Idea Store Bow, Tower Hamlets, London

Bow was the first Idea Store to be opened in 2002. It piloted the new public library philosophy developed by Idea Store creators. This philosophy is based on customer surveys and it combines adult education classes, library services, events and café under one roof, according to Idea Store itself. Idea Stores are meant to be the New and Modern public library in multicultural areas. Today the premises of Bow are well used and rather worn-out.  There are new categories among the visitors and users. There are not fees of services. Media collection is in many ways up-to-date but limited. FOUR stars: Very good.