Eltham Libraries and Post Offices: Opening Hours, Joining and Services

Libraries in Eltham are run by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The council's libraries directory lists twelve libraries across the borough, and three are in the Eltham area. Opening hours below are as published by the council on each library's page and can change, so confirm before a special trip.

Which libraries are there near Eltham?

Eltham Centre Library, Archery Road, SE9 1HA, telephone 020 3915 4347. The council's page lists these hours: Monday 9am to 7pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 9am to 5:30pm, Thursday 9am to 7pm, Friday 9am to 5:30pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 12pm to 4pm. It describes an enhanced library with better access to computers and counter services for council enquiries, including cash facilities. The same building is listed as also housing a London South East Colleges branch, a café, a Citizens Advice Bureau and a leisure centre with three swimming pools, a sauna and steam rooms, a fitness centre and a group exercise studio.

New Eltham Library, Southwood Road, SE9 3QT, telephone 020 8850 2322. The council's page lists Monday 2pm to 7pm, Tuesday 9am to 5:30pm, Wednesday closed, Thursday 2pm to 7pm, Friday 9am to 5:30pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday closed. It lists free internet and email, scanners, colour printing, fiction and reference books, large print, audiobooks, DVDs, music CDs and PlayStation games, and says computers shut down 15 minutes before closing.

Coldharbour Library, William Barefoot Drive, SE9 3AY, telephone 020 8851 9521. The council's page lists Monday 2pm to 5:30pm, Tuesday 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5:30pm, Wednesday closed, Thursday 2pm to 5:30pm, Friday 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5:30pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm and Sunday closed.

Who can join, and how?

The council's join a library page says anyone who lives, works or studies in Royal Greenwich can become a member. Members get access to physical and online libraries, books, audiobooks, DVDs, free Wi-Fi and computer use, digital resources, eBooks and community activities. If you join in person you need a completed form and proof of identity and address, such as a utility bill or driving licence, and under-16s need a parent, guardian or teacher with them. You can also join online through better.org.uk without visiting a branch. A Greenwich One Card gives discounts at local retailers and leisure facilities, according to the council.

To use digital services you need a PIN, which you get by contacting your branch by email, phone or in person. The council says you can only renew items twice online; after that, renewals must be made in person. For the full service list, including the home library service, fees and computer use, see the council's libraries page.

What about post offices?

Post Office branches are run separately from the council, so the reliable source for addresses and opening hours is the Post Office's own branch finder. Search by SE9 or your street. Hours vary by branch, so check the Post Office's own pages before you go. The council also notes on its council tax page that some payments can be made at a Post Office or PayPoint outlet; see our council tax guide.

What else can I do at the Eltham Centre?

The council's directory also lists the Eltham Centre at 2 Archery Road, SE9 1HA, as a pick-up point for the Weekender, with the council's customer services number given as 020 8854 8888 on that page.