Southwark Libraries

About us

Southwark is renowned for its vibrant, world-class performing and visual arts, history and heritage, and for a successful library service that consistently ranks among the best in London for loans and visits. We have twelve libraries, a home library service, and a thriving 24/7 online library service that includes eBooks, eAudiobooks, newspapers and magazines.

All libraries have dedicated children's areas and free baby and toddler sessions with storytelling, singing and craft activities. With holiday reading challenges, story times, rhyme times, homework clubs and author visits, there is always something exciting for children to do.

From Shakespeare to Spiderman, we've got it covered! With an extensive range of modern and classic fiction as well as crime, science fiction, black writing, graphic novels and romance, we're sure to have a book for any library visitor. All of our libraries offer free computer and internet access, and also free Wi-Fi and study spaces. We have DVDs in all libraries and CDs at the larger sites.

There's so much going on in Southwark Libraries, from book groups to author talks and film screenings. Whatever visitors are interested in, from creative writing to computer skills, there will be something suitable happening. Most of our libraries have rooms available for hire, and Canada Water Library has a 100+ seat theatre. More information about all the services we offer can be found here: https://www.southwark.gov.uk/libraries

Your library card is now also your Southwark Presents access to culture card, with card holders receiving great offers and discounts from our cultural partners. More information on Southwark Presents can be found here: Southwark Presents