Bournemouth History and Heritage

13/10/2026

We're selling some used heritage books, pamphlets, etc which are surplus to our requirements. We'd love them to have a home elsewhere. Why not call up to the Heritage Zone on the second floor of Bournemouth Library to see if you can find yourself a bargain!

17/08/2026

The places we love. The stories we share. The heritage we leave behind.

Heritage is more than historic buildings. It's the coastline we enjoy, the landmarks we recognise, the traditions we celebrate and the memories we create.

Have your say on BCP's first Heritage Strategy and help shape the future of heritage across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

👉 Complete the consultation in the 🔗 below:

17/08/2026

August Bank Holiday
All BCP Council libraries will be closed on Monday 31 August 2026.

To view the catalogue and renew loans or use free online information resources, eBooks, eAudiobooks, newspapers & magazines visit the Libraries web pages bcpcouncil.gov.uk/libraries

25/06/2026

*** IT services have now resumed ***

Bournemouth Library is currently experiencing IT issues and has no internet access.

You can still borrow and return books, but you must have your library card to borrow items.

There is no access to public computers, printing, photocopying or Wi-Fi, and we are unable to take card payments.

*** IT services have now resumed ***

07/05/2026

Discover Bournemouth A to Z

May is Local and Community History Month. To celebrate, our team have set up an alphabetical treasure trail in the library, spotlighting aspects of Bournemouth's history - from Aviation to Zig-Zags!

Why not pop in and see if you can find them all, and discover some things you never knew about our local history?

20/04/2026

May Bank Holidays
All BCP Council libraries will be closed on Monday 4 May and Monday 25 May 2025.
Visit the Libraries web pages to use free online information resources, eBooks, eAudiobooks, newspapers & magazines, view the catalogue and renew books.

www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/libraries

18/03/2026

All libraries in the BCP area will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Libraries are open as usual on Saturday 4 April.
You can access our online services at www.librarieswest.org.uk throughout the Easter weekend.

23/01/2026

Our colleagues at Springbourne Library are holding a local history talk tomorrow at 11am. Click below for further details ...

Join us for an enlightening local history talk "History in My Back Yard" from Elaine Findlay on Saturday 24th Jan 11am - 1pm. Discover the hidden stories and rich heritage of Springbourne that have shaped our community!

We'd love to welcome you for a cup of tea and some fascinating local history!

🏡📚

21/01/2026

Recovering by the Sea: The Indian Army in Bournemouth

Discover the remarkable and little-known story of the British Indian Army soldiers who came to Bournemouth during the First World War to recover from injuries sustained on the Western Front.

This exhibition kindly transferred to us from the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum will be viewable on floor 2 of the library from now until the end of February.

13/01/2026

The RNLI's Stories of Courage 1939-45 exhibition will be running at the Lighthouse in Poole from Thursday 15th January to Saturday 28th February, sharing how volunteer crews continued to save lives at sea in the extraordinary circumstances of the Second World War.

Click below for further details.

Don’t miss our RNLI Stories of Courage 1939-45 exhibition about the RNLI in the Second World War