Southend Libraries
Southend is home to 6 libraries, offering free access to thousands of books, internet services, online book groups and children's Storyrhymes sessions.
eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, digital newspapers and lots more are available FREE on your digital device. Simply download the apps (info available on the library website) then sign in with your Southend Library card to access.
Need a Library card? No problem – just sign up online here. Then click ‘register’ in the top right corner to sign up on a computer, or click the 3 bars on the top of the screen to register on a mobile device or tablet.
Summer Reading Challenge 2025
Summer Reading Challenge 2025 ‘Story Garden’
Thursday 24th July – Saturday 30th August
Join Southend Libraries this summer for a FREE holiday reading activity, encouraging children of all ages to keep reading through the summer break from school.
This year’s theme is Story Garden – Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors. This exciting new theme will inspire children to tap into a world of imagination through reading, exploring the magical connection between storytelling and nature.
You can register to begin your reading journey on our Super Saturday Sign-Up days: 12th & 19th July from 10am – 1pm, or anytime during the challenge.
You’ll receive a Sticker Booklet and earn a sticker for each book you read.
When you have read 3 books you’ll receive a bookmark, and when you have read 6 books, you’ll receive a medal, certificate, and entry into a prize draw for tickets from our sponsors.
All 6 Southend Library venues will be taking part in the event.
Volunteers will be on hand to chat about the books you have read, Monday – Friday, 10am – 1pm + 2pm – 3.30pm, on Saturdays 10am – 1pm, plus 2pm – 3.30pm at The Forum.
Clubs at Southend Libraries
Brick-Building sessions
Saturday Brick-Building sessions every week from 10am – 12pm. These free drop-in sessions are held across four libraries: Leigh, Kent Elms, Shoeburyness and Southchurch.
The Crafty Ones
A friendly knitting and crochet group who meet at The Forum on Thursdays from 11am – 3pm
‘Why not join our friendly knitting and crochet drop-in sessions. Learn a new skill, enjoy the company of likeminded people, share your knowledge and mindfully breathe.’
Board Game Club
Takes place on the last Saturday of every month at the Forum from 12:30pm – 4:30pm
Everyone welcome!
Games supplied or bring your own. Roleplaying group onsite
Scrabble Club
Join us for a game of Scrabble on the first Saturday of each month, from 2pm – 4pm.
Sessions are free to attend and boards are provided.
Interested? Simply sign up at the Leigh Library Welcome Desk.
Suitable for all adults and children over 10 years of age.
Leigh Chess Mates
Join us at Leigh Library on the last Saturday of the month, from 11am – 1pm.
Sessions are free to attend and boards are provided.
Suitable for adults and children over 5 years of age.
For more details ask at the Leigh Library Welcome Desk or email: leighlibrary@southend.gov.uk
Knit and Natter
Takes place every Friday at Southchurch from 10am – 11am
Puzzle Swap
Avoid the cost of purchasing a new Jigsaw Puzzle by dropping by and swapping your unfinished and unused puzzles with other puzzle enthusiasts. All welcome – just drop by between 10am – 2pm.
This monthly session takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at Kent Elms Library.