Bedford Borough Libraries

Something's not quite right with the grandmas in our #PictureBookPick of the week, they're looking a little green!...Fantastic fun from Michelle Robinson - Children's Author and Fred Blunt Illustration.
It's a fantastic read and of course children can request books for free and we'll get them to their closest library, head to http://bit.ly/ChildrensPages and http://bit.ly/ChildrenUnderSix to search the catalogue, request, renew, and review and discover all sorts of reading i...nspiration!
There are also some brilliant activity sheets on Michelle's website too at; http://michellerobinson.co.uk/colour/ and of course we've got loads of free crafty events planned at your library over the holidays too (http://bit.ly/WhatsOnAtTheLibraries)
P.S. Don't miss the book's dedication... 'Grandparents from Bedford'!!
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Here are some great reasons why listening to books is good for you, one of our favourites is that you can download audiobooks for free for children, young adults, and us adults if you're a member of our libraries....here's how;
1. Go to http://bit.ly/LogIn-Join-GetPin where you can join, get a PIN reminder, and log in to all our digital resources.
2. Select RBdigital and then register with them (in the top right).
... 3. Download the RBdigital app, log in with the account you just created, start enjoying free audiobooks, eBooks, and magazines!
Where will your next book take you....
Get in touch if you have any problems and we'll do our best to help.
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Some more brilliant crafts created at Kempston Library, discover what free events are planned at your closest library over the holidays over the rest of this week at http://bit.ly/WhatsOnAtTheLibraries

Have you tried a book from the horror genre and which one would you recommend to someone that hasn't?!
https://www.npr.org/…/reading-horror-ca n-arm-us-against-a-h…

Every Sunday is Funday at Bedford Central Library, pop in during our staffed hours (11am-2pm) and join in the fun!

A jungle, an igloo, on a train, in a tree, in your own bed, a desert, the park, a mountain, by the river, on a boat.....what would your dream reading spot be?!.....
Find inspiration for your next read at http://bit.ly/Books_And_Reading

We've already had so much fun this summer and it's great to see so many children gaining their rewards from the Summer Reading Challenge as they read through the holidays! Don't forget we have loads of fantastic, free craft events each day at all our libraries too, discover what's planned today and for the rest of the month at your closest library at; http://bit.ly/WhatsOnAtTheLibraries
Here are some photos from Kempston and Bromham libraries with just a few of the things they've created so far!

For Fiction Friday this week we've picked this gorgeous book for easy, breezy summer reading!
Coming Home to Ottercombe Bay by Bella Osborne Daisy Wickens has returned to Ottercombe Bay, the picturesque Devon town where her mother died when she was a girl. She plans to leave as soon as her great uncle's funeral is over, but Great Uncle Reg had other ideas. He's left Daisy a significant inheritance - an old building in a state of disrepair, which could offer exciting possibil...ities, but to get it she must stay in Ottercombe Bay for twelve whole months. With the help of a cast of quirky locals, a few gin cocktails and a black pug with plenty of attitude, Daisy might just turn this into something special. But can she ever hope to be happy among the ghosts of her past?
Request it on Arena using your library card and PIN and don't forget to let us know what you thought! #FictionFriday https://beds-arena.culturalservices.net/w eb/arena/results…
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We saw some fantastic butterfly masks created at Bromham Library this morning, discover all the free craft events planned at your nearest library at http://bit.ly/WhatsOnAtTheLibraries
If your children haven't yet joined up to the Summer Reading Challenge it's not too late to get started earning rewards for reading over the summer, just ask in the library!

It's #WorldLionDay, how many books with a lion in can you think of?! We'll start you off with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.....

What's your favourite method of communicating other than face to face....texting, email, a letter, speaking on the phone, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, SnapChat, Instagram, Tweeting?
It's amazing to think since the first UK text was sent in 1992 how many new methods of getting a message to someone there are and how differently we use them, would you text a teacher, email your family, Facebook your electricity company?!
If you love language should try our Oxford Dictionaries ...resource, it's free for library members to use and has more than 250 language specialists researching the language as it changes and develops every day. Their research delves into all types of language, from the language of blogs, emails, and social media to novels and specialist journals, and from Hansard to everyday newspapers and magazines. They use sophisticated language technologies combined with editorial expertise to analyse billions of words of text, track subtle meaning changes, and create a true picture of the changing language... give it a go at http://bit.ly/LogIn-Join-GetPin
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Looking forward to this tomorrow at Putnoe Library.....

Here are just a few of the amazing crafts we've seen at Kempston and Bromham Library so far this summer, you can see what free events and activities are planned at your closest library today and the rest of the month at http://bit.ly/WhatsOnAtMyLibrary ....and of course we'd always love to see any photos you have from our craft sessions!
...and don't forget there's still plenty of time for children to join the Summer Reading Challenge and earn rewards for reading this summer...learn all about the scheme at http://bit.ly/SummerReadingChallenge2018< br>

We had a fantastic time this morning at Kempston Library with Sophie Gresswell Artist and children aged 10-14 years old who created their own book characters and using digital technology to complete the circuit brought them to life..... so when you touch the picture you hear a voice, music or other sound! Here's a short video to help explain....
If you know any children aged 10-14 that you think might love this opportunity to get creative with some digital arts we have some more free sessions planned this Friday at Putnoe Library, make sure you book in advance though! Their contact details are here; http://bit.ly/YourLibraries or you can email bedfordshire.libraries@bedford.gov.u k or send us a message on here.

We had a fantastic time this morning at Kempston Library with Sophie Gresswell Artist and children aged 10-14 years old who created their own book characters and using digital technology to complete the circuit brought them to life..... so when you touch the picture you hear a voice, music or other sound! We have a short video to help explain and we'll share it a bit later today!
If you know any children aged 10-14 that you think might love this opportunity to get creative with some digital arts we have some more free sessions planned this Friday at Putnoe Library, make sure you book in advance though! Their contact details are here; http://bit.ly/YourLibraries or you can email bedfordshire.libraries@bedford.gov.u k or send us a message on here.

We love this book! Don't forget that reading a book to your little one counts towards the Summer Reading Challenge so even the very young can still earn themselves a certificate and other rewards!
Discover all about this years Summer Reading Challenge at http://bit.ly/SummerReadingChallenge2018< br>

We'd like all children aged 6-11 years old to come and join us for Doggy Tales and activities with Gemma the Dogs Trust Education Officer.
We will be learning all about a dog’s needs, how to be a responsible dog owner and reading some fun and exciting dog related stories!
... Why not bring a picture along of your dog (or any pet) to share with the group on the day?
It's free to attend but please book in advance so you don't miss out, you can find the contact details for all our libraries at http://bit.ly/YourLibraries or you can email Bedfordshire.libraries@bedford.gov.u k
See you there!
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We're really looking forward to this tomorrow at Kempston Library!

It's Tuesday and time for a stroll back in time.... In the news 100 years ago this week there's the swimming competition at Newnham Baths, a story of a large bat impaled on a burdock plant, suggestions to sell surplus veg. cheaply to those in need, a request of urgent help for prisoners of war in Germany and many more interesting local news articles...
Don't forget you can browse over 200 years of our local newspapers as well as publications from across the country using the ...British Newspaper Archive in all our libraries on the public computers, just ask during staffed hours if you need any help.
If you visit Bedford Central Library during staffed hours you can also browse the physical versions too!
Discover all sorts of local and family history resources that are available to you at http://bit.ly/LocalAndFamilyHistory
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the best public library i have visited. the layout and staff are excellent

My daughter really loves books thanks to Putnoe Library! I've been in literally scores of libraries, and this one is my favourite. Wonderful staff ����

I love Bedford Library it`s my favorite place to be next to the beach.The staff are helpful and the security is the best.

Brilliantly helpful and willing to go the extra mile.

Bedfordshire Libraries are a fantastic resource! Helpful and knowledgeable staff. Great stock. Excellent access to online and downloadable resources. Wide range of activities too!