Bedford Central Library

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.

Search our library catalogue

Opening times

Activities

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

Special events

Ukulibrary launch

Saturday 29 November 

2pm

Enjoy a performance by students from Balliol Primary School at the launch of our ukulele library (Ukulibrary) where Bedford Music Service teachers will be sharing tips and advice. 

This marks the beginning of a new initiative where children can borrow a ukulele from the library, for free, using their library card. You can see how it works below.

Borrow a ukulele from our Ukulibrary

From Saturday 29 November 

2pm onwards

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.

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

David Litchfield author event

Saturday 13 December

11am

Families are invited to join author and illustrator, David Litchfield, and a piano playing bear for a morning of David's stories, a draw-a-long, plus some singing and instruments. David will have books to sell and sign after the event. 

Our final event for the Bedford Borough Year of Reading.

Santa Story Time

Saturday 13 December

3.15pm

Join us for some festive stories in the children’s library with a very special, jolly, guest! Feel free to wear whatever makes you feel festive.

Big Bouncy Bed trail 

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

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.