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Harpur Street, Bedford MK40 1PG. Tel 01234 718178.

Facilities include Wi-Fi, accessible entrance, and lift. Computers, printing and photocopying available during staffed hours, until 15 minutes before self-service (charges apply, cash only). 

Toilets available during staffed hours and close 15 minutes before self-service. Disabled toilets accessible at all times with a RADAR key. Talk to staff to access the baby change room on the third floor and the parent/carer and baby feeding room on the second floor.

Library members should have their library card or library app for services such as borrowing books or printing.

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Opening times

The library will be closed on Spring Bank Holiday (25 May).

Staffed hours are accessible to all. Self-service hours are available to LibraryPlus members only.

Staff availability Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun
Self-service 9am-11am 9am-11am 9am-11am 9am-11am 9am-11am 9am-10am 10am-11am
Staffed 11am-4pm 11am-4pm 11am-4pm 11am-4pm 11am-4pm 10am-5pm 11am-2pm
Self-service 4pm-6pm 4pm-6pm 4pm-6pm 4pm-6pm 4pm-6pm 5pm-6pm 2pm-4pm

Activities

Go to our what’s on for children and adults page for for more details about all our activities.

Activity Day Time
Bounce and Rhyme Mondays (term-time only) 11.30am -12pm
Building Block Play (1 year and over) Tuesdays (term-time only) 11am - 1pm 
Rhyme Time  Tuesdays (term-time only) 2pm - 2.30pm
Bedfordshire Heritage Library Tuesdays 11am - 1pm and 2pm-4pm
Crafternoon Wednesdays 2pm - 3.30pm
Rhyme Time  Thursdays (term-time only) 11.30am - 12pm
Lego Club Saturdays 11am - 3pm
Saturday Story Saturdays 3.15pm 
Sunday Funday Sundays 11.30am - 1.30pm

Special events

Elmer Rhyme Time

Thursday 21 May 11am-11.30am

Celebrate everyone's favourite patchwork elephant at this special Rhyme Time session.

Elmer Saturday Story

Saturday 23 May 3.15pm

Enjoy the classic story in the Children's Library on official Elmer Day! 

Mammoth Rider with S J Poyton

Wednesday 27 May 11.30am-12.30am

Step into the frozen world of Mammoth Rider in this immersive session with author S J Poyton. Suitable for children in years 3 to 6 who are interested in STEM, books, creativity, and woolly mammoths! Copies of the book will be available to buy afterwards.

This is free event but please book in advance. Adults must stay with children for the duration so please book spaces for the adults attending as well children. 

Big Bouncy Bed trail 

Explore a trail in the library and discover the cosy corner as part of the Ben & Bella trails in Bedford.

Borrow a ukulele from our Ukulibrary

We're so happy to offer the opportunity to learn an instrument, thanks to the Bedford Music Service.

Here's how it works:

  • To borrow a ukulele, please speak to staff on the 1st floor during staffed hours. Ukuleles are not available during LibraryPlus hours.
  • Ukuleles can be borrowed by or for children using a Bedford Borough Library card (including Instant).
  • Don't have a card? It's free to join the library online or in the library during staffed hours. Please note that only a parent or legal guardian can set up a child's membership.
  • Children can borrow the ukulele for 4 weeks.
  • One instrument per card.
  • The ukuleles can't be renewed or requested, but this may be reviewed.
  • Please bring it back on time to avoid late fees.

Please note, the library has a limited supply of ukuleles so the service is subject to availability.

Bedford Music Service has pulled together some useful resources to help children on their ukulele journey.

Share Bedford a Library of Things

Saturdays 10am-12pm 

Wednesdays 12pm-2pm

Become a member of Share Bedford to borrow household items and arrange to pick them up from the library. Share Bedford will be on the second floor every Saturday 10am-12pm and Wednesday 12pm-2pm for arranged item collection or donations, or just to chat.

Go to Share Bedford to get in touch and learn more about how it works.

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