Basildon Library

Go on a blind date… with a book! ❤️

Looking for your next great read? Take a chance on something new at our 'Blind Date with a Book' Crime display!

Each book is wrapped and labelled with just the first line of the book. Choose the one that speaks to you, check it out with your library card, and let the story surprise you 📚

Come and join us for our SEND Sensory Stay and Play sessions. Our sensory wall and floor provide the ideal environment for your child to both learn and have some fun.

Enjoy our safe SEND area, meet other parents and make friends!

Every Wednesday 3:30pm to 4:30pm.

No booking required.

https://library-events.essex.gov.uk/series?sn=SEND+Sensory+Stay+and+Play

'I don’t remember the title, but the cover was blue.' 🩵

A host of blue covers for you to choose from here at Basildon. Come in and borrow one with your library card today!

If you're happy and you know it... come to Rhymetime!

Free your child’s imagination with songs and stories, give their early communication skills a boost and have fun together!

Basildon Library every Monday 11am, Tuesday and Thursday at 10am.
Fryerns Library every Tuesday 2pm and Thursday 10.15am
Laindon Library every Thursday 11.30am
Vange Library every Monday 10am

Free and no booking required

https://library-events.essex.gov.uk/series?sn=Baby+and+Toddler+Rhymetime

Award-winning poet and performer Jake Nathan is coming to our libraries! 🤩

Join us for a free, fun-filled workshop exploring poetry, storytelling, rap, rhythm and rhyme, in partnership with Creative Basildon.

Perfect for children aged 5 to 11, these interactive sessions will help build creativity and confidence through words, performance and self-expression. No experience needed, just bring your imagination!

Join us at one of four sessions 📅

Friday 21 August 2026
Vange Library, 10am
Fryerns Library, 1pm

Friday 28 August 2026
Wickford Library, 10am
Billericay Library, 1pm

Book your free place here: https://library-events.essex.gov.uk/series?sn=creative+writing+workshop

Check out Creative Basildon: https://creativebasildon.co.uk/

Check out our online offer with BorrowBox, all free with your Essex Library card!

Enjoy thousands of e-books, e-graphic novels (including Manga), e-audio and e-magazines

Borrow up to 10 e-books, 10 e-audiobooks and 20 e-magazines for three weeks, with no overdue charges!

Download the app on Apple, Android or Kindle Fire and start reading anywhere.

Browse now: https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/digital-content/our-online-library/borrowbox

Every Wednesday afternoon Basildon Library hosts our midweek meet-ups group. Join us to share life stories, listen to others or simply enjoy a cup of tea in good company. There's no pressure to speak; you're just as welcome to listen.

Open to all adults - tea, coffee and biscuits provided. ☕

Come as you are or bring a friend!

Every Wednesday 2pm to 4pm.

https://library-events.essex.gov.uk/series?si=314133

There's still time for your children to join the Summer Reading Challenge 'Read to the Beat' 🎵 📚

There are six stickers for children to collect over the summer. They earn them by telling us about the books they have read, or doing related activities. (A list of suggested activities is on the sticker folder given to each child taking part.) After collecting six stickers, they earn their certificate and medal.

We also have a summer reading challenge craft every Wednesday where children can make a music themed craft and earn a sticker for the challenge.

Pop in to your local library and sign up today.

https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/news/summer-reading-challenge

Free creative writing workshop at Vange Library! ✍️

Join us at Vange Library for a free workshop this summer! Primarily aimed at children aged 5 to 11, we are hosting a Creative writing/spoken word workshop thinking about the musicality of reading and how this links to rap.

Friday 21 August from 10am to 12 noon

In partnership with Creative Basildon: https://creativebasildon.co.uk/

This event is free, however booking is required. Please follow the link below.

https://library-events.essex.gov.uk/event?id=357184

Free workshop this Friday! 📢

Join us for a free child's creative writing/ spoken word workshop this summer aimed at children aged 5 to 11.

This workshop will focus on the musicality of reading and how this links to rap 🎵

The event will be held on Friday 7 August 1pm to 3pm.

Booking is required. Book your free place here: https://library-events.essex.gov.uk/event?id=357167



With thanks Creative Basildon for partnering with us on this event.