Ashford Libraries

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

⏰ Time is running out to complete the Summer Reading Challenge and enter our Summer Reading Challenge Prize Draw.Childre...
04/09/2026

⏰ Time is running out to complete the Summer Reading Challenge and enter our Summer Reading Challenge Prize Draw.

Children who complete the challenge at their local Kent Library can enter for the chance to win:

🏆 Ages 4 to 7: One of two £50 National Book Tokens

🏆 Ages 8 to 11+: One of two book bundles worth over £50

If your child hasn't finished their challenge yet, there's still time to visit your local Kent Library and keep reading.

Terms and conditions apply. Parental permission is required. Children must complete the Summer Reading Challenge at their local Kent Library to enter the prize draw.

View the prize draw terms and conditions at kentlra.qrplanet.com/SRCPrizeDraw2026

🎵 There's still time to complete Read to the Beat! 📚The Summer Reading Challenge ends on 5 September, but if your child ...
03/09/2026

🎵 There's still time to complete Read to the Beat! 📚

The Summer Reading Challenge ends on 5 September, but if your child has been reading and completing goals over the summer, don't worry, there's still time to update their progress and collect their rewards.

✅ Visit your local library and speak to a member of staff about the books your child has read and goals they have achieved

✅ Progress can be updated until 19 September

✅ Children who complete the Challenge can still receive their certificate and medal.

Please remember: borrowing and returning books using self-service machines does not update Summer Reading Challenge records. To have your child's progress counted, you need to let a member of library staff know.

Many children are closer to completing the challenge than they realise, so pop in and chat to the team. Let's finish Read to the Beat on a high! 🎶📖

📚 Meet bestselling local author Jodie Chapman at Charing Library!Join us on Thursday 10 September, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, for...
02/09/2026

📚 Meet bestselling local author Jodie Chapman at Charing Library!

Join us on Thursday 10 September, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, for a free author talk with Ashford-born writer Jodie Chapman as she shares her writing journey, talks about her books and discusses the inspiration behind her work.

Jodie's debut novel was featured on BBC's Between the Covers, and she'll also be talking about her latest novel, California Gold, described as "stylish, vibrant, romantic and beautifully written".

There will be a chance to ask questions after the talk, and free tea and coffee will be available.

Booking is essential, you can reserve your place by emailing [email protected] or [email protected], calling 03000 41 31 31, or by popping into Ashford or Charing Library.

📖 Has your child completed their last Summer Reading Challenge goal?Don't forget that children who complete the Summer R...
28/08/2026

📖 Has your child completed their last Summer Reading Challenge goal?

Don't forget that children who complete the Summer Reading Challenge at their local Kent Library can enter our Summer Reading Challenge Prize Draw.

🎁 Ages 4 to 7: Two children will each win a £50 National Book Token

🎁 Ages 8 to 11+: Two children will each win a book bundle worth over £50

There's still plenty of time to read, collect rewards and enter.

Terms and conditions apply. Parental permission is required. Children must complete the Summer Reading Challenge at their local Kent Library to enter the prize draw.

View the prize draw terms and conditions at kentlra.qrplanet.com/SRCPrizeDraw2026

28/08/2026

🔔 Opening Hours - August Bank Holiday

Our libraries, registration offices and the Kent Archives search room will be closed all day on Monday 31 August for the Summer Bank Holiday.

There's still time to pop into our libraries 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, audiobooks, and eMagazines ready to read and listen wherever you are.

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

🔎 Find the latest service updates at kent.gov.uk

We'll see you all again after the Bank Holiday!

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

🎵 Is your child taking part in this year's Summer Reading Challenge: Read to the Beat at Kent Libraries?By completing th...
16/08/2026

🎵 Is your child taking part in this year's Summer Reading Challenge: Read to the Beat at Kent Libraries?

By completing the Summer Reading Challenge at their local Kent Library, children can also enter our Summer Reading Challenge Prize Draw.

There are two age categories:

📚 Ages 4 to 7: win one of two £50 National Book Tokens

📚 Ages 8 to 11+ : win one of two book bundles worth over £50

It's free to take part and a great way to encourage reading throughout the summer holidays.

Find your local Kent Library and get started today!

Terms and conditions apply. Parental permission is required. Children must complete the Summer Reading Challenge at their local Kent Library to enter the prize draw.

View the prize draw terms and conditions at kentlra.qrplanet.com/SRCPrizeDraw2026

Please note, Stanhope Library and Family Hub will be closed on Monday 24 August. The building will be closed for the day...
09/08/2026

Please note, Stanhope Library and Family Hub will be closed on Monday 24 August.

The building will be closed for the day to allow filming by Native Strangers on behalf of BookTrust, in agreement with Kent Libraries, and Kent Family Hubs.

The filming is being coordinated by the Kent Film Office.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03000 422000 (during office hours)

Find other libraries near you and check for the latest service updates at kent.gov.uk/findalibrary

Join us for a fairytale musical mash up! 🎤Head to Ashford Library for a fun, interactive storytelling event with childre...
17/07/2026

Join us for a fairytale musical mash up! 🎤

Head to Ashford Library for a fun, interactive storytelling event with children’s author Gareth P Jones.

🗓 Date: Saturday 1 August 2026
⏰ Time: 10:30am
📍 Location: Ashford Library
🎟 Free event – booking required, please contact Ashford Library by calling 03000 41 31 31 emailing [email protected] or popping in and speaking to a member of the team.

Get ready for a brilliant mix of music, stories and silliness as Gareth brings his twisted fairytales to life. Meet characters like Rabunzel the long eared rabbit and CinderGorilla the disco loving gorilla… but there’s a twist – you help turn the stories into a musical!

Expect sing along songs, live music, fast rapping, funky ukulele moments and lots of laughs. It’s interactive, inclusive and designed to entertain all ages.

Part of the Summer Reading Challenge in Kent Libraries.

Come along, join in, and discover the fun of reading in a whole new way!

Use your postcode to find your nearest event kentlra.qrplanet.com/readtothebeatmusicalmashup

04/07/2026

And here we go! ♫ ♪

The Summer Reading Challenge is back with Read to the Beat!

Head to a library near you from Saturday 4 July to sign up to this free summer holiday activity, inspiring children to discover how reading and music can ignite imagination and creativity for the National Year of Reading 2026.

Libraries across Kent will be offering an exciting programme of free events, activities, plus brilliant books and rewards for hitting reading related goals at all summer, all for free!

🏅 Learn more about the Summer Reading Challenge, what's on near you and how all children aged 4 to 11 can take part at kent.gov.uk/summerreadingchallenge

Address

Ashford Gateway Plus Church Road
Ashford
TN231AS

Telephone

+443000413131

Website

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