We can give you more than 30,000 reasons why our libraries are blooming – following a successful Love Libraries Month in Bedford Borough. There were more visits and books borrowed across our libraries during this year’s event in February than there were last year. And the 30,000-plus visits included a whopping 19,208 to Bedford Central Library, the highest since the team started recording via the door count system in 2022. Libraries saw a 30% increase in children attending events this February with over 2,700 attending events across all libraries. Adults attending events totalled over 2,000 and marked a 10% increase compared to 2024. Activities ranged from author visits and workshops to Rhyme Times with Bookstart Bear and free half-term crafts. Councillor Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience (inc. Leisure, Recreation & Culture) said; “Anything which boosts a love of books and reading has to be celebrated, and it’s no surprise that we’ve had such a successful Love Libraries Month during Bedford Borough’s Year of Reading. “If you aren’t yet a member of Bedford Borough Libraries, why not take the opportunity to do so now? Joining is free, and book-lovers will be thrilled to know they can borrow up to 20 books at a time with full library membership. “That goes for children too, so if you have a young reader who is flying through Dogman or Dork Diaries, your bank balance might thank you for getting them a library card. “If you prefer to read on a screen or listen to a book you can borrow free e-books, magazines, and audiobooks - and you don’t even have to remember to return them! Download Libby and BorrowBox to enjoy titles such as Lessons in Chemistry, Thursday Murder Club, Amelia Fang, and the Wild Robot- the list goes on! “Or you are in a hurry to join or don’t have ID on you, you can still get an instant membership to access digital services and borrow up to four books at a time. “Join online at https://lnkd.in/e52Sfkmz or speak to staff at any Bedford Borough library. We look forward to seeing you.”
