3M Cloud Library

Our Cloud eLibrary contains hundreds of eBooks and eAudiobooks that are free to download and more are being added all the time; all you need is a library membership card, PIN and an internet connection.

Items from the Cloud eLibrary can be read on tablets and smartphones by simply downloading the 3M Cloud Library app from your app store. Items can also be transferred to most eBook Readers (except Kindle eReaders) or simply read on your computer.

You can download up to 10 items from the eLibrary at one time which is in addition to the physical items you can borrow on your library card. eBooks will expire automatically from your account and will not accrue overdue charges.

Items from the Cloud eLibrary can be downloaded for 21 days and returned early using your app and/or your library card and PIN.

OverDrive eLibrary

Our OverDrive eLibrary contains hundreds of eBooks and eAudiobooks that are free to download; all you need is a library membership card, PIN and an internet connection.

Items from the Overdrive eLibrary can be read on tablets and smartphones by simply downloading the Overdrive Library app from your app store. Items can also be transferred to most eBook Readers (except Kindle eReaders) or simply read on your computer.

You can download up to 5 items from the eLibrary at one time which is in addition to the physical items you can borrow on your library card.

eBooks will expire automatically from your account and will not accrue overdue charges.

Most items from the eLibrary can be downloaded for 7, 14 or 21 days and returned early using your using your app and/or your library card and PIN.

Naxos Music Library

Naxos Music Library has over one million tracks online from classical music to Jazz, Blues and World. To listen, just search for the track or album you want, tick the box and press play selection.

Naxos Spoken Word

Naxos Spoken Word Online lets you listen to hundreds of books online. Audiobooks are broken down into short chapters so you can listen to the whole book at once or a chapter at a time.

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What is a reading group?

A reading group is a group of people who meet regularly to discuss books they are all reading. They range from an informal meeting of friends who know each other to organised gatherings set up in libraries and bookshops.

Discussions are focused on sharing personal experiences about the book you have read, your favourite bits, how it made you feel, whether or not you liked the characters etc. It doesn’t even matter if you don’t manage to finish the book, just come along and hear what others have to say. It’s all about relaxing and having fun.

Reading groups are a good way to meet new people and share your passion for reading. They are a great way to try out a range of different books and authors, developing and challenging your reading habits. Groups can read anything from crime to poetry, graphic novels to classics, or focus on a particular genre.

Create your own…

Richmond upon Thames libraries are keen to support and encourage local reading groups. Find out what we can do for your group by downloading our support pack.

We will provide the facilitator of your group with a reading group membership card. Books can be issued for an extended loan period of up to 8 weeks, if required. In order to register your group email promotions@richmond.gov.uk or ring 020 8734 3325 - we will need the following information: name of reading group; name of contact person; email; telephone; address; book collection branch; number of members in the reading group.

Once you’re registered you will be able to easily browse available book titles from home by looking at our list of booksets. This list is regularly updated with new sets so make sure you check the online version for new additions. The booksets are kept centrally for loan to reading groups and can be requested by emailing promotions@richmond.gov.uk in advance and listing two or three title choices in order of preference, the number of copies you require for your group and the library you would like to collect them from.

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How does it work?

Once you have been enrolled for the service, a member of the library staff will contact you and fill in a detailed questionnaire about your reading tastes and the items you would like to borrow.

You will then be visited every six weeks at a regular time by a volunteer who will deliver your books, audiobooks, CDs or DVDs. There is no charge for any part of the service.

What may I borrow?

All library materials may be borrowed by members of the Home Library Service, including:

• Novels – in standard or large print, hardbacks and paperbacks,
• Non-fiction books,
• Books on hobbies and interests,
• Books on health and your rights,
• Books on history and travel,
• Audiobooks,
• Music compact discs,
• DVDs.

You may ask at any time for particular books that you would like to read. There may be a waiting list for the more popular titles.

The library will also try to provide you with any information you need – about the Council, the local area, welfare rights, transport, what’s on… You only have to ask.

How do I join?

If you are interested in joining the Home Library Service or know someone who is, let us know.

• Email: information@richmond.gov.uk
• Telephone: 020 8734 3308
• Write to: Library Headquarters, The Cottage, Little Green, Richmond, TW9 1QH

The Home Library Service can only reach a limited number of people at any one time. It is therefore important that the service is provided for those people who need it most. This means that you may be asked to wait until there is a place available on the waiting list at your nearest library.

Taster sessions in Richmond Reference Library

Getting Started

Mouse Skills, Keyboard Skills, Introduction to the Internet

Using the Internet

Internet Basics, Email (Hotmail, Gmail and Yahoo!), Searching the Internet

Online Plus

Online Shopping and Banking, Research Your Family History, Homework and Study

Social Networking

Facebook, Twitter, Blogs

Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Presentations

Word, Excel Basics, PowerPoint Basics

Other Practical Applications

Digital Cameras, Photo Editing, Scanning, Burning and Ripping CDs and DVDs, Organising Your Folders and Files

For more details download our Taster Sessions leaflet (pdf, 487KB), call the Information and eServices Team on 020 8734 3308 or visit us at Richmond Reference Library.

Self Learning Guides

If you want to learn or practice on your own we recommend www.learnmyway.com and www.bbc.co.uk/webwise which both offer excellent courses for beginners and improvers. From keyboard and mouse to setting up an email account these websites cover all the basics.

Taster sessions in libraries

A range of IT taster sessions are also available in libraries, either at set times or by arrangement. Please contact your local library for further details or to book a session.

Taster Sessions

Old Town Hall

Three of the rooms at the Old Town Hall are available for hire:

• Riverside Room
• Whittaker Ellis Suite
• Seminar Room

Find out more information about the rooms here (including photographs, room layout and hire details).

For further information and to make a booking contact:

Facilities Manager
Old Town Hall
Whittaker Avenue
Richmond
TW9 1TP

Email: oldtownhall@richmond.gov.uk
Tel: 0208 734 3310

Twickenham Library

Two of the rooms at Twickenham Library are available for hire.

• The Arthur Burrell Room with seating for up to 45 people.
• An office with a capacity for up to eight people, ideal for interviews or book groups.

Room hire may be available when the library is closed, alternative rates apply.

For further information, to enquire about availability or to make a booking contact:

Community Libraries Manager
Garfield Road
Twickenham
TW1 3JT

Email: twickenham.library@richmond.gov.uk
Tel: 020 8734 3340