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

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

Activities

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

Consultation drop in sessions

Bedford Borough Council is consulting on its draft Bedford Borough Library Strategy 2026-2031 and options for the future development of Bedford Central Library. Find out how to have your say.

We are holding drop-in sessions on the consultation, providing an opportunity to find out more and share your views.  

• Bedford Central Library Saturday 10 October 11am-midday  
• Bedford Central Library Thursday 29 October 11am-12.30pm

Sessions are also taking place at other venues in Bedford Borough.

• Bedford Borough Hub in Horne Lane Friday 9 October 11am-midday  
• What’s On Hub in Silver Street Wednesday 22 October 11am-midday

For anyone using our Family Hubs, a member of the team will be present at the following locations:

• Cherry Trees Family Hub Wednesday 7 October 1.30-2.30pm 
• Pine Cones Family Hub Friday 16 October 9.30-10.30am
• Eastcotts Family Hub Friday 16 October 1.30-2.30pm 
• Queens Park Family Hub Tuesday 20 October 9.30-10.30am 
• Central Family Hub Monday 26 October 9.30-10.30am 

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.

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.