Bingley Library

27/08/2026

Dolly Parton 1946-2026

The world feels a little dimmer without Dolly Parton (1946–2026), but her incredible gesture still resonates loudly through to thousands of families across the Bradford District. Inspired by her own father's struggle with literacy, Dolly made it her personal mission to ensure no child grew up without books.

Since 2012, her Imagination Library has quietly brought the joy of reading to thousands of young children across our community.

Almost half a million free books have been handed out to children across Bradford through a scheme created by legendary music star Dolly Parton who…

13/08/2026

Don't miss out on next week's free Summer Reading Challenge events at Bingley Library . Spaces are limited, so make sure to book your child's slot !

🗓️ Monday 17th Aug | 10:30 am - 12:00 noon

Big Bright Feelings – (Ages 4-8 years) – Booking essential

A brilliant, playful morning of storytelling, music, and percussion with the wonderful Mind the Gap team. It's all about fun, creative activities focused on expression.

🗓️ Wednesday 19th Aug | 11:30am - 12:30pm

Festival Bracelets & Crowns - (Ages 4–12 years) -Booking essential

Design your ultimate festival-goer look. A hands-on, creative design session where children can craft their own custom festival-themed accessories.

Important Note: To take part children must be signed up to the Summer Reading Challenge.

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12/08/2026

We’re halfway through the Summer Reading Challenge! ☀️📚

Sign up for free at any Bradford District Library for Read to the Beat, open to children aged 4–12 years old.📖🪘🥁

Whether your child loves graphic novels, quick reads or mysteries, every page counts towards them taking centre stage. Plus, they’ll receive special stickers, a storytime magazine and rewards for hitting their reading goals!🎖✨

Find out more at your local library or visit
https://www.bradford.gov.uk/libraries/children-and-young-people/summer-reading-challenge/

11/08/2026

We've had a few people calling into our library asking about special eclipse glasses - to save you a trip please note, none of our libraries stock or distribute eclipse glasses.

Even though we don’t have glasses, we still have lots of brilliant books, audiobooks and eMagazines all about space and stars, for eclipse watchers and star gazers of all ages.

You'll be able to witness a partial 90% eclipse on Wednesday 12 August, which will peak at just after 7:09pm in Bradford.

Please take care - Please look after your eyes! Never stare directly at the Sun, even during the peak of the eclipse.

Unlock a universe of free stargazing resources with your library card from free eMagazines- download the Libby app to read the BBC Sky at Night or explore our catalogue for hundreds of titles about planets, stars and eclipse for all ages at your local library.

08/08/2026

🦒 Summer Reading Challenge Alert! 📚✨

Looking for a fun way to keep the children entertained and engaged this summer?

We’ve got just the thing!

With this year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme is all about music and rhythm, so we are hosting a super fun morning "Dancing Giraffes" workshop! 🦒💃

We are blending storytelling, music, and crafting into one big morning adventure. Where your child will listen to a fun story, build their very own moving, split-pin giraffe, and then hit the dance floor for a big group showcase to see what their new giraffe friends can do! 🎨🎵

It is a fantastic, hands-on way for children to express themselves, practice their fine motor skills, and get excited about visiting the library.

Booking essential. Suitable for all ages.

Important Note: To take part children must be signed up to the Summer Reading Challenge.

📍 Bingley Library

📅 Thursday 13th August

🕚 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

🎈Perfect for 4 to 7-year-olds

04/08/2026

If you go down to the woods.....🌲🌳🌿

Well, maybe not the woods, but how about Myrtle Park instead?

Bingley Library is hosting a Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Wednesday 5th August from 2pm to 4pm, and we would love for you to join us!

It is a lovely, relaxed way to head outside, enjoy the sunshine, and chat with other local parents while the little ones play and make some new friends.

Grab a blanket, pack your favourite lunchtime treats, and don’t forget to bring along your child's best-loved bear! 🧸🧺

We have got plenty of things lined up to keep the kids entertained, including:

Live Music 🎸

Fun crafts and colouring sheets ✂️

A 'Hunt the Teddy Bears' game 🕵️‍♂️

A surprise visit from a very famous bear! 🐻

We will be gathering right by the Bandstand. Since this event will be outside please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

04/08/2026

Unmissable community heritage happening this weekend!

03/08/2026

🎓 Finished school and wondering what comes next?

It is completely natural to feel unsure about your next steps. The transition from school to your future career or further education is a major adjustment.

Bradford libraries want you to take the next step with confidence. That’s why we’re bringing local colleges and organisations together alongside local employer Tom Chilton for a relaxed drop in afternoon.

Come along on Wednesday 26th August 2026 at Shipley Enterprise Hub, Shipley Library, between 1-6pm to discuss apprenticeships, training programmes,career development, interview techniques.

Book now or scan the QR code below to find out more :

https://www.ticketsource.com/bradfordlibraries/t-gljnzqp

Bradford District Libraries
Shipley College (Official Page)
Bradford College
Skills for Work Bradford
SkillsHouse Bradford

01/08/2026

☀️Summer Getaway?✈️

Help your child complete the Summer Reading Challenge whilst on the move.

Whether your family is travelling by plane, train,ferry, bus or car this summer. We’ve got the ultimate way to keep the kids entertained – and stop the dreaded are we there yet?

There’s no need to pack your bags with heavy books- you can check off their six-book challenge goal whilst on the move.

Here are 3 brilliant ways to turn travel time into quiet time:

📖 1) Read a Book on the Journey

Pack a lightweight graphic novel or a choose-your-own-adventure book from the shelves. They are fast paced, highly visual, and keep the children engaged during the journey without taking up precious suitcase space.

🎧 2) Listen via BorrowBox (The Car Sickness Savior!)

If looking down makes your child feel sick, audio books offer the perfect motion-sickness solution. Simply download the BorrowBox app on your device and sign in using your library card before you leave .Then, simply connect to the car speakers, headphones and enjoy hands free story time.

📱 3) Read a Comic on Libby

Zero packing space required. Simply download the Libby app before you travel and access hundreds of titles. Many have no waiting lists, so you can grab them right at the departure gate.

The ultimate goal:

Whether your child prefers to read text, enjoy a graphic or comic or listen to an audio track they all count towards one of your six goals for the summer reading challenge.

Bradford District Libraries
The Reading Agency

28/07/2026

Creativity was in full bloom during our recent plant pot painting workshop at Bingley Library. Everyone had a fantastic time bringing their unique designs to life.

Many thanks to everyone who came along and to our event partners the Walk, Wheel, Cycle Trust to make this event so special.

Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Bradford District Libraries