Islington Education Library Service (IELS) is a subscription service, which has been serving schools for over 30 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.

The Artefact Library is a HANDLING COLLECTION. All our new toys are purchased from UK suppliers who adhere to current toy safety standards. However, many of our artefacts are not toys. We aim to send out age-appropriate loan resources, but we also know that often EYFS teachers request more unusual or fragile “mystery” artefacts to explore with children. IELS has many antique objects, historical replicas and ornaments. It is ALWAYS at the teacher’s discretion how resources are used in the classroom and our historical, scientific, decorative and some costume resources are not intended for unsupervised play. Where we deem artefacts to be fragile we send them out in a sealed box and ask you not to open it. Otherwise, all resources are intended to be handled and enjoyed. Please don’t worry if any item gets broken or damaged – we repair breakages where possible and if not, will withdraw the item from circulation and update your loan record without penalty.

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