Beckenham Library
BEST FOR
Ages 0+
ENTRY
Free
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Beckenham
What it’s like
Free rhyme times, storytimes and a children's book group, plus an under-fives corner and books in plenty of languages.
The children's side of this one runs on a steady rhythm: Baby Rhyme Time, storytime for babies and older kids, craft sessions, and a young readers book group that meets on the first Tuesday of the month. All of it is free and drop-in, so you turn up on the day rather than booking a slot. The site doesn't list session times beyond that, which is the one faff if you're planning around a nap.
There's a dedicated under-fives area, which is where you'll end up with a toddler, and the shelves go further than the usual picture books: children's titles in other languages, dual-language picture books, dyslexia-friendly reads from Barrington Stoke, and large-print children's books for younger kids with low vision. Worth knowing if your child has blown through the standard selection at home.
Entry and borrowing are free, and membership covers every Bromley library, so a card from here works elsewhere in the borough. Fees only bite on late returns, DVD loans and printing. Opening hours are the thing to check before you set out: closed Thursdays and Sundays, a 19:00 finish on Mondays, and Saturdays wrap up at 17:00.
Parking is limited. There's free parking opposite, accessible spaces included, but it's a small amount and you may end up hunting for a space nearby. If you've got a buggy, the building is wheelchair accessible with staff on hand and a hearing loop at the enquiry desk. There's no café, though the social sessions come with a cup of tea or coffee.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 0 to 8; rhyme times and the under-fives corner are the draw
- Booking
- Most regular activities are free and drop-in, no need to book
- Parking
- Limited free parking opposite the library, including accessible spaces
- Food
- No café stated. Social sessions include a cup of coffee or tea
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair access and staff support
- Worth knowing
- Borrowing and reserving books is free, and membership covers all Bromley libraries
- Closed Thursdays and Sundays, so don't plan a midweek Thursday trip
- The young readers book group meets on the first Tuesday of each month
- Mondays run latest, until 19:00
- Printing, DVD loans and late returns are the only things that cost
Plan your visit
Do we need to book for the rhyme time or storytime?
No booking needed. Most regular activities are free and drop-in, so turn up on the day.
How much does it cost?
Nothing to get in, and borrowing and reserving books is free. Late returns, DVD loans and printing carry fees.
What's on for a baby or toddler?
Baby Rhyme Time and storytime sessions for babies, plus an under-fives area with books at their level.
When is it open?
09:30 to 19:00 on Mondays, 09:30 to 17:30 Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and 09:30 to 17:00 on Saturdays. Shut Thursdays and Sundays.
Is there parking?
Free parking opposite the library with accessible spaces, but only a limited number of them.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs and buggies?
The listing gives wheelchair access and staff support, and a hearing loop at the enquiry desk. Some Bromley libraries have limited accessibility because of older buildings.
Can we get books in other languages?
Children's books in other languages and dual-language picture books, plus dyslexia-friendly titles from Barrington Stoke and large-print books for younger kids with low vision.
Is there anywhere to eat?
No café. Social sessions include a cup of coffee or tea.
Can we use a computer?
Free-to-use public computers with Microsoft Office are available.
Does one card work at other libraries?
Membership covers all Bromley libraries.
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