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.
Library members should have their library card or library app for services such as borrowing books or printing.
Opening times
| 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 |
| Sunday Funday | Sundays | 11.30am - 1.30pm |
Special events
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.
Saturday Story
3.15pm every Saturday
New, for the Year of Reading! If you're choosing some books or at the library for Lego Club, join us in the Children's Library for a quick picture book story. All welcome, and no need to book.
Author event with Holly Race and Josh Winning
11am Saturday 18 October
Join best-selling authors Holly Race and Josh Winning, who will be talking about their latest books and chatting horror and fantasy genres. Following the event, Josh and Holly will be at Close Encounters in Bedford signing books purchased at the shop.
There is no charge for this event but please book your place in advance online or by calling or visiting Bedford Central Library.
Free half term family crafts
Drop in and have fun completing a free craft. Please note crafts should be supervised by an adult and may not be suitable for very young children.
Monday 11am-3.30pm
Tuesday 11am-3.30pm
Wednesday 11am-3.30pm
Thursday 12pm-3.30pm
Friday 11am-3.30pm
Story Time
Thursday 30 October 11.30am-12pm
Come along to this session which is similar to Rhyme Time with a mix of stories and songs, followed by a craft activity. Suitable for older brothers and sisters. Please note crafts should be supervised by an adult and may not be suitable for very young children.
Shoot For The Stars - Build Your Confidence With Danielle Brown
11.30am Friday 31 October
Paralympic gold medallist and children’s author Danielle Brown MBE invites you to a fun, interactive event all about confidence and believing in yourself. Inspired by her book Shoot for the Stars, you’ll explore what makes you feel strong and capable through a series of creative and confidence-boosting activities. Together we’ll:
- Write a short story about your favourite sporting role model and the qualities that make them inspiring
- Take part in fun activities that help you recognise your own strengths
- Learn simple techniques to boost confidence when facing challenges
Danielle will also share her journey as an athlete, show her gold medals and talk about what it takes to perform at the highest level.
Perfect for children aged 8–12 years old, there will be plenty of opportunities to get creative, join in and ask questions, this session is packed with inspiration to help you dream big and find the confidence to take on new challenges.
This is a free event but places must be booked in advance online or by speaking to staff at Bedford Central Library. Children must be accompanied by an adult and places should be booked for all attending, including the adult.
This activity is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.