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Bedford Borough Libraries from Thursday 27th January

Coronavirus Home

All Bedford Borough Libraries are open for browsing and PC use.
Find out your library opening hours here.

Change in guidance from Thursday 27th January

Please help us to keep you, other customers and our staff safe by:

  • Wearing a face covering
  • Respecting others’ space and keeping a safe distance from people you do not live with.
  • Using the hand sanitiser provided

Please do not visit the library if you have any symptoms of COVID-19.
Just contact us or call the library and we will happily extend the collection date for your books.

What services are available?

All libraries are open for browsing and C use. You can visit the library to:

  • Return books – please return any items using the self-service kiosks.
  • Browse for books – please respect others’ space and maintain distance from other customers.
  • Borrow books using the self-service kiosks.
  • Collect requests.
  • Join the Library – we encourage you to join online before you visit.
  • Access the computers.
  • Inter-library and music requests
  • Heritage Library is open on Tuesdays by appointment only
  • Regular rhymetimes at Bedford Central and Kempston Libraries

Find out more about what you can and cannot do when you visit using the links below:

What should I do when I visit the library?

Please help us to keep you, other customers and our staff safe by:

  • Wearing a face covering.
  • Respecting others’ space and keeping a safe distance from people you do not live with.
    There are some areas of the building where you may need to pause and wait for others to pass.
  • Using the hand sanitiser provided

You must not visit the library if you, or anyone in your household, have had any Covid-19 symptoms in the last 14 days.
Just contact us or call the library and we will happily extend the collection date for your books.

Can I use the computers?

Yes, the number of PCs in use is limited. You will be able to use the computers for 60 minutes for free, and pay for additional time if required, printing is available. Please book your session using the online booking form here.

Cleaning materials will be provided; we advise that you clean the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and PC both before and after your visit.

What services are not available yet?

The following services are not available at the moment:

  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Full activities programme
  • Room hire

There is still an amazing range of library services you can access from home via the Virtual Library, including eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers and music. Find out more about our digital resources here.

Can I join the library?

Yes, you can join the library. We would recommend that you join online first as this will speed the process up.

Once you have joined you can follow a link in the confirmation message to request a physical card to borrow books or use the computers. This will send a message to your library of choice and they will make the card up ready for your visit. Then all you need to do is visit with proof of your name and address to collect the card.

I don’t want to visit the library and choose my own books yet, what should I do?

Please don’t worry. You can renew your loans online using Arena or by telephone.

You can request individual titles using Arena, the library app, or by calling the library. These will be placed on the collection shelves, all you need to do is collect and issue them using the self service kiosks.

If you have any questions then please Contact Us.

Page last updated: 28th February 2022