All our libraries re-opened on 12 April
It has been lovely to welcome you back to the library! Visit our library directory to find out when your library will be open.
Browsing
- Come and browse our shelves!
- Please be considerate to others by keeping a safe distance from other visitors and staff and following floor markings and one-way systems
- If you touch but don't take any books put them in the boxes provided for quarantining for 72 hours
- We're sorry browsing of printed newspapers and magazines and children's picture books and board books is currently not available.
Issuing, renewing and returning
- Self-service kiosks are regularly cleaned by staff
- It is recommended that you return books via the drop-box at the front of the library
- All returned stock will be quarantined before it is made available again to the public
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You can reserve any items you wish to borrow and collect them from whichever library is the most convenient for you using our online library catalogue. Request charges will apply. You will be notified when your reserved items are ready to collect
Bookable computers and study places
- PCs and tables for studying and using public w-fi can be booked for up to one hour per day
- Please book in advance by telephoning the library to use a computer or study place because of restrictions on numbers of visitors and space restrictions
- All IT and study facilities will be cleaned by library staff after each use
Joining the library and bus passes
You can join the library and renew bus passes at library enquiry desks.
Click on the link for more information about joining the library.
May Bank Holiday
Libraries will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday. However, our digital, online and electronic resources are always open.
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Safety measures
- Each library has restrictions on the numbers of people in the library building at one time
- All customers entering our library buildings are required to wear a mask unless they are exempt
- Every customer will be asked to sanitise their hands before entering
- Customers can stay for a maximum of one hour
NHS Test and Trace
- You will be asked to record your presence in the library using the NHS Test and Trace app (download the app for free from the Apple app store or Google Play Store). Scan the NHS QR posters located at the entrance
- If you are unable to use the app, we will record your presence inside the library by taking your name and phone number. All details will be stored safely and destroyed after 21 days.
Selection of 5 books for babies, toddlers and preschoolers
Lucky Dip packs for children under 5 years old are perfect if you are short of time or want a surprise. Lucky dip bags are a selection of 5 books, that are suitable either for toddlers (picture book bags) or for babies (board book bags). You don't need to pre-book a pack, just pop down to your local library and ask to take part in the lucky dip!
In order to limit the handling of stock, we are temporarily unable to process requests for children’s picture book and board books, so please help us by not placing reservations on these books at the moment. Instead we are introducing lucky dip bags for children to enjoy.
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Get creative this spring
Craft packs are now available for purchase from Bracknell Library. The pack is jam packed with activities to keep you busy over the bank holiday weekend. We look forward to seeing your creations!
Only £2 per pack.
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Online Book Group
Thursday 20 May 7pm
Join our online reading group to meet up with other people who enjoy reading and discussing books through an online chat. Everyone is welcome!
We will be discussing Lie Down with Lions by Ken Follett, a twisting spy thriller and romantic adventure. Both the e-book and the e-audio book are free to borrow from BorrowBox with unlimited access, so no waiting lists.
Book your place on Eventbrite and we'll send you the Zoom meeting details.
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Creative Writers' Workshop
Thursday 27 May 6.30-8.30pm
Join our workshop for new and experienced writers led by acclaimed crime novelist and creative writing teacher, Anthony J. Quinn. Get writing tips and advice about your writing, find inspiration to get ideas flowing or feeling energised again, and meet other writers. You will also have the opportunity to submit your work and get feedback on your writing.
Anthony Quinn has written 9 novels and teaches the MA in Creative Writing at Queen’s University, Belfast.
The workshop will be limited to 12 participants and will take place using Zoom.
Fee: £6 Book your place on the workshop
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Don't worry if you received a reminder letter, we can help!
We’re providing free, friendly, official support until May 4th - contact Bracknell library 01344 423149 or Crowthorne Library 01344 776431 for queries or to book an appointment by phone or in person. Face-to-face appointments are done in a COVID secure way.
We can help with:
- Guidance on how to answer specific questions or how to complete the questionnaire for different types of households
- Getting an access code if you've lost your code, if you want to start again or you would like to request an individual access code to answer separately from your household
- Requesting a paper copy of the form (including large print)
- Completing the questionnaire online using a library computer if you do not have a device at home.
If you are waiting for a paper copy of the form to arrive in the post, just complete it as soon as it arrives. If you have already submitted your form online, you can use your original access code to check online that it has been submitted properly.
More information about receiving a census reminder letter.
Shortlisted titles for the British Book Awards 2021
Don't miss out on reading some of the best adult and children's non-fiction and fiction books of 2020 by checking the shortlisted titles for the British Book of the Year awards 2021
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The CILIP Carnegie Medal Shortlist 2021
The CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals are the UK’s oldest and best-loved children’s book awards, recognising outstanding reading experiences created through writing and illustration in books for children and young people. The CILIP Carnegie Medal is awarded by children’s librarians for an outstanding book written in English for children and young people.
Select & collect your books using our online catalogue.
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NEW e-books and e-audiobooks
All our e-books and e-audiobooks can now be borrowed using BorrowBox - either download the BorrowBox app to your tablet and phone or go to the BorrowBox website on a computer or laptop. Sign in with your library card number (omit 633 and start with 800) and PIN for free access. If you download to a computer you can transfer to e-readers, such as Kobo or Nook, or MP3 players.
 Audiobooks can help you feel less lonely or are great for relieving the boredom when exercising, doing chores or travelling!
Keep up to date
For more up to date information please follow Bracknell Forest Libraries on:
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Bracknell Forest Library website
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