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Bedford Borough Libraries Are Changing


LibraryPlus LogoYour Library Service has changed - you can now take advantage of our flexible LibraryPlus service, giving you extra choice to use libraries with extended opening times. The Council is facing a huge financial challenge, however these changes have enabled us to make the necessary savings while continuing to protect and improve our library service for local residents.

The introduction of LibraryPlus at Bedford Central Library, Bromham Library and Wootton Library gives you extra choice and flexibility. You can now use the libraries through a mixture of staffed and self-service hours, when you use your library card and PIN to enter the library. During the extensive consultation it became clear that Kempston and Putnoe Library users felt that LibraryPlus wasn’t suitable for those branches at this point in time, as a result it was agreed that there will be a small reduction in opening hours instead, to make the necessary savings.

The opening hours are now:

Library Hours Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Bedford Central Self-Service 9.00 - 11.00 9.00 - 11.00 9.00 - 11.00 9.00 - 11.00 9.00 - 11.00 9.00 - 10.00 10.00 - 11.00
Staffed 11.00 - 4.00 11.00 - 4.00 11.00 - 4.00 11.00 - 4.00 11.00 - 4.00 10.00 - 5.00 11.00 - 2.00
Self-Service 4.00 - 6.00 4.00 - 6.00 4.00 - 6.00 4.00 - 6.00 4.00 - 6.00 5.00 - 6.00 2.00 - 4.00
Heritage Library Staffed 11.00 - 1.00 & 2.00 to 4.00
Bromham Self-Service 9.00 - 2.00 9.00 - 2.00 9.00 - 10.00
Staffed 10.00 - 12.00 2.00 - 5.00 10.00 - 12.00 2.00 - 5.00 10.00 - 12.00 10.00 - 1.00
Self-Service 12.00 - 5.00 12.00 - 5.00 12.00 - 5.00 1.00 - 4.00
Kempston Staffed 2.00 - 5.00 10.00 - 5.00 2.00 - 6.00 10.00 - 5.00 2.00 - 5.00 9.30 - 4.00
Putnoe Staffed 2.00 - 6.00 10.00 - 5.00 2.00 - 5.00 10.00 - 5.00 2.00 - 5.00 9.30 - 4.00
Wootton Self-Service 9.00 - 2.00 9.00 - 2.00 9.00 - 2.00 9.00 - 11.00
Staffed 2.00 - 5.00 10.00 - 12.00 2.00 - 5.00 10.00 - 12.00 2.00 - 5.00 11.00 - 1.00
Self-Service 12.00 - 5.00 12.00 - 5.00 1.00 - 4.00


To access the libraries during self-service hours you just need to sign up to LibraryPlus at your local library. Find out more about how to sign up below, or just pop along to your local library and ask a member of staff.

How do I sign up for LibraryPlus?

Just visit your local library and a member of staff will be happy to sign you up.
You need to be over 16 and a full member to register, please bring a form of ID with you showing your name and permanent address. You will be asked to sign an agreement with us and there will be a brief induction as the LibraryPlus hours are self-service only. Once this is complete you are free to enter the library during LibraryPlus self-service and staffed hours.

If you are aged under 16 you will need to be accompanied by an adult who is a LibraryPlus member.

What does LibraryPlus offer?

Once you are registered you will be able to enter the library during LibraryPlus self-service hours, simply by scanning your library card and entering your PIN.
When you are in the library you will be able to:

  • Browse the shelves
  • Borrow, return and renew
  • Make payments through the self-service terminals
  • Use the computers (printing is not available initially)
  • Photocopy and pay for copies
  • Study and work
  • Meet your friends and family

If you have any questions then please read the LibraryPlus Frequently Asked Questions, Contact Us or talk to a member of staff in your local library.


Page last updated: 4th September 2017