Cheshunt Library
BEST FOR
Ages 0-11
ENTRY
Free
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Waltham Cross
What it’s like
Free rhyme, story and LEGO sessions for bumps to 11s, plus tablets and computers to borrow on the day.
Rhyme Time is the reason to go with a baby or toddler: a half hour of songs and bouncing, free, and you don't need to book for Storytime at all. That one's an interactive story session aimed at pre-schoolers. Slightly older children get LEGO sessions from 5 to 11, and there's a creative workshop strand for 8 to 12s. All of it is free, which makes it one of the cheapest mornings out on this list.
The catch is the timetable. It's shut on Wednesdays and Sundays, and shuts for every bank holiday, so a midweek wander needs a bit of planning. Fridays are the awkward one: doors don't open until 2pm. Rhyme Time places are limited and some Hertfordshire libraries want you to pre-book, so it's worth ringing ahead for that specific session rather than turning up hopeful.
There's no café, which you'll notice about forty minutes in with a small person. It's a library, so expect drinks at craft sessions rather than a coffee counter. What there is plenty of: tables and computers for homework, free Wi-Fi and Hublet tablets you can use on site, and taster sessions if you're the one who's never got on with a tablet.
If your child is old enough for a library card, the two hours of free computer time for members is a decent rainy afternoon plan. Photocopies are 20p for A4 black and white if you need something printing in a hurry. The building is step free with a hearing loop, and there are loos on site. Disabled parking is nearby, but there's no general car park mentioned for the library itself. Out of hours, there's a letterbox for returning books.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 0 to 5; LEGO and workshops keep 5 to 11s busy too
- Booking
- Storytime needs no booking. Rhyme Time places limited and may use Eventbrite
- Parking
- Disabled parking available nearby
- Food
- No café or food stated on the library page — drinks and a chat feature at craft sessions only
- Wheelchairs
- Step-free wheelchair access. Ask about accessibility needs by email
- Worth knowing
- Library membership. Children's events like Baby Rhyme Time and Storytime are free
- Shut Wednesdays, Sundays and all bank holidays
- Friday doesn't open until 2pm
- Rhyme Time places are limited and may need booking, so ring ahead for that one
- No café: bring a drink if you're staying a while
- Buildings are step free with a hearing loop; disabled parking nearby
Plan your visit
Is Baby Rhyme Time free?
Yes, it's free, though they welcome a cash donation in the library. Places are limited and some libraries in the county use pre-booking, so check for this session before you travel.
Do we need to book Storytime?
It's free, donations welcome, and you can just turn up.
What ages is the library good for?
Babies and toddlers for Rhyme Time, pre-schoolers for Storytime, 5 to 11s for LEGO and 8 to 12s for the creative workshops.
How long is a Rhyme Time session?
Half an hour. Short enough for a baby who's had enough by the second song.
When is it open?
9am to 6pm Monday and Tuesday, 9am to 5.30pm Thursday, 9am to 4pm Saturday. Fridays it doesn't open until 2pm, and it's closed Wednesdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
Is there a café?
No café or food on site. It's a library, and the site only mentions drinks at craft sessions.
What does using a computer cost?
Library members get two hours free, then 4p a minute. If you're not a member it's £3 for 30 minutes.
Can we get there with a buggy or a wheelchair?
Step-free access throughout, and there's a hearing loop. Ask about specific accessibility needs by emailing libraries.information@hertfordshire.gov.uk. There's a visual story for Cheshunt Library too.
How much are photocopies?
20p for A4 black and white, 40p for A3 black and white, 60p for A4 colour and £1.20 for A3 colour.
Can I return books when it's shut?
There's a letterbox for out-of-hours returns, and they process them on the next open day.
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