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Biggleswade Library Refurbishment

Biggleswade Library will close at 13.00 on Saturday 24th December for a major refurbishment. It is planned to re-open in Summer 2023, with a co-located Children’s Centre and Registrar’s service. In addition, there has been an investment of new book stock for the library.

During the closure for refurbishment, Biggleswade customers may use the following library services:

  • Ebooks and Audiobooks, magazines and newspapers are available through Libby, BorrowBox and Pressreader apps. Further information

  • From Monday 9 January, there will be a drop off and pick up point for library stock at the Saxon Centre, Biggleswade, during the centre’s opening hours Saxon Pool & Leisure Centre (sll.co.uk)

  • Library members can borrow and use the full range of library services, including computers and online reference services, from any Central Bedfordshire or Bedford Borough Library. Local libraries include Sandy (4 miles), Potton (4 miles) and Shefford (7 miles). Library Opening Times

  • Customers who have difficulty accessing an alternative library or the Saxon Centre may be eligible to use the Home Library Service on a temporary basis. Details here: Home Library Service or ask in Biggleswade Library during December

  • Customers may reserve items from any Central Bedfordshire or Bedford Borough library (no charge) for collection at Biggleswade Saxon library service point, or any library of their choice, either using the library app or through the Virtual Library Catalogue.
    Customers without computer access may telephone: 0300 300 8055 to speak to staff at Sandy Library from 9th January.

  • Biggleswade customers may request a bundle of books for themselves or their families, to collect from Biggleswade Saxon library service point. For example, a bundle of picture books; or a selection of Mills & Boon titles; a selection of crime titles; or books on a particular subject, for example vegan cookery books. If customers wish to request a bundle of books, please give as much information as possible, including the age of children. This bundling service is available only for collection from Biggleswade Saxon library service point, by telephoning this number: 0300 300 8055 from Monday 9th January.

FAQs

Click on a question below to jump to the answer

What should I do to prepare for the library closure?

Good question!

Check that the library has your current email: communications about reservations and library re-opening will be sent via email.

Download the Libby and BorrowBox apps to your smartphone or tablet, so you can access ebooks and audiobooks

Check you have your library card number and PIN, so that you can reserve items and use the e-services.

Fit in a visit to Biggleswade Library in the run up to Christmas: all items on loan from Biggleswade Library on 24th December will be extended to become due back on 31st August.

Will I get fines if I borrow books from Biggleswade Saxon library service point and it’s not convenient to return them?

No – All stock issued from Biggleswade Saxon library service point will be issued until 31st August 2023. Customers may return items before then to any Central Bedfordshire or Bedford Borough library or to the Biggleswade Saxon library service point. However, this extended due date means that no fines will accrue during the period of library closure. (Existing fines from before 24th December will remain owing).
Please note that stock borrowed from Bedford Borough and other Central Bedfordshire libraries will retain the normal loan periods and fines.

Do I have to return my books before the library closes on 24th December?

No – All stock on loan from Biggleswade library on 24th December will be issued until 31st August 2023. Customers may return items to any Central Bedfordshire or Bedford Borough library or to the Biggleswade Saxon library service point. However, this extended due date means that no fines will accrue during the period of library closure. (Existing fines will remain owing).

I can’t get to the Saxon Centre from where I live. Is there any way I can borrow books?

Yes – You can borrow from any library in Central Bedfordshire or Bedford Borough. You can also download ebooks and audiobooks using the Libby and BorrowBox apps. If none of these options works for you, ask about using the Home Library Service on a temporary basis.

When will Biggleswade library re-open?

It is planned to re-open in summer 2023. Information will be posted on the Virtual Library, on posters outside the library and on social media. Biggleswade Library members will be notified by email.

Page last updated: 19th December 2022