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Our libraries are vibrant spaces designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of reading among children and young people. Whether you’re looking for exciting books, fun activities, or a safe place to learn and explore, we have something for everyone.
From storytimes and homework help to digital resources and creative workshops, our services are tailored to support learning and development at every stage. We aim to make the library a welcoming environment where young minds can grow, friendships can flourish, and imaginations can run free.
Discover our dedicated spaces for children and teens, packed with books, games, and interactive experiences. Join us for events that celebrate reading, creativity, and community - and let the library be your gateway to endless possibilities.
Listening to audiobooks brings stories to life for children, helping them experience how words on a page can sound and feel. It encourages focused listening, provides a clear model of fluent reading, and supports the development of strong listening skills without interruptions.
When reading eBooks, the “Define Vocabulary” feature is a fantastic tool for building understanding. If you come across a word you’re unsure about, simply use this option to learn its meaning instantly - making reading both fun and educational.
All you need is your Barking and Dagenham Libraries membership to start reading or listening today!
At Barking and Dagenham Libraries, we’re passionate about helping parents, carers, and families share the joy of reading with children from the very earliest days. Reading together regularly - starting in the early years and continuing as they grow - has powerful, life-changing benefits. It builds language skills, sparks imagination, and strengthens bonds that last a lifetime.
BookTrust is the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, dedicated to making reading a part of every childhood. Through a wide range of programmes and support, they help children and families start and continue sharing stories together. Working with thousands of local partners, BookTrust reaches communities across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to inspire a lifelong love of reading.
BookTrust offers free packs to help families with children aged 0–5 who have additional needs. Alongside the standard Bookstart Baby, Toddler, and Pre-schooler packs, these specialist packs are available:
Please speak to your midwife, health visitor, healthcare professional, or a member of our library staff to find out more about these BookTrust packs.
Learn more about BookTrust and its programmes: https://www.booktrust.org.uk
Calibre Audio is a national charity that has been opening up the world of reading since 1974. They support people with print disabilities by providing access to thousands of audiobooks - keeping the joy, comfort and possibilities of reading within everyone’s reach. Conditions they support include:
Calibre Audio has a growing collection of over 23,000 audiobooks for all ages and interests - from children’s favourites and YA fiction, to bestsellers, non-fiction and classics.
You can borrow as many audiobooks as you like and listen in the way that suits you best.
Calibre Audio service is:
Learn more about Calibre Audio: https://www.calibreaudio.org.uk/
Oxford Owl is a free service designed to support parents and carers with learning at home. Created by the team at Oxford University Press, it offers a wide range of eBooks, activities, and resources for every stage of your child’s learning journey. Whether at home, in the classroom, or beyond, Oxford Owl provides inspiration and practical tools to help children learn, grow, and flourish.
Explore by subject or browse by age group to find the perfect resources for your child.
Visit Oxford Owl: https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk
Cerebra offers a specialist postal library with a wide range of books for both adults and children, along with a selection of toys specially chosen for children with brain conditions. This free service is available to anyone in the UK caring for a child with a brain condition and is simple and easy to use.
Find out more and access the service here: https://www.cerebra.org.uk
The resources below have been sourced from Camden Libraries.
NASA-JPL – science, engineering, math, technology and much more.
SkillBuilder - home learning - their Home Learning Hub has resources on:
GoNoodle - movement and mindfulness exercises for kids.