Ashford Libraries

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Ashford Libraries

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

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

23/02/2026

We've got exciting news! Children can now swap their book tokens for one of this year's brilliant World Book Day books, for FREE at Stanhope Library until Sunday 15 March.

Plus while you're here, why not browse our costume swap rail, ready for school dress up days?

No need to have donated in order to take home new-to-you costumes - just drop in, take a look and pick out the ones you like.

A big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to rummage in their fancy dress boxes and made a donation to the swap so far. You've ensured that everyone has the chance to celebrate the joy of World Book Day, all for free! We're so proud to be part of our local community 💛

Visit us during normal opening hours and get choosing (while stocks last)! Find parking and accessibility information for local libraries near you over on our website at kent.gov.uk/findalibrary

Explore what libraries across Kent have planned for their World Book Day celebrations at kentlra.qrplanet.com/wbd26

Kent Libraries,

29/01/2026

Volunteer with Kent’s Home Library Service and bring books, and company, to people who find it difficult to get to the library. A few hours a month can brighten someone’s day. Join us and deliver books and smiles.

You choose how much time you give – just a few hours a month can brighten someone's day.

Find out more and apply today by visiting kentlra.qrplanet.com/volunteerhomelibraryservicefb

22/01/2026

If getting to the library is difficult, we’ll bring the books to you!

Our Home Library Service is free, friendly and tailored to your reading tastes, including large print and audiobooks for those who need them.

Apply now or help someone else sign up by visiting kentlra.qrplanet.com/applyhomelibraryservicefb

17/12/2025

Know someone who finds it difficult to get out but loves to read?

Kent’s Home Library Service delivers books, audiobooks and DVDs straight to their door. It’s personal, free and designed for people who need a little extra support, including older adults, carers and those with health or mobility challenges.

Find out more and apply for yourself or someone else by visiting kentlra.qrplanet.com/applyhomelibraryservicefb

Address

Ashford Gateway Plus Church Road
Ashford
TN231AS

Telephone

+443000413131

Website

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

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