Please visit your local library. Bilsthorpe Library is located on the Crescent, NG22 8QX, right behind the Miner’s Welfare. It is open Wednesdays 9.30am to 1.00pm, Fridays 1.30pm to 5.00pm and Saturdays 9.30am to 1.00pm.
Once registered as a member, visitors can borrow books, use computers, print and photocopy, access Ancestry, and take part in community groups.
Keep up with the latest news and events at Bilsthorpe Library via their Facebook page.
Regular events at the library
Rattle, Rhyme and Roll (followed by Stay and Play)
Every Wednesday at 11.00am
Enjoy a friendly, relaxed song session for babies and toddlers. Have fun, share rhymes and meet other local parents. It’s a great way for new mums to make friends.
Friendship and Knitting Group
Every Wednesday at 10.30am
Join a welcoming group for a cuppa and a chat. Take along knitting or craft projects, or contribute to the communal jigsaw puzzle.
Open Reading Group
First Friday of every month at 2.00pm
Pick up this month’s book from the library, read it, then join the group to share your thoughts in a relaxed discussion.
Adult Art Club
First Wednesday of every month at 10.30am
Take your current art projects or simply go full of ideas to join this friendly and creative group. All techniques welcome – from watercolour and crayons to sewing. Discover what others are working on in the village!
Citizens Advice
Every Wednesday from 9.30am to 12.30pm
A drop-in service offering free, confidential, impartial and non-judgemental advice. Topics include debt, benefits, budgeting, housing, energy, employment, and family relationships.
Ongoing activities
The adult jigsaw is always out and ready for anyone who wants to contribute a few pieces.
Children’s crafts and colouring-in sheets are available at the kids’ craft table.
Lego is ready and waiting for young builders to get creative.
In warmer weather, visit the community fruit and vegetable garden to see what’s growing and perhaps lend a hand. Spare plants looking for a new home are always welcome.
Summer Reading Challenge 2025 – Story Garden
Available in all Inspire libraries from Saturday 5th July to Sunday 7th September
The 2025 Summer Reading Challenge, Story Garden, invites children to enter a world of imagination through reading. It celebrates nature, the great outdoors, fantasy, and the magic of storytelling.
- Children sign up at the library to start the challenge.
- They borrow books of their choice and record what they read.
Library staff and volunteers are available to chat about the stories. - With each book completed, children earn stickers and other rewards.
- Those who read six library books receive a medal and certificate.
It’s all free, fun, and a brilliant way to keep children reading over the summer holidays.