“The only thing you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”
That quote came from a man who knew more than pretty much anyone else - Albert Einstein. And he’s not wrong. Your local library is more than just a place to grab a book. It's a treasure trove of entertainment, learning, and community activities. And most of it is free.
Take a look at what’s on offer at Luton Libraries.
Borrow books
Let’s start with the obvious - the books. Your library card is a magic key that unlocks thousands of stories. From thrilling mysteries and soppy romances to local history and famous biographies, the shelves are packed with adventures waiting for you to dive in.
Luton Libraries regularly update the site with the most popular new releases, so you can see what’s hot. The online search tool makes it easy to find any book across any of Luton’s libraries. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can even make a suggestion for them to purchase a book to add to their stock. As a member, you can borrow up to 15 books at a time.
E-books and audiobooks at your fingertips
Love reading but don't want to lug around heavy books? We've got you covered. You can download e-books straight to your phone or tablet using the award-winning Libby app. And for those busy days when you can't sit down to read, try our audiobooks. Listen while you cook, clean, or commute. No need to spend money on Amazon, Kindle, or Audible - there are tonnes of titles ready for you to enjoy.
And if you’re ever a bit busy when it’s time for the bedtime story, you can also get thousands of kids’ audiobooks for free.
Boogie away with free Jazz music streaming
If you’re the sort of person who simply has to have some tunes blasting away while making dinner or walking to work, then you’ll love Luton Libraries’ free music streaming services by Naxos Music Libraries. No need to worry about expensive Spotify subscriptions or annoying YouTube ads when you can stream over 2 million Jazz tracks for free on any device.
Borrow bits and bobs
If you’re streaming music through our free service, then why not make it a party by borrowing our LED disco ball and speakers? You can also borrow the pop-up sensory tent which is a great place for kids to unwind and relax (unless you put the disco ball in there, in which case it becomes a party tent).
Kids can also enjoy the great outdoors with our nature trail packs and telescopes. We also have Real Play activities, family board games and jigsaws. There’s something for everyone.
Unearth your family history
Luton Central Library holds Family and Local History collections, which you can access for free with no appointment. Staff will be happy to help you with short searches, and can signpost you to other services for more complex requests. They can also carry out detailed research for you charged at £30 per hour. Give it a try and who knows what you’ll find. Maybe one of your ancestors was a Hatters legend or helped renovate Luton Hoo.
Join the fun with community classes
If you want to try something new, we've got all sorts going on in our libraries.
- Stretch it out in yoga sessions
- Join a reading group and chat about your favourite books
- Learn some creative crafts
- Indulge your competitive streak at board game club
- Develop your knitting and crochet skills, and make new friends at Knit & Natter
There's always something happening, and it's a great way to meet new people too.
Health made easy
Libraries are a source of knowledge, and there’s no more important knowledge than how to improve your health and wellbeing. That's why we have health stations where you can check your BMI and access tonnes of resources for adults and children. We also run a range of free health and wellbeing sessions at the Central Library’s Well and Wise Room.
Work or study in peace
Work from home and need a change of scenery? Our libraries are great spaces to work. Bring your laptop, use our free Wi-Fi, and get stuff done in a quiet, comfy environment. It's perfect for remote workers, students, or anyone who needs a productive space.
As a member, you’ll have free access to learning resources including over 30 million academic articles, over 500 online courses that develop your skills, and Britannica Encyclopedia library.
Why library membership is a no-brainer
Libraries are not just about books anymore (though we do love our books). They're community hubs where you can learn, have fun, and connect with others. And the best part - most of these services are completely free. In a world where everything seems to cost an arm and a leg, your library card is a ticket to a world of free entertainment and resources.
So dust off that library card (or sign up for one if you haven't already) and start exploring. Your local library is full of surprises.