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Some libraries will be closed on Thursday 7 May

N4 Library, and the children’s libraries at Mildmay and Finsbury libraries, will be closed on Thursday 7 May because they are being used as polling stations for the local elections. All other libraries will be open as normal.

Local council elections - Polling stations now open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 7 May

Here’s what you need to know to vote in person on Thursday 7 May.

  • Polling stations are open 7am to 10pm - check your poll card or the 'Where do I vote?' website for yours
  • Bring photo ID - you cannot vote without an accepted form of ID
  • You do not need your poll card - if you are registered, you can vote
  • All our polling stations are wheelchair accessible and staff are there to help
  • If you have a disability, find out what we can provide to help you vote at your polling station

Read all you need to know on our local council election 2026 page.

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Computers, internet and wifi

How you can access computers, the internet and other services at local libraries.

Computers

All of our libraries have public computers that you can access for free, and they have Microsoft Office software that you can use. You just log-on using your library membership number and your PIN number.

Staff can give you help to use our public computers. You can also book a longer, ‘one-to-one’ session (up to 30 minutes) if you are new to using a computer or if you need help with getting online. 

Get help with your own device

If you need help using your smartphone, tablet or digital camera, you can get free, one-to-one support at Central Library.

Internet access and WiFi

There is free internet access using Internet Explorer or Chrome on the library computers or use the free WiFi on your smart phone or tablet.

Printing and photocopying

You can print in colour or black and white (there is a charge for this) or scan to a USB stick for free. Check printing charges. 

Free mobile data SIM cards

As part of the National Databank scheme, we can help you get online with free mobile data SIM cards. The SIM cards have mobile data, minutes and texts allowances.

You can qualify for a card if you are over 18, from a low-income household and either you:

  • have no access or insufficient access to the internet at home or when away from home
  • cannot afford your existing monthly contract or top-up
  • receive benefits, either means-tested or Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Jobseekers Allowance - you must bring official proof of this.

Three different packages are available from Virgin Media 02, Vodafone and Three. You will not be asked to enter into a contract and will not need to pay any money to keep the SIM open.

Contact any of the following libraries for information:

Acceptable use policy

Please see our acceptable use policy on using public access computers, Wi-Fi and accessing the internet in our libraries.

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