Southend Libraries

07/09/2026

Call for Artists! 📣📣📣
Applications are invited to exhibit in The People's Gallery at The Forum - a purpose-built exhibition space in the centre of our city - for our exciting 2027 schedule.
Visit: https://southend.spydus.co.uk for full details and a link to the online application form.
Deadline for applications: Wednesday 30th September 2026
First time exhibitors are particularly welcome to apply.

06/09/2026

Have Your Say on the Future of Southchurch Library

Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking the views of residents, library users, local organisations and stakeholders on the future location of Southchurch Library, which serves the Southend Central East area.

Southchurch Library is a valued community resource, providing access to books, information, digital services, learning opportunities and community activities. It also offers a welcoming civic space for residents to connect, learn and access support. We want to ensure these services remain accessible, sustainable and fit for the future.

Whilst options have been explored, no decision has been made about the future location of the library. This consultation is your opportunity to tell us what matters most to you and help inform the Council's decision-making process.

Physical copies of the survey are available at Southchurch Library and drop-in events supporting the consultation will also be held. The consultation will run until Sunday 4th October.

Visit the online survey at: https://tinyurl.com/52uhs4uy

05/09/2026

Visit the library... to watch some theatre! 🎭
The National Theatre Collection 1 draws on 10 years of NT Live broadcasts, alongside high-quality archive recordings never previously seen outside of the NT's Archive. Access 30 filmed performances via the public computers at your local Southend Library!
Discover more about the collection along with useful learning resources at: https://www.dramaonlinelibrary.com/national-theatre-collection

05/09/2026

Visit the library... to watch some TV! 📺
BFI Replay provides FREE access to a wide range of films and television programmes within public libraries.
The content ranges from the 1960s to the 2010s with digitised films that “offer a glimpse into Britain’s past, the people and places; recording and revealing an era of rapid social, industrial, political and technological change.” Popular highlights include: Crossroads, Metal Mickey, Emmerdale and Brookside. You'll also discover compelling factual content in ground-breaking documentaries, interviews and profiles of Actors, Writers and Filmmakers.
You can access BFI Replay for free using our People's Network computers - simply follow the desktop shortcut, or please ask a member of staff for assistance.

04/09/2026

Crafty Kids, you'll be in a spin if you join us at Library tomorrow. 😊
With Creative Spinning Crafts, we'll keep summer alive! 😎
Saturday 5th September, from 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm.
£1 per child. All materials provided (while stocks last). Suitable for ages 4+ with parent/carer supervision.

04/09/2026

Customer Notice
Shoeburyness Library will be closed tomorrow, Saturday 5th September, due to unforeseen circumstances.
Usual service will resume on Monday 7th September.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

Two unlimited edition eAudio titles have been added to our BorrowBox collection this month.

'The Good Father' by Liam McIlvanney:
'What could be worse than your child disappearing? An emotional, whipsmart and brilliantly clever thriller about a child's disappearance, and the disintegration of a family in the aftermath.'

'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams:
'Losing your planet isn't the end of the world'. The intergalactic adventures of Arthur Dent begin one ordinary Thursday lunchtime in this classic comedy sci-fi. Narrated by Stephen Fry, this edition is not to be missed... 'DON'T PANIC' we've plenty to go round!

Visit: https://southend.borrowbox.com/ to download today.

04/09/2026

Raising awareness of recovery and addiction this National Recovery Month, the Aspirations Program present a timely and inspiring exhibition of works in The People's Gallery at The Forum.

Local artists with personal experience, or who may have been personally affected by issues of addiction and recovery have generously contributed works for this special exhibition and auction, which is free to view throughout September.

To find out more about the Aspirations Program and the work they do, visit: https://www.aspirationsprogram.org.uk/

03/09/2026

We set the challenge and once again the children of our city rose to meet it, with unfailing enthusiasm, humour, determination and a demonstrable love of reading!
Here is a before and after comparison of The Forum's Summer Reading Challenge Completer's Board. ✨😍✨
Well done everyone - all at Southend Libraries would like to thank you for making our summer a very special one! ✨😎✨🥰✨