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
The library will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day.
On Christmas Eve (Wednesday 24 December) the library will be open in staffed hours until 3pm and LibraryPlus hours from 3pm to 6pm.
On New Year's Eve (Wednesday 31 December) the library will be open in staffed hours until 3pm and LibraryPlus hours from 3pm to 6pm.
LibraryPlus members can access Bedford Borough Libraries during additional hours.
| 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
Grinch Story Time
Tuesday 23 December
2pm
A festive Story Time with an appearance from the extraordinarily green grouchy guy himself.
Free crafts
Monday 22 December to Friday 2 January (except bank holidays)
Festive drop in family crafts will be available every day of the school holidays (expect on bank holidays). Please note some crafts may not be suitable for small children. Crafts should be supported by a parent or carer.
Monday 11am-3.30pm
Tuesday 11am-3.30pm
Wednesday 11am-3.30pm
Friday 11am-3.30pm
Saturday 11am-3pm
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
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.
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.
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.