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 |
| Sunday Funday | Sundays | 11.30am - 1.30pm |
Special events
Chatter Babies
Monday 17 November
12.15pm - 12.45pm
A fun session designed for parents and their babies (9-15 months only) to discover ways to support their speech, language and communication skills right from the start! Expect songs and play to enjoy together, interactive activities to boost early communication, and top tips to support your baby’s development at home.
Please book in advance by speaking with staff at Bedford Central Library. Please do not book if you've already attended this course at a Children's Centre.
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.
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.