Where is the nearest library to my home?
There are 15 libraries in Ealing so there should be a library close to your home or place of work. There is also a mobile library service , which makes 43 regular stops around the borough. Please read the timetable to find a stop near your home.

What are the libraries' opening hours?
The opening hours of libraries in Ealing can differ according to the branch. Please note that most libraries, except Ealing Central Library, Acton and Southall Library are closed on Mondays.

Can I use other libraries with my Ealing ticket?
You can use your Ealing library service ticket at any library in the borough. The list of libraries in Ealing details the locations of each branch.

I am not able to get out easily or carry heavy books, how can I use the library service?
If you are housebound we can visit your home every four weeks and bring a selection of books, spoken word tapes, or videos of your choice.

Contact Robin Hawes at the Home Library Service on (020) 8567 3385 or email Rhawes@ealing.gov.uk for more information.

What if I can't get to the library to renew my books?
You do not have to visit the library to renew your items.
You can renew items in three ways:

in person at a library
by telephoning any library in the borough. We will need your library card or item bar code number. The telephone number of your local library can be found on the date label in the book
using our online catalogue. Simply request a PIN number from your local library and you will receive it by post within 10 days. You can then renew items from public access terminals at every library in the borough or over the internet.

You may renew items three times without bringing them back to the library. Please note that if items are reserved by another person they can only be renewed for a limited period. If you renew an audio-visual item, there will be a repeat hire charge.

What if an item isn't in my local library?
If an item isn't in your local library you can ask to reserve it by completing a card in the library or, if you are a member and have a PIN you can request it online on our library catalogue. We will search for the title, locate it, send it to your local branch and let you know when it's available. We can borrow from other library authorities and for specialist titles and journal articles we have access to the resources of the British Library. There is a charge of 75p for each reservation (28p senior citizens and leisure pass holders, free for under 16s).

What places of interest are there to visit in Ealing?
Check details of local attractions on the tourism section of our website.

At the library

Which services are provided for free?
Many of our services are completely free. You can borrow books, get a wide range of information and use our PCs for Internet access, email, checking information or using the Office software all completely without charge. There are charges for requesting items, borrowing CDs, DVDs and Videos and for printing from our PCs

Does my library have disabled access?
All Ealing's libraries have disabled access. There are ramps to all the libraries ground level services and where there are services on upper floors at Ealing Central, Acton and Southall libraries there are lifts provided.

There is a wheelchair friendly workstation at every library and all our PCs have software for the blind or visually impaired loaded on them.

Pitshanger Library has an induction loop for people with hearing aids.

Please ask a member of staff for help if you have difficulty accessing any of the services because of the library layout.

What about books which are not in your stock?
Yes, we can borrow books for you from other public or academic libraries or from the British Library. It may take longer to get the books this way, so please let our staff know if you have a deadline.

What happens to old library stock?
Old library stock that is in a reasonable condition is put on sale in libraries and sometimes we hold larger book sale events, which are advertised in the library and on our web pages.

Borrowing

What happens if I lose a book or other item I've borrowed?
If you lose an item you should contact the library as soon as possible so that you are not charged fines on that item. If you still cannot find the item you will be asked for a charge based on the cost of replacing that item and taking into account its age. Please note that if the item was overdue when you reported it lost you will be charged the outstanding fines.

What happens if I lose my ticket?
If you lose your ticket we will replace it for a charge of £1.80 for adults and 50p for children. The staff will usually ask you to complete a new joining form to ensure that your record is up to date.

How many items can I take out for how long?
Children aged 10 years and under may borrow up to 10 items, and young people aged 11 to 15 years may borrow up to 15 items. Young people aged 16 and 17 years and adults may borrow up to 15 items including some CDs, DVDs and videos. Libraries also have reference books, which can only be used in the library.

How do I find the book I want?
If you visit one of our libraries the staff there will be pleased to help you find any book you want. You can also use one of our public access computers to check the catalogue for yourself. You can search by author, title or keywords. If you have internet access at home you can also search for books and other items on our online catalogue.

Can I donate my unwanted books to the library?
Many people like to donate their unwanted books to the library. We are grateful for this support, but please note that we can only add items to our stock that are in good condition.

Can we borrow a set of scores for our choir or orchestra?
Yes, we have a wide range of vocal sets in stock and we can also borrow from other libraries. For more information call the Music Office on (020) 8825 7126 or email our music librarian, Glynis Hillier at ghillier@ealing.gov.uk

Do you lend books, music and videos in languages other than English?
Yes, there are a range of collections in different languages:

Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi and Urdu at Ealing Central, Acton, Southall (the largest collection), Greenford, West Ealing and Jubilee Gardens libraries
Tamil collections at Southall, Greenford and West Ealing Libraries
Arabic collection at Ealing Central and Acton Libraries.
Pashtu collection at Ealing Central Library
Polish books at Acton and Ealing Central libraries

Find out more about our services to ethnic and refugee groups contact:
Shahid Hussain, Library Support Centre, Horsenden Lane South, Greenford UB6 8AP.
Tel: (020) 8810 7650
Email: shussain@ealing.gov.uk

My items are overdue - will I have to pay fines?
All borrowers aged 16 and over are charged fines on all items returned or renewed after the date they are due back. For books, cassettes, CDs, language courses, talking books, educational and children's videos the fine is 16p per day. For all other videos and DVDs the fine is £1 per day.

I need a back copy of a newspaper. Can you help?
Yes, at the Central Reference Library we have back files of a wide range of daily newspapers. You can look at The Times from 1785, mostly on micro-fiche, and there are also files of up to a year of the other broad-sheets. We also have shorter files of the popular tabloids. We have copies on micro-fiche of local newspapers from 1854 except for the last 18 months which are currently being microfilmed. Copies from the last six months are held at central reference department. To find out if we have exactly what you want contact the Central Reference Library (020) 8567 3656.

Services

How do I join the library?
To join a library and borrow books is free - just visit your local branch or print and complete the application card (pdf) and bring this to any library with proof of your signature, for example a credit card or passport. If you're under 16 you'll need to get a recommender to complete the relevant part of the form. If you wish to use the internet the recommender must tick the relevant box.

Once you've joined you can borrow from any of Ealing's libraries and return loans to any branch. Books are free but there is a small charge for audio-visual items.

How old do you have to be to join the library?
We welcome people of any age to join the library. Babies of any age can join (with their parents' help) and become part of our Bookstart scheme, encouraging them to enjoy books from an early age.

How do I get a PIN?
If you are a member of Ealing Library Service you can request a PIN on a public access Viewpoint terminal at any library in the borough. You need only type in your membership number and then your postcode to request the PIN. We will send your PIN in secure stationery within ten days. If you are not sure which terminal to use or need any help, please ask the staff in the library, who will be happy to help you.

Do you lend music, videos and DVDs?
Yes, Ealing's libraries stock a range of audio and visual items as follows:

CDs are available at Ealing Central, Acton, Southall, Greenford and West Ealing libraries at £1 (£2 for boxed set) for a two week loan
DVDs are available at all libraries at £2 for a one week loan (adult) and £1 per week (childrens). Non-fiction titles of all kinds will cost £1 per week.

What children's activities do the libraries run?
Every library has a weekly storytime - ring your local library for details. Libraries also hold special events for children during the school holidays. Events are usually free.

Are there events for adults in libraries?
Yes, we arrange a variety of events and book promotions throughout the year including reading related competitions, themed promotions and talks by authors. These are advertised in libraries.

Can I join a reading group?
Yes, there are regular reading groups at Greenford, Hanwell, Northfields, Northolt and Pitshanger libraries. Please contact individual libraries for further details.

Can I get on the internet in a library?
Yes, you can use our PCs and access the Internet free in all our libraries. We have 95 PCs for the public to use and all have Internet access, Microsoft Office and software for the visually impaired. There are also flatbed scanners you can use and black and white or colour printing in every library. Prints are 10p per sheet for b/w and 30p for colour.

How do I find out what clubs meet in the area?
All libraries have lists of local clubs and societies covering all interests. You can ask a member of staff for a printed list, look it up on a PC, or telephone a library for information. Local community information is available on a PC in any library.

Can I get details about my family history?
We have a wide range of information, such as census returns from the 16th century, local directories, electoral registers going back to 1890, local newspapers from 1854 and much more at the Ealing Local History Centre , 103 Ealing Broadway Centre (first floor), The Broadway, W5 5JY. A full list of our resources is available or contact our borough archivist and local history librarian, Dr Jonathan Oates, on (020) 8825 8194 or email joates@ealing.gov.uk .

The Local History Centre is open: Tues, Wed, Thurs 9am-7.45pm; Fri and Sat 9am-5pm; Sun and Mon closed; lunchtime closures 1pm-2pm. To avoid disappointment we recommend that you make an appointment.

Do you have any halls for hire?
The hall on the first floor of Hanwell Library is available for hire. Please contact Carol Hill on (020) 8567 5041 or email Chill@ealing.gov.uk for further details.

Acton Library has a community room, which is an ideal venue for reading clubs and parents' groups. For further information or to make a booking, please telephone Anna McQuinn on (020) 8752 0999 on Tue, Wed or Thu.

Other council-owned halls are also available for hire.

Local history

Do I need to book an appointment?
It depends on what it is you want to look at. Generally speaking the answer is no, but if you are travelling from a long way, it is worth checking if we have what you want. Also, there are a number of archives which are held off site, such as council committee minute books and some World War Two records. These must be ordered in advance of any visit.

I cannot get to the library – can you do my research for me?
Unfortunately we do not have the staff time to do research work on your behalf. We can look up one entry in an electoral register, or check in the indexes, but cannot do any prolonged work. You will need to ask someone to come in on your behalf. If necessary, we can give the name and address of a reputable local researcher who you can pay to do the work for you.

My ancestors came from Ealing – can you help me?
Almost certainly. It depends how much information you already know and what sort of information you want to discover. There is a list of principal genealogical sources on the local history web page, all of which can be viewed at the library.

How old is my house?
There are a number of sources which you can use at the library. If the house was built after c.1886, the directories will be useful in order to find when the property is first listed – it is likely the house was built just before that year. Prior to 1886, the census returns and maps will help pin down the date, but probably not exactly. For the early nineteenth and eighteenth centuries, there are rate books, but these are less easy to use.
Ealing Building Inspection Books, 1906-1979. These name the builder and give exact dates when foundations and other parts of the house were inspected. Extensions and garages are also noted, as are industiral premises. N.B. They only cover those parts of the London Borough of Ealing after they became part of Ealing thus nothing for Hanwell, Greenford and Perivale before 1926; for Northolt before 1928 and for Acton and Southall before 1965.

Who lived in my house before I did?
There are three main sources of information to answer this question. The electoral registers which date back to 1890 are the best single source, though we have none for Southall before 1965 and few for Hanwell and Greenford before 1945. These will list all adults eligible to vote. Then there are the directories which cover 1853-1975, but they only cover Southall from 1914-1935 and Acton from 1887-1955. These only list heads of household. Finally, there are the census returns for 1841-1901 which cover the whole of the borough and give details about all occupants.

What did my area look like in the past?
We have maps and photographs covering the whole of the borough, but some areas are less represented in pictures than others, especially to the north of the borough, compared to the main streets in Southall, Hanwell, Ealing and Acton. You will need to visit the library to see these, though we do sell postcards and maps of parts of the borough.

Why was my street given its name?
We have a number of booklets about the origins of street names in Ealing, Acton, Southall and Hanwell. In these books, the streets are listed in alphabetical order with the author's estimate of who the street is named after.

Do you have current information about groups and events in the borough?
No. All the information we have is historical. You will need to contact the reference library, whose community information leaflets cover many contemporary topics of interest.

Do you have up-to-date maps?
Not as far as the Ordnance Survey maps go – you would need to contact the Ordnance Survey via their web site. We do have a series of plans of the main shopping districts in the borough – Ealing Broadway, West Ealing, Southall, Acton High Street and Greenford Broadway.

Was my street bombed in World War Two?
We have lists of property which was damaged by bombing for all the borough except for Southall, where if any records were kept, they have not survived. The book for Acton is arranged in date order and gives brief details as to date, type of bomb, extent of damage. The equivalent book for Ealing is alphabetically indexed and gives a similar summary, but further details (wardens' reports) are available by appointment. We also have lists of local people killed in the bombing. Except for the wardens' reports, everything else is at the library.

Are/were there any famous people in Ealing?
Yes. We do have a list, which provides a summary of their life, achievements and their connection with Ealing. This is available at the library and can be copied.

Do you keep school registers/admission books?
No. Except in six cases. These are for the Biscoe School, 1860-1950, Rothschild's Infants and Junior Schools, 1936-1964, Acton Special School, 1915-1971, Ealing County Boys' School, 1913-c1990, Wood End Infants' School, 1939-1966, Southfields Infant and Junior Schools, 1906-1909. Other such records may be still at the school or may have been lost or destroyed.

My ancestor was an inmate of the Central District ('Cuckoo') School/Middlesex ('Hanwell') County Asylum – where are the records?
We do not have these records. They are held at the London Metropolitan Archives, 40 Northampton Road, London EC1R 0HB. However, we do have census returns which will list inmates and staff who were there on census nights.

My ancestor was at the North Hyde St. Mary's Catholic Boys' School – where are the records?
We have very little information about this school and virtually none about its inmates. Enquiries about the school should be directed to The Catholic Children's Society (Westminster), 73 St. Charles Square, Ladbroke Grove, London W10 6EJ.

Do you have any information about children who were brought up in children's homes in the borough?
Unfortunately not. There were charitable institutions that no longer exist, and any records created have been lost or destroyed .

Do you have any information about the inmates of workhouses?
The local poor who were sent to workhouses after the New Poor Law of 1834 were sent to the one at Isleworth and the records are held at the London Metropolitan Archives.

My ancestor worked for the council/was a councillor. What information do you have about him/her?
Council minute books and newspaper indexes often mention councillors and senior council officials, such as surveyors and engineers. They should give dates of appointment to various posts and there may be obituary or retirement notices. We have lists of mayors of Ealing, Acton and Southall. More humble employees tend to be mentioned far less frequently, but minute books often refer to appointments of new staff. Since the minute books of committees are held off site, an appointment is needed to view these.

For further information telephone (020) 8825 8194 or email joates@ealing.gov.uk .