How can a library improve your social life?
by Afroditi K. (follow her on Twitter: @foustoon)
If you live in the borough of Tower Hamlets you are lucky enough because your local park is Victoria Park but also because you can subscribe to an Idea Store close to you. Idea Stores are libraries but at the same time so much more than that! Apart from a vast amount of books and DVDs to choose from (and spend some cold evenings on the couch; Britain’s favourite pastime in winter), there are also computer basics lessons (although if you have made it so far to this webpage, you probably don’t need them!), books clubs, martial arts sessions and online courses that prepare you for yours UK citizen test.
They also offer adult-learning courses at very reasonable prices on a variety of topics ranging from yoga and foreign languages to knitting and cookery. So if you ever wanted to learn how to prepare your favourite Caribbean meal or to learn Italian in preparation for a coming trip, now it’s your opportunity! It costs about £2-£3 for an-hourly-session although of course it gets even cheaper if you subscribe for the whole term. It is an excellent way to pick up a new skill while meeting new people.
Take a look at their offerings and locate your nearest Idea Store!
pic by Bob Stuart / flickr.com/photos/bobunderexposed
Finally, did you know that you can visit the Tower of London for just £1? Yes, you heard me right. I only became aware of this offer when I became a Tower Hamlets citizen last year. You will need your Idea Store card (or Tower Hamlets Library card) along with a proof of name and address (i.e. a bank statement or an utility bill).Then you only need to pay £1 on the door and you will be able to explore the Tower of London, one of the biggest touristic attractions in a fantastic location in London.
pic by wikipedia.org
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You may also want to check our post about The 5 Cheap Eats in West London.
