্রেরিতে যান বা অনলাইনে ঘেঁটে দেখুন আমাদের কমিউনিটি ভাষার বইয়ের সংগ্রহ। আপনার পছন্দের ভাষায় বই খুঁজে পেতে একজন লাইব্রেরিয়ানের সাহায্য নিন!
Lithuanian (Lietuvių): Visi yra laukiami Waltham Forest bibliotekose. Apsilankykite bet kurioje Waltham Forest bibliotekoje arba ieškokite internete, kad atrastumėte mūsų bendruomenės kalbų kolekcijas. Paprašykite bibliotekininko pagalbos ieškant knygų jūsų pageidaujama kalba!
Turkish (Türkçe): Waltham Forest Kütüphanelerine herkes davetlidir. Herhangi bir Waltham Forest Kütüphanesini ziyaret edin veya çevrimiçi olarak göz atın, topluluk dillerindeki koleksiyonlarımızı keşfedin. Tercih ettiğiniz dilde kitaplar bulmak için bir kütüphaneciden yardım isteyin!
Ukrainian (Українська) Усі ласкаво запрошуються до бібліотек Валтем Форест.
Завітайте до будь-якої бібліотеки Валтем Форест або перегляньте онлайн, щоб ознайомитися з нашими колекціями книг мовами громад. Попросіть бібліотекаря допомогти знайти книги вашою улюбленою мовою!
Albanian (Shqip) Të gjithë janë të mirëpritur në Bibliotekat e Waltham Forest. Vizitoni çdo Bibliotekë të Waltham Forest ose kërkoni online për të zbuluar koleksionet tona në gjuhët e komunitetit. Kërkoni ndihmën e një bibliotekari për të gjetur libra në gjuhën tuaj të preferuar!
For a list of all the community language we stock, check out our website or visit one of our libraries.
Join us for a special Refugee Week themed craft session where children will create their own sunflowers using coloured card, paper, and other fun materials. This hands-on activity is a creative way to explore and reflect on the journeys of Refugees.
Suitable for ages two and over. Children must be accompanied and supported by an adult.
Also, join us at an art workshop run by refugees on Thursday 19 June, 3.30 to 5pm at Lea Bridge Library.
It is free and open to all with a workshop and activities aimed for children.
 Lea Bridge Library, Sunday 6 July, 12 noon to 4pm
An afternoon of live demos, workshops and repair specialists on hand to fix your household items including Fair favourites:
Give and Take: Pick up unwanted toys, clothes and household items all with lots of life still in them. Or bring your own good condition unwanted items for someone else to re-home.
Electrical Repairs with Forest Fixers: first come first served, Forest Fixers volunteers will diagnose and repair (when possible) your portable home electricals (sorry - no microwaves).
Dr Bike: first come first served, bike maintenance specialists can do running repairs or diagnose more involved issues with recommendations on next steps.
Play it Again Toys: bring loved but damaged toys for repair and adaptation - prop and puppet maker Isobel will help you to revive plastic, metal, wooden and soft toys that have lost parts in their play.
Look out for more programme being confirmed, some activities may require booking.
Are you are repair specialist or involved in a sustainability initiative? Get in touch about being involved in this and other Reuse and Repair Fairs.
Walthamstow Library, Monday 30 June, 6pm to 7.30pm
Step Into the Past: Waltham Forest Oral History Workshop – The Story of Local Pubs
Join us for a free and nostalgic oral history workshop exploring the rich and colourful history of pubs in Waltham Forest. Discover how these iconic gathering places have shaped our local culture, community, and identity over the years.
Hear captivating stories, learn about historic establishments, and share your own memories in this interactive talk and Q&A session.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a local resident, or just curious about the role of pubs in our borough's past, this is a unique opportunity to connect with your community and celebrate a cherished part of local life.
Don't miss this journey through time - raise a glass to the stories behind the bar!
 Looking for a friend? Join us for a coffee and a chat each week!
If you're feeling lonely or isolated, come along to our weekly coffee mornings where you can meet a bunch of lovely people and make new friends that can last a lifetime!
If you would like more information on Lifeline projects and community befriending and other projects they do, visit Lifeline projects website.
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Leytonstone Library
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Mondays
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10am to 1pm
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Walthamstow Library
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Tuesdays
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10am to 1pm
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Hale End Library
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Wednesdays
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10am to 1pm
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Wood Street Library
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Thursdays
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10am to 1pm
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Lea Bridge Library
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Fridays
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10am to 1pm
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 Waltham Forest Libraries have an exciting opportunity for volunteers to join our team at Walthamstow Library, to support our Libraries 2 You service.
Libraries 2 You delivers books to residents in the borough who are unable to get out to their local library due to health or mobility issues. This is a very rewarding role which connects housebound residents with the library service and makes a positive difference to their lives.
If you have a full driving licence and access to a car, you will be responsible for the delivery of the books to customers. This will give you an opportunity to meet residents in person and will add much needed engagement to their day.
The service delivers (and collects) large quantities of stock to residential/care homes, as well as individual homes, and the ability to carry crates is essential.
We’re exploring the needs and demand for an Autism Support Group, and we want to hear from you.
Whether you're an individual, family member, or Waltham Forest staff, your insights are valuable. Your feedback will help us:
- Understand what support is currently working
- Identify where the gaps are
- Measure interest in a dedicated Autism Support Group
Together, we can plan better and offer the right support.
Drop-ins, Community Room, Walthamstow Library, every last Tuesday of the month, 3pm to 6pm
The School Nursing Service delivers the Waltham Forest Healthy programme. They provide public health intervention for children and families to enable them to reach their full potential. They advise and support with:
- Long term health conditions e.g. asthma, epilepsy, diabetes and allergies
- Disability and complex health needs
- Healthy eating, height and weight management.
- Sleep routine
- Hygiene
- Day wetting or nighttime bedwetting
- Hearing and vision with child development
- Referrals to and liaison with other services as required.
- Advice and support for parents.
Contact the School Nurses via phone on 0300 033 6200 or email thgpcg.wf0-19spa1@nhs.net.
Upcoming June Events
Chingford Village Festival
Saturday 7 June
South Chingford Community Library will have a stall on Chingford Green Walk
Children's Crochet Group
Starts Saturday 7 June, 1pm to 3pm
Start up fee of £12 for supplies and £3 for each weekly class, this is a new group for children run by children.
Spaces will be limited, so booking is essential. Please contact 07775854586 to book.
Spring/Summer Fine Arts and Craft Market
Sunday 8 June, 11am to 3.30pm
There will be local toys, jewellery, crochet, knitting and craft stalls and refreshments. Come along and support local crafts people.
Hugg 'n' Bugg - Albert The Tortoise
Saturday 14 June, 10am to 1pm
Ian Brown Children's Storytime, book signing and goodies to give away.
Alfred Hitchcock Talk
Thursday 26 June, evening
Gary Lewis presents: a one-off talk about Alfred Hitchcock with Q&A, refreshments will be available on the night.
This will be a pre-booked ticketed and paid event, plus a small number of tickets to pay on the door will also be available. Details will be published on our Facebook page in the coming weeks, and tickets will be booked via Eventbrite.
Regular events
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Mondays
11.30am to 12 noon
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Read Easy - one-to-one reading coaching for adults to improve their literacy skills. Contact: wforestcoordinator@readeasy.org.uk
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Mondays
3pm to 5pm
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Craft group - £2 per person
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Tuesdays
10.30 to 11am
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Baby and Toddle Rhyme Time - £1 per child
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Tuesdays
11am to 12 noon
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Baby ahd Toddle Play Time - £1 per child
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Tuesdays
11.30am to 12 noon
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Read Easy - one-to-one reading coaching for adults to improve their literacy skills. Contact: wforestcoordinator@readeasy.org.uk
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Tuesdays
1.30pm to 3pm
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Adult Art Group - £5 per person including materials
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Wednesdays
10.30am to 2.30pm
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Discovery Space (first Wednesday of the month)
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Wednesdays
11.30am to 2.30pm
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Wellbeing Cafe by appointment/referral only. Email
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Wednesdays
2pm to 3pm
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Poetry reading group (first Wednesday of the month) - £1 per person
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Thursdays
10.30am to 12.30pm
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Knit and Knatter - £1 per person
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Thursdays
1pm to 3pm
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Valley ward police surgery/coffee with a copper
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Fridays
10am to 4pm
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Steps into Work Walk-in appointments and booked appointments Email
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Fridays
4.15 to 5.15pm
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Health Qi Gong Register by email or visit their website - £7 per session
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Saturdays
9.30am to 10.30am (Mandarin)
11am to 12 noon (Cantonese)
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Chinese Lessons by the Chingford Community Chinese School
Mandarin/Cantonese Lessons - £3 per session.
Just turn up or register via email or text 07307 568703.
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Saturdays
1pm to 3pm
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Sit and knit group - £1 per person
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Sundays
11am to 12 noon
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Adult Dance Class for all ages
Chair dance fusion, ballet, contemporary, classical Indian - all can be done either sitting down or standing.
Taster session £5, then normal session £8.
Booking is recommended, please email Emma Levene or call 07842 407227.
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Unlock New Skills with Universal Class - Free for Waltham Forest Library Members!
At Waltham Forest Libraries, we’re excited to offer you access to Universal Class, an extensive online learning platform with over 500 courses available anytime, anywhere - all free with your library card.
Whether you want to learn a new language, develop creative skills, explore health and wellness, or boost your career prospects, Universal Class has something for everyone. The courses are self-paced and designed to fit your schedule, making learning flexible and convenient.
What you can expect from Universal Class: A huge variety of topics from arts and crafts to technology and business. Interactive lessons with quizzes, assignments, and certificates to celebrate your achievement. Expert instructors and easy-to-follow courses. Access on your phone, tablet, or computer.
Getting started is easy: Visit the Waltham Forest Libraries website. Head to the eResources section and select Universal Class. Log in using your library card details and dive into your first course!
Take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills with no cost involved. It’s learning on your terms, whenever and wherever you want.
Top 5 book charts
Adult Fiction
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Dream Count: a Novel The Devils by Joe Abercrombie
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The Names by Florence Knapp
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The Children of Eve by John Connolly
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For Whom the Belle Tolls by Jaysea Lynn
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A Mind of Her Own by Danielle Steel
Heatseekers
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Evenings and Weekends by Oisin Mckenna
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The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
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Strangers in the Car by C.M. Ewan
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On the Calculation of Volume. Book I by Solvej Balle
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Consider Yourself Kissed by Jessica Stanley
Adult Non-Fiction
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Live to Eat: the Food You Crave, the Nutrition You Need by Emily English
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Tina: the Dog Who Changed the World by Niall Harbison
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Big Dunc: the Upfront Autobiography by Duncan Ferguson
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Ocean: Earth's Last Wilderness by David Attenborough
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Is a River Alive? by Robert MacFarlane
Children's
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Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
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Take Over the World! by Neill Cameron
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The Majorly Awkward BFF Dramas of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby
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Fearless by Lauren Roberts
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Watch Me by Tahereh Mafi
You received this newsletter because you signed up for news about libraries.
Email newsletters will be used to keep residents informed about what is happening in our borough so please encourage neighbours to also sign up to receive them.
There are now email newsletters set up for most of the Council's services plus regeneration sites across Waltham Forest so if you are interested in other services please sign up for those newsletters too.
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