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Libraries / London / Greenwich / Community support

Greenwich Libraries

Community support

Our libraries are a safe space. Whatever you're struggling with, you can visit one of our Greenwich libraries for any kind of support.

From finances to careers, we offer a variety of advice groups and free guidance for those in need. We also run a range of support groups that everyone in the community can come and be a part of, no matter their situation. See how Better can support you or someone you know below.

Jump to

Advice and guidance
Financial support and advice
Support for businesses

Advice and guidance

From money matters and legal advice to support with training and searching for employment, 
you'll find both drop-in and bookable services available at your library.

Health Hubs

Our trained librarians are on hand to take your blood pressure and use our intelligent scales to offer you a health report. Our staff can recommend you a helpful title to help you on your health journey. These happen weekly at the Woolwich Centre Library. If would like to book a Health Hub check at another library on a day that suits you email patrick.malone@gll.org

Wednesdays: Woolwich Centre Library 10am-12pm

Library Of Things

Woolwich Library of Things is a place where you can borrow useful household items for DIY, cleaning, gardening, events, entertainment and more for a few pounds per day. Pick your items here.

ReaderPen

ReaderPen is a convenient portable tool to support independent reading and literacy. Scan text with this state-of-the-art device to have words read out with natural speaking voices and defined with highest tier dictionaries in an instant. ReaderPen also features a voice recorder and supports to store scanned text.
Everything is built-in and there is no need or requirement for internet connection.
To loan a ReaderPen email greenwichacquistions@gll.org 


Reading Groups

We have friendly Reading Groups for members to make new friends and discuss what they have been reading. We recommend that you contact the library hosting the reading group you want to attend before the session to learn what they are reading.

  • Abbey Wood Library, last Monday of the month 6-7pm 

  • Blackheath Library, last Thursday of the month 11am-12 noon 

  • Blackheath Library, last Monday of the month 2.30pm-4pm 

  • Blackheath Library, first Monday of the month 6-7pm 

  • Charlton House Library, last Thursday of the month 11.30am-12.30pm 

  • Charlton House Library, first Thursday of the month 5.45pm-6.45pm 

  • Eltham Centre Library, first Thursday of the month 5.30-6.30pm 

  • Greenwich Centre Library, Sci-fi group, second to last Wednesday of the month 6pm-7pm 

  • Greenwich Centre Library, last Wednesday of the month 6pm-7pm 

  • Greenwich Centre Library, second Thursday of the month 6pm-7pm 

  • New Eltham Library, fourth Thursday of the month 5.30pm-6.30pm 

  • New Eltham Library, second Friday of the month 

  • Plumstead Centre Library, third Monday of the month 6pm-7pm 

  • Slade Centre Library, last Thursday of the month 6pm-7pm 

  • Thamesmere Centre Library, second Thursday of the month 6pm-7pm 

  • West Greenwich Library, second Monday of the month 5.45pm-7pm 

  • West Greenwich Library, fortnightly, 2-4pm, fluent French speakers only 

  • Woolwich Centre Library, African Carribean group, third Wednesday of the month 12.30pm-1.30pm 

  • Woolwich Centre Library, last Friday of the month 5.30pm-6.30pm 

Community IT sessions

From printing to accessing information online, get all of your computer questions answered at one of our weekly community IT sessions. You are advised to contact your local library before attending a session, to check they have spaces.

Mondays
Plumstead Centre Library 11am-12pm
Thamesmere Library 11am-12pm
Slade Centre Library 11am-12pm
Abbey Wood Library 2pm-3pm

Tuesdays
West Greenwich Library 9am-10am
Coldharbour Library 11.30am-1pm

Wednesdays
Woolwich Centre Library 11am-12pm

Thursdays
Eltham Centre Library 10am-11am
Woolwich Centre Library 2pm-3pm
Charlton Library 4pm-5pm

Saturdays
Eltham Centre Library 9.30am-10.30am
New Eltham Library 10am-11am
Thamesmere Library 11am-12pm

English language groups

If you're learning English for the first time, you can work on your speaking skills in these supportive groups. You must contact the library before attending to ensure there are spaces and are the appropriate level.

Woolwich Centre Library
Monday 10.30am-11.30am
Monday 5.30pm-6.45pm

All advice and guidance

Financial support and advice

Need help with money matters? Find supportive groups and expert advice at Greenwich libraries.

The Citizen's Advice Bureau

The Citizen's Advice Bureau runs a range of sessions to give you guidance on a range of financial issues. Topics can include benefits, debt, banking, pensions and budgeting. We have weekly slots at Plumstead Centre Library on Thursdays, 11am-12pm, but these must be booked in advance through the Citizen's Advice Bureau.

Cost of living support

Also run by the Citizen's Advice Bureau, these dedicated sessions can help you manage the rising cost of living, with advice on budgeting and support if you're struggling.

Barclays drop-in sessions

Get advice from the banking experts at Barclays at these friendly drop-in sessions. Whether you need help with online banking or want to learn more about your account options, come along. Book your place here. Spots are available 10AM-5PM Tuesday-Friday and 10am-4pm on Saturdays at the Greenwich Centre Library.

Looking for more support? Browse all financial advice and guidance services below.

Find financial support

Support for businesses

Whether you're new to running a business or want to grow your network, you'll find plenty of career support across Greenwich libraries.
 

Start Up Greenwich

If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or have just started your own business, we run a free workshops across Greenwich for business owners.

Learn more

COBRA resources

As a library member, you can access The Complete Business Reference Adviser (COBRA) website, full of tips on how to start and run a business.

Learn more

Local business events

From workshops to community sessions, we run meetings and events at libraries across Greenwich so you can grow your business.

What our members say

"I don't think I'd be where I am without the support of Start-up Greenwich. I know I can run my ideas past my start-up advisers whenever I need to. They always give me good advice."

Liam Carlton

"I'm really rubbish with computers so it's great to have the IT drop in session so nearby! I can go and ask my questions without any judgement and the helpers always work with me to get it sorted."

Suzie Jones

"As a mum of two, the cost of living crisis definitely hit us hard. The financial advice sessions at West Greenwich Library have been a lifesaver. Now I know how to budget properly and make my money last."

Gina Peratti

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