The traditional role of providing books for loan and reference still remains at the centre of library provision, but there are many more services on offer, including CD and video loans, books on tape, language courses and community information. All libraries offer a range of materials to support learning at all stages in people s lives, whether to provide a baby s first experience of sharing a book, helping youngsters with their homework or by providing books and other resources for adults studying at further and higher education. In this case, helpful staff will guide the student in finding the information needed from reference books. It is intended to extend this facility to all libraries in the near future. If a subject or information needs to be researched, Barking Central Library has a wide range of general and specialist books and materials available for consultation in the reference library.
All libraries offer space for personal study.
If a specific book is not in stock in the borough, it is usually possible to obtain it from another library service for a small fee. Staff are always on hand to help. The range of resources available includes community information, citizen s advice leaflets, business, legal and consumer information and a full range of local and family history materials. Details of education courses, both local and nationwide, are always available. Smaller collections of reference items are provided at other libraries as well as a selection of magazines and newspapers.