About us

Islington Education Library Service (IELS) is a subscription service, which has been serving schools for over 27 years. We have over 330,000 books, 190,000 artefacts and 7,500 costumes, plus maps, posters, DVDs and a collection of historical newspapers.

Most schools pay for an annual subscription but it is possible to pay-per-box or hire costumes for school productions or special events. We also loan to film and theatre companies. Please contact us for costs and options for borrowing.

Where to find us

IELS is based at Islington Central Library approximately 5 minutes walk from Highbury and Islington Station on the Victoria Line/London Overground or Holloway Road Station on the Piccadilly Line.

2 Fieldway Crescent

London N5 1PF

Tel: 020 7527 5827

Email: els@islington.gov.uk

Opening times

Term Time

Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm

You are very welcome to visit to choose your own resources. If you need more time after school we can open later by appointment on Monday, Wednesday or Thursday. Please ring the library to arrange.

Holidays

Contact the Library for details

Staff

Head of Service

John Calcott

Artefacts Librarians / Assistant Heads of Service

Rachel Bailey

Sarah Gill

Curriculum Librarian

Will Lack

Assistant Librarian

Henry Worger

Library Logistics Officer

Bonnie Maguire

Artefacts Assistants

Ruth Faulkner

Vivian Buffard

Covid Safety Measures

  • All resources and boxes on return will be: quarantined for 72 hours, checked and cleaned

  • Library staff and IELS drivers are adhering to safe working practice (social distancing, using sanitizing wipes, wearing masks and gloves).

  • Loan resources will take into account ease of cleaning, new class sizes and suitability.