The Essex Libraries mobile library bus is coming to Colchester Campus

Our Library Services team have partnered with Essex Libraries to bring their mobile library onto campus!

Students and staff told us that they wanted more ways to consume fiction on campus, so starting Thursday 3 October and running on a three-weekly basis throughout the 2024-25 academic year, the Essex Libraries mobile library bus (part of Essex County Council, not our university Library services), will park up on the Silberrad Plaza at our Colchester Campus to welcome students, staff and members of the local community.

What is the mobile library?

The mobile library is a fantastic service provided by Essex Libraries that brings a library to the people! Serving remote communities and people who are less mobile across Essex, the mobile library allows people who don't use libraries, or are unable to get to one of their libraries, the opportunity to use the services provided by Essex Libraries!

From 3 October, this will include University of Essex students, staff and supporters!

How to use the mobile library

First of all, to make real use of the mobile library, sign up for an account with Essex Libraries. This is free to do and means that you will be able to access their services both online and in person at any Essex library or mobile unit.

You can sign up online, or in person when you visit the mobile library! If you already have an Essex Libraries account - THAT'S GREAT! You can continue to use their services and the mobile library from day one. There are different types of memberships, including a "lite" membership where you do not need to give an address.

Once you have signed up, you can make use of a variety of services:

• Borrow books, e-books, e-audio and e-magazines for free. DVDs and music CDs are also available for a small charge.
• Reserve, renew and return items.
• Use the Essex Libraries e-library.
• Accessibility support: find out about more about the different ways of reading that Essex Libraries offers for their resources.
• They have received Library of Sanctuary status, supporting people new to the UK - a useful service if you are an international student.
• Make use of the reading well collection to help support your health and wellbeing.
• Great for students and staff who are parents, with plenty of reading material for you and your children to share.
• Make use of further research materials through Access to Research.

When is it coming to campus?

The mobile library will be visiting Colchester campus on the following dates:

• Thursday 3 October, 9am to 3pm, outside the Silberrad Student Centre
• Tuesday 29 October, 3.30pm to 4pm, Valley car park
• Tuesday 19 November, 3.30pm to 4pm, Valley car park
• Tuesday 10 December, 3pm to 3.30pm, Valley car park
• Tuesday 21 January, 3pm to 3.30pm, Valley car park
• Tuesday 11 February, 3pm to 3.30pm, Valley car park
• Tuesday 4 March, 3pm to 3.30pm, Valley car park
• Tuesday 25 March, 3pm to 3.30pm, Valley car park
• Tuesday 15 April, 3pm to 3.30pm, Valley car park
• Tuesday 6 May, 3pm to 3.30pm, Valley car park
• Tuesday 27 May, 3pm to 3.30pm, Valley car park
• Tuesday 17 June, 3pm to 3.30pm, Valley car park
• Tuesday 8 July, 3pm to 3.30pm, Valley car park
• Tuesday 29 July, 3pm to 3.30pm, Valley car park
• Tuesday 19 August, 3pm to 3.30pm, Valley car park
• Tuesday 9 September, 3pm to 3.30pm, Valley car park

Find out more on our event pages for the mobile library and welcome week.

Stay updated

The University of Essex Library Services will be your source of all knowledge when it comes to the mobile library. Follow them on socials: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates and announcements.

You can also find out more about the services and events offered by Essex Libraries by following them on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.