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
| 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
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.