BorrowBox digital library collection
From 1 April BorrowBox will replace Libby. Discover the UK’s most popular platform for e-books and audiobooks.
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.
Opening times
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
Free Family Crafts
Monday 20 July to Friday 28 August
11.30am - 3.30pm
Drop in for free family crafts every weekday of the school holidays. Please note some crafts may not be suitable for very small children and should be overseen by an adult.
Story Time
Thursdays during summer holidays at 11.30am - 12pm
Join us for a story followed by a craft. Story Time is similar to Rhyme Time but suitable for older brothers and sisters as well. Please note some crafts may not be suitable for very small children and should be overseen by an adult.
The Jungle Jam with Explore Learning
Children will embark on a song writing journey with the help of the amazing Explore Learning tutors!
An hour-long workshop for 5 to 11 year olds will take children on an adventure using their English skills to create sound banks, solve problems, write rhymes, and use their imagination to create a song.
This is a free session but must be booked in advance at the links below, and adults must remain with the child for the duration of the session.
ZooLab
Thursday 6th August at 1pm
Monday 17th August at 11.15am
SOLD OUT
The amazing ZooLab is returning to Bedford Central Library! Children can encounter exciting animals whilst learning all about them from a knowledgeable ZooLab ranger.
Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult, and please book spaces for all attending, including adults. There is a capacity limit in the meeting room, so those without a booked space will not gain entry. This is a free event. Please ensure you arrive at least 10 minutes before the session begins.
If you can no longer attend, please notify us as soon as possible so spaces can be offered to other people.
This activity is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Wonderland Live with Big Bubble Theatre
Friday 14 August
3pm to 4pm
There will also be a 15 minute meet and greet at the end of the show.
Leap into the adventure and help Alice rediscover her imagination, as we meet the clever caterpillar, enjoy the tea party with the hilariously fun Hatter and become a part of the story as Alice tries to beat the Queen of Hearts in the craziest of croquet matches. Will Alice defeat the queen and manage to save Wonderland and her friends?!
Join this quest as we invite you to use your imaginations and become a part of this wonder filled Wonderland adventure! Suitable for children ages 4 to 11 years old.
Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the show. Please book places for all attending, including adults at the Eventbrite booking in advance. Please let us know if you can no longer attend.
This activity is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
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.