These services are all free and include the loan of all categories of fiction and non fiction, spoken word cassettes, videos, DVDs, music cassettes and CDs. We have access to the entire range of the Havering Library Service's stock We compile an individual reader profile for each of our customers based on their reading preferences, which is regularly updated and allows us to provide our customers with the service they require. There is no restriction on the number of items that can be borrowed, we are happy to renew items and all items may be borrowed free of charge. In addition we are happy to take and supply requests free of charge.
We provide our service to any residential or care homes and have a wide range of books and audio-visual items to cater for all tastes and interests. Once again, the service is free and there is no restriction on the number of items that can be borrowed.
To avail yourself of this service or if you know of anyone who could benefit from it please ring 01708 434932 or pick up a leaflet from the library.
Spoken word (talking books)
If you like to be read to, you can choose from our wide selection of stories on tape.
There are also organisations who provide supplies of talking books. The charity Listening Booksprovides books on audio to anyone who suffers from an illness or disability and finds it difficult or impossible to hold or read a book. Their service works through a postal lending library.
Playaway audio books
The Library now has a collection of Audio Books on small digital devices called Playaway. Each device holds one complete book without the need to use CDs or Cassettes. The collections are mainly held at Rainham and South Hornchurch Libraries but can be requested from any branch in Havering and collected from the most convenient branch.
Large print books
For those who have difficulty reading normal print all our libraries stock books in larger print.
Accessibility aids - Kurzweil machine and page readers
Kurzweil machines- For those who have difficulty reading text our Kurzweil machines at the Central Lending Library and Hornchurch Library will read text to you.
IBM Home Page reader– this is available on all PN machines and is an aid for people with sight problems as it reads out internet pages.
For further information on accessibility aids contact Viv on 01708 342071.
Listening group at Rainham Library
Rainham have a listening group for people who prefer to listen to books on tape. This is held once a month. Please ring 01708 551905 for further details.