2022 is nearly over! As the autumn term draws to a close, we have information about our Christmas opening hours, and details of our holiday themed activities.
To skip to different sections of the blog post please use the links below…
Opening Hours
Colchester:
The main building (floors 1-5 and the ground floor foyer):
- Friday 23 Dec. – closed from 5pm onwards
- Saturday 24 Dec. – Monday 2 Jan. – CLOSED
- Tues 3 Jan. – reopens from 8am
The Library Reading Room and Postgraduate Room will be available 24/7 throughout the Christmas break. The laptop loans in the LRR will not be available.
Individual Study Pods will not be bookable over the break, and the ones in the Library Reading Room will be available on a first come first served basis. The external book return will continue to be available.
Support via chat, email, phone, and Helpdesk will be unavailable with staff responding to enquiries on their return from 3 January. Our Book A Librarian service will also be unavailable. Please visit the Library website or your Subject Guide if you require support over the closure period.
There will be no recalls on books during the time the library is closed, however, books can be recalled at any time from 3 January onwards. If you are planning to go home for the holidays, please remember to return all books to the library before you go, or make sure that you are able to return them in the event of a recall. Books can be posted to the library using the address on our Contact us page.
Southend (The Forum):
- Friday 23 Dec. – 8am – 7pm
- Saturday 24 Dec. (Christmas Eve) – 8am – 2pm
- Sunday 25 Dec. (Christmas Day) – CLOSED
- Monday 26 Dec. (Boxing Day) – CLOSED
- Tuesday 27 Dec. – CLOSED
- Wednesday 28 Dec. – 8am – 7pm
- Thursday 29 Dec. – 8am – 7pm
- Friday 30 Dec. – 8am – 7pm
- Saturday 31 Dec. (New Year’s Eve) – 8am – 5pm
- Sunday 1 Jan. (New Year’s Day) – CLOSED
- Monday 2 Jan. – CLOSED
- Tuesday 3 Jan. onwards – 8am – 7pm
Throughout the Christmas period students and staff can still access the Learning Hub and Library floor in The Forum building, via the North access (SMACS) door. Security is on site 24/7 365 days a year.
The Info Point will be unstaffed from the 21 Dec. but will be back to usual hours from 3 Jan.
Loughton:
- Friday 23 Dec. – closed from 5pm onwards
- Saturday 24 Dec. – Monday 2 Jan. – CLOSED
- Tues 3 Jan. – reopens from 8.30am
FESTIVE ACTIVITIES – IN PERSON
Advent Calendars
At each of our campuses, we’ve created an advent calendar filled with fun activities, information and treats! Follow along at Colchester, Southend or Loughton for 12 days of surprises!
We have also created a 12 Days of Christmas for our Special Collections. Find out more about our collections in our blog post.
Lakeside Theatre
This year, the Lakeside Theatre on Colchester campus is showing a production of
The Nutcracker, described as a “classic tale with a pantomime twist full of singing, dancing, and terrible jokes, fun for all the family!” Find out more information, including how to book, on the Lakeside Theatre’s website.
Art Exchange
Throughout the Autumn Term the Art Exchange has hosted free arts & crafts sessions for students. Get Creative with Tom & Iris and make your own Christmas decorations!
And more…
- Join us on Christmas Jumper Day (Thursday 8 December) by wearing your snazziest Christmas jumper! We’ll be fundraising for Save the Children.
- Throughout December we’re collecting donations for the Colchester Foodbank. Drop off any unwanted items at the Albert Sloman Library helpdesk.
FESTIVE ACTIVITIES – ONLINE
Make a wish
If you aren’t able to visit one of our libraries in person, we still want you to share your Christmas wishes with us! Leave us a note on our special holiday Padlet and let us know what you want the most next year…
Holiday Films
It’s the time of year to cosy up in a chair with a hot drink, some sweet treats, and watch a seasonal film! We’ve put together a festive reading list to compile some of our favourite movies for the holiday season.
From all of us, we hope you have a wonderful winter break!
If you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other traditions, we hope it is a time of peace and joy.
Happy Holidays!
— The Library & Cultural Services Team
University of Essex Library Blog 