Libraries for ages 5 to 18

Books for children and young adults

We have an extensive children’s book collection, fiction, non-fiction and graphic novels, with new books arriving daily in all of our libraries. Children can request books for free and we love to have book suggestions from children and young adults. We also have dyslexia friendly, large print, Braille and audio books.

Library tickets

Children and young people have their own library ticket and there are no fines on overdue books. Children can borrow up to 20 items and can renew books online as well as in person or over the telephone.

Holiday activities

We offer a variety of free school holiday events and activities aimed at all ages. These include author and poet visits, art and themed workshops, theatre and storytelling performances and craft activities. Information on forthcoming events can be found on our website, at your local library, and the local press.

Home Educated Reading Group

Open to all families who home educate. The group meets monthly on the last Wednesday of the month from 2pm to 3pm at Shipley Library.

Class visits

All our libraries welcome class visits. We can offer your school a standard class visit which includes library tour and story time or we can tailor your class visit to your needs. Look out for our special National Curriculum linked events offered to schools.

For class visits contact your local library.

School events

We offer a variety of events open to schools throughout term time. These include author visits, art and themed workshops, theatre and storytelling performances as well as supporting reading initiatives. Information on forthcoming events is usually sent to School Literacy Coordinators and listed on Bradford Schools Online.

Summer Reading Challenge

This is a national scheme to encourage children from 4 to 11 years to read for enjoyment throughout the summer holidays. All our libraries offer the Summer Reading Challenge from mid July to mid September and we have an extensive number of activities and events over the summer to support the challenge.

Information for parents about the challenge and all our summer events can be found on our website as well as in our Summer Reading Challenge events booklet, available in all our libraries, City Hall, Information Shops and other public services.

It is also available to download from our website.

Summer Reading Challenge Young Ambassadors

We offer young people between 13 and 21 years old the chance to volunteer as a Young Ambassador, to support the Summer Reading Challenge and summer activities.