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.
Homework Club
Unlock Your Child's Academic Potential – For FREE!
Is your child struggling at school or looking for a new challenge? Are you searching for professional support but aren't sure where to begin? We have the perfect solution!
Join our Free Homework Club at Shipley Library. This is your child’s opportunity academic guidance, build confidence, and have fun while learning!
This exciting initiative is proudly run by The Classroom Bradford, a professional and highly credible local tuition centre. This is a unique opportunity for your family to get professional insight into the exact support your child needs - absolutely free of charge!
What to Bring & What We Offer:
We tailor each session to what works best for your child:
Bring Your Own Material: Children are welcome to bring in their own school homework, coursework, or revision materials
Targeted Topic Support: If there is a specific topic your child would like to go over let us know! We can teach it to them.
Where and when:
Shipley Library
Every Wednesday in June, 3pm to 5pm starting 10 June
You're welcome to attend every week
Class visits
Libraries are uniquely positioned to inspire a love of reading in children. For some, a school visit may be their very first experience in a library. By bringing your class to the library, you provide your pupils with access to a wide variety of books to enjoy while introducing them to the habit of borrowing. We can even send library joining forms for families to complete so that the children can join on the visit. You might be surprised at how many children have never had the chance to visit a library.
Class visits are a wonderful opportunity for libraries to create a positive and lasting impression. Our goal is for every child to see their local library as a warm, welcoming space where they can explore books, seek information, and feel supported.
You can book a class visit using this online form.
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.
