Ashford Libraries

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Ashford Libraries

Ashford Libraries include: Ashford, Bockhanger, Charing, Stanhope, Tenterden and Wye libraries.

14/06/2026

Parents and carers — get ready to Go All In this summer!

While your child is getting ready to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge why not set your own reading pledge too.

As part of the National Year of Reading, Kent Libraries is inviting parents and carers to Go All In and enjoy more of what they love reading.

Why not set your own reading goal and make it a family summer of reading?

Join the Kent Libraries Book Chat group on Facebook to:
⭐ share your reading pledge
⭐ find ideas and recommendations for all ages
⭐ see what other families are planning to read

It’s a great way to get inspired and support your child while enjoying reading yourself.

👉Discover more about National Year of Reading: kent.gov.uk/nationalyearofreading
👉 Discover more about Summer Reading Challenge:
kent.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge

10/06/2026

🎵 Get ready to Read to the Beat this summer at Kent Libraries.

The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge is back from Saturday 4 July to Saturday 5 September, giving all children aged 4 to 11 a fun, free way to enjoy reading over the summer holidays.

This year’s theme, Read to the Beat, celebrates the joy of music and the power it has to move, inspire and connect us — all through the magic of reading.

From page-turning adventures to laugh-out-loud stories, children can explore books in a way that works for them and discover new favourites along the way.

Keep an eye out for more on how to join, what rewards are up for grabs and the free activities coming to libraries across Kent.

👉 Find out more and get ready to join by visiting kent.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge

04/06/2026

Libraries are so much more than just books (and you know how much we love books!)

Find welcoming spaces where you can learn, discover new interests, skills and hobbies, where you can find entertainment for all ages, and connect with your local community, all for free.

It's Day! Haven't been to the library in a while? Why not pop in and see what you discover?

Which is your favourite library in Ashford District and why? Or from across - we have 99, plus 5 mobile libraries to choose from! Let us know in the comments or email us at [email protected], we'd love to hear from you.

26/05/2026

This month, we are celebrating Share a Story Month by shining a light on our free and inclusive Storytime sessions for children.

Storytime sessions are a great way to enjoy stories together, build confidence, and support early language and learning. They are relaxed, welcoming, and open to all families.

Join us at your local library for stories, sharing and time together.

✅ Free to attend
✅ No experience needed
✅ Everyone is welcome

Find out more and find your nearest Storytime by visiting bit.ly/Kent-Library-Storytime

25/05/2026

📚 Free author talks across Kent 📚

Kent Libraries is celebrating the National Year of Reading with a year‑long programme of free author talks at libraries across the county.

Meet bestselling writers, hear them talk about their books, and enjoy stories rooted in real places. From crime and thrillers to historical and contemporary fiction, there is something for every reader.

Author talks are taking place in libraries across Kent, with opportunities to listen, ask questions and discover your next great read. Whether you already love reading or want to get back into it, this programme is for you.

All events are free. Booking is required.

Explore the full National Year of Reading author talk programme and find an event near you by visiting kentlra.qrplanet.com/nyorauthortalks2026

22/05/2026

🔔Opening Hours - Spring Bank Holiday

Our libraries, registration offices and the Kent Archives search room will all be closed all day on Monday 25 May for the Spring Bank Holiday.

There's still time to pop in and see us to top up your reading list for the long weekend. And don't forget our eLibrary is open 24/7! Discover thousands of free eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines ready to read wherever you are.

👀 Explore our eLibrary apps at kent.gov.uk/elibrary

🔎 Find the latest service updates on our website at kent.gov.uk

Stay hydrated, keep cool and we'll see you all again after the Bank Holiday!

Kent County Council Kent Libraries, Registration & Archives Kent Libraries Book Chat

21/05/2026

Can’t find the books your child wants? Kent Libraries can help you get them ready for the Summer Reading Challenge.

Families can find brilliant books ready for Summer Reading with free reservations, local pickup, and happy readers. All you need to go all in for the National Year of Reading is a library card.

Find out more about Kent Libraries offers at kent.gov.uk/libraries.

07/05/2026

Free eBooks and audiobooks that kids will love are available through Kent Libraries.

If your family is busy, travelling, or just likes reading on a phone or tablet, this is an easy way to keep plenty of choice at your fingertips.

Download one of Kent Libraries reading apps to build a brilliant booklist and get ready to Go All In this summer.

Find out more about Kent Libraries offers at kent.gov.uk/libraries.

21/04/2026

🔔 We’re updating our systems - how will this affect you?

Our essential upgrade on Wednesday 22 April will temporarily affect some of our services. Here’s what you need to know...

Visiting a library or the Kent Archives search room on Wednesday?

• Please bring your library card with you if you’d like to borrow books or items from the library

• You will need your library card and PIN number to use our computers or WiFi

• Our local teams will still be here to help across our libraries, but services will be limited. We’ll be logging loans and returns manually, but we won’t be able to look up or update customer details so please make sure you have your library card number with you

• All loans due on Wednesday 22 April will be automatically extended by one week to Wednesday 29 April.

Online Services

• Our online Kent Libraries catalogue will be unavailable throughout the day on Wednesday 22 April

• You will not be able to search the catalogue online or in libraries during this time

• The Kent Libraries app will also have limited functionality.

eLibrary Apps - Libby, BorrowBox, uLibrary & PressReader

• You will be able to use the Libby app as normal

• Your loans BorrowBox and uLibrary will still be available as long as you log in before tomorrow, Wednesday 22 April, and stay logged in to the apps throughout the upgrade period

• PressReader will also be available as long as you are logged in, and stay logged in to your account. If your 30 day access is due to expire, it’s worth signing out and then signing back in to refresh your access period before tomorrow, Wednesday 22 April.

Library Extra Customers

At Library, Library and Library, Library Extra will be unavailable:

• Evening of Tuesday 21 April
• All day Wednesday 22 April
• Morning of Thursday 23 April

We expect services to return to normal from Thursday 23 April. Thank you for bearing with us while we carry out these important upgrades.

More information about the offers and services mentioned in this post can be found at kent.gov.uk/libraries

Address

Ashford Gateway Plus Church Road
Ashford
TN231AS

Telephone

+443000413131

Website

http://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/libraries

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