Residents get access to millions of books as Haringey completes The Libraries Consortium membership

Haringey residents can borrow and return items to and from 321 libraries in 23 local council areas across London and the South East from today (Monday 6 March) after the council’s libraries service completed its journey to membership of the Libraries Consortium.

A new-look online library catalogue will now give Haringey library members access to millions more items of stock, with a greater diversity of material.

With Haringey Libraries completing the membership process, library members in other local authority areas covered by the consortium will also have access to Haringey Libraries diverse range of material.  Joining The Libraries Consortium makes us part of a single powerful brand that exists to enrich all our communities.

Haringey Libraries currently offers access to over 250,000 books and over 6,000 eAudio and eBook titles for residents.  By joining The Libraries Consortium, Haringey library members now gain access to nearly 8 million books. Haringey residents can access books and eStock from across the consortium. Residents can borrow from or return books to any of the 300+ libraries including neighbouring boroughs - Waltham Forest, Hackney, and Enfield.

Cllr Zena Brabazon, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said:

“I’m delighted our libraries service has completed the journey to membership of The Libraries Consortium. It’s been a long process, but it’s been worth it. Our residents now have access to nearly 8 million books and 321 libraries across London and the South East, all from one library membership. It is fantastic, opening up so many more avenues for learning, study and reading for pleasure.

“We know just how important our libraries are to our communities here in Haringey, and we will continue to work together with residents to make sure that the services we provide are as accessible as possible and meet the needs of local people.”

Haringey library users can access their accounts and find more information, including helpful how-to videos, on the Haringey Libraries website: https://libraries.haringey.gov.uk/

The council is currently undertaking a major improvement programme in libraries, investing over £4.9 million over a 4 year period. Alexandra Park Library recently reopened following significant renovation works, while Highgate Library is currently closed while it undergoes major enhancements which include installing a new lift and accessible toilet, new bespoke lighting, new furniture, interior redecoration and a reconfigured floorplan.