The Idea Store Whitechapel was founded in 2005 and is the flagship building for a program run by the Borough of Tower Hamlets. There are several Idea Stores in different areas of London, each one offering extensive traditional library offerings as well as classes and courses taught right on the premises.

It is an innovative and exciting new way of bringing information services to people of all ages.

The Idea Store has a wide range of offerings, and the facilities and resources to make these informational and educational services readily available to everyone.

The Idea Store has redesigned the tired old concept of a library system into something infinitely more dynamic and interactive. Like a traditional library, membership at the Idea Store is free to area residents.

They offer a wide range of books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, and newspapers and you can book a computer for free Internet access as well. There is a local history area and large reference sections.

You can access all kinds of information online, from searching through their own Information gateway to downloading classics via e-books. The Idea Stores also offer mobile library services and home visits to people who cannot get out to the library on their own.

The courses offered by the Idea Store are developed in conjunction with the Tower Hamlet College and are open to anyone 16 and older. There are courses in Art and Design, languages, IT and Computing, Car Maintenance, and Dance, just to name a few. There are over 900 courses offered in all.

One of the most important offerings at the Idea Store is the childcare. People taking the courses can take advantage of the on site childcare, making the pursuit of education and information much easier for parents and caregivers of small children.

There is also a nice café located on the top floor which affords customers a panoramic view of London below.

The Idea Store is a remarkable place where everyone is welcome to stop by, learn a thing or two, and expand their horizons.

Visiting Idea Store Whitechapel

321 Whitechapel Road, Tower Hamlets, E1 1BU

Telephone: 020 7364 4332

Opening Times

Monday to Thursday 9am to 9pm, Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm

Photo courtesy: Pedro Layant

Return from Idea Store Whitechapel to London Top Tourist Attractions

Return from Idea Store Whitechapel to Best London Attractions