“A reader lives a thousand lives before they die... The person who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin, author of the series, A Song of Ice and Fire
Reading is a way for children to make their world larger and grander, to understand the lives of people in other countries or who lived in different times.
This Children's Book Week, from the 5th-11th May, we want to help the children of Luton to enjoy the magic of reading. The five Luton Libraries are all fantastic places for children and families to enjoy time together. We also offer resources and support to help overcome barriers to reading.
Read on to discover how Luton Libraries can enrich your child’s life this Children’s Book Week and beyond.
Dedicated children’s areas
All of our libraries have vibrant children’s sections filled with books containing all kinds of magic. The Central Library has a newly refurbished area that’s perfect for an afternoon out. You’ll find colourful displays, furniture and of course, hundreds of books, including large print, braille and read-aloud books.
Scheduled activities for kids
It’s not just books. There are all sorts of fun things going on every week at all of Luton’s Libraries.
Happy Baby groups
These free drop-in sessions are for parents with babies aged 3-12 months. You’ll find a variety of sensory resources and some messy play sessions. The Maternal Social Prescribing Team support the sessions, so parents/carers can seek advice and meet fellow new parents while having fun with their little ones.
Times
Term-time only
Leagrave Library
Tuesdays: 10 am - 11.30am
Marsh Farm Library
Thursdays: 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Storytime!
Kids aged 1-4 love these fun and engaging sessions, which develop an early love of reading through storytelling, songs and activities. Sessions are free to attend.
Times
Luton Central, Leagrave
Fridays:10-10:30am
Lewsey Library
Fridays: 10-10:30am
Rhyme time
These popular sessions are a time for babies, toddlers, and grown-ups to enjoy rhymes, songs, and stories together.
Times
Term-time only
Central Library
Tuesday: 10am – 10:30am
Thursday: 10am – 10:30am
Sunday: 11:30am – 12pm
Leagrave Library
Wednesday: 9:30am – 10am
Wednesday: 10:30am – 11am
Lewsey Library
Tuesday: 2:15pm – 2:45pm
Marsh Farm Library
Thursday: 10am – 10:30am
Stopsley Library
Wednesday: 2pm – 2:30pm
Thursday: 2pm – 2:30pm
Fun time
Activities like simple crafts and colouring can be a great way into stories, books and reading. All the family are welcome at these sessions. No need to book, just turn up!
Times
Leagrave Library
Monday: 16:00 - 17:00
Lewsey Library
Monday: 15:45 - 16:45
Marsh Farm Library
Saturday: 11:00 to 12:00
Stopsley
Saturday: 11:00 - 11.45
Central Library
Please ask the team
Children and Teens’ eLibrary
Technology is second nature to kids these days, and many choose to enjoy stories through a device, which is fine. As a Luton Libraries member, they can explore thousands of ebooks and audiobooks.
There are biographies of everyone from children in war-torn Ukraine to their favourite footballers. There are books on wellbeing and resilience. And of course, stories, stories and stories. From detective thrillers to historical adventures to tales of young love. Thousands of new worlds at their fingertips.
We have specific e-libraries for both children and teens, ensuring your child reads age-appropriate material.
If English not your child’s first language, you can download the Lote4kids app to your tablet or smartphone. You get thousands of picture books in 70+ languages with English translations - including British Sign Language. There are also lots of fun activities to try, such as colouring, word search and memory match.
Homework help
Using books for research is a vital academic skill, and staff at our library are on hand to help kids develop it. During designated times, they can help you find information, set out your work, and, together, find the information you need.
Lewsey Library
Saturday: 10am – 1pm
Leagrave Library
Saturday: 2pm – 5pm
Luton Central Library
Saturday: 2pm – 5pm
Marsh Farm Library
Saturday 10am – 1pm
Stopsley Library
Saturday 10am – 1pm
Your local library is so much more than a place to borrow books. It enriches young people’s lives in so many ways. We hope to see you and your children enjoying our facilities during Children’s Book Week and beyond.
Read our previous article, ‘Beyond Books’, for even more great ways to benefit from a Luton Libraries membership.
And follow the Luton Libraries Facebook page or Instagram page to keep up to date on events and activities across all our sites.