Accessibility tool
The events schedule shows regular events across the libraries and can be searched and filtered by location, audience and keywords.
View the schedule of regular events
We’re offering books and magazines at bargain prices!
Puppets and Storytelling Mini Shows at Central Library
If you like your tales tall, your fables furry and your stories splendiforous then Gripping Yarns are just what you need! The wonderful Theatre of Widdershins returns to Milton Keynes Libraries with four fabulous shows for ages 4+ and their grown-ups.
Tickets are £5 each. To book, click on the link for the show you'd like and you’ll be taken to Ticketsource.
To read more about Theatre of Widdershins, visit their fabulous website.
We are offering Storytime sessions aimed at SEND children/young people up to 14 years old in a non-judgmental setting.
The sessions are held at libraries that are closed to the public and will open specifically for these events.
Support staff and siblings are welcome. Places are limited and must be booked in advance using the links below. Please only book places for the children attending and not any accompanying adults or siblings.
21 April 2026 to 25 June 2026 at Central Library (first floor)
The Chernobyl Relief Foundation in the United Kingdom (CRF) in partnership with Art School of Kherson, Ukraine presents the second International Poster Competition: NO GLOBAL CHORNOBYL, 2026 in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster.
Young artists from 80 towns in 12 countries shared their thoughts about a future without Chornobyls, wars, and other manmade disasters and were united in their deep understanding on the safety of humanity and threats of Global Chornobyl.
Their creativity, dedication and understanding of the Chornobyl and war themes has raised awareness of the tragic legacy of Chornobyl and their incredibly amazing and thoughtful posters send a powerful message to stop the horrors of manmade disasters.
Through their art, they show that peace and environmental protection is the only way to save the world.
Huge congratulations to the winners of the No Global Chornobyl competition - 101 posters out of nearly 600 were selected for their themed thoughtfulness, art techniques and originality.
Remember - that all the participants are winners!
The panel of judges for the competition included:
The judges had many compliments and commendations about the entries.
“These works of art are of an exceptionally high standard - powerful, moving and deeply thought out in their response to such a complex subject. Amidst the horrors of prolonged conflict, never forget that peace, hope and love are stronger than the forces of war. Your paintings are a testament to this truth, speaking more powerfully than any weapon in the quest for peace.” - Arabella Dorman, British war and portrait artist.
“Your posters demonstrate not only artistic talent, but also a deep awareness of history, responsibility and the importance of protecting our world for future generations. Every contribution you make helps to preserve the memory and lessons of Chornobyl.” - Lawrence Mikhailevsky, Project Funding Manager at Atomic Energy of the United Kingdom.
“In these difficult times, when the world is facing many tragedies, we especially appreciate the creativity and talent of young people. Your ability to create, feel and express your thoughts through art is a powerful reminder of hope and resilience. We sincerely dream of a world where all children can live without war, enjoy their childhood and grow up in peace and security.” - Inna Yegorova, the Second Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
“In tragic wartime in Ukraine and other countries, children are surviving, fighting for their lives and thinking about what to do next. They are raising awareness of the horrors which need to be stopped! We are very proud of their resilience and willingness to build a life without Chernobyl and wars." - Tetyana Birch, Project Managing Trustee, CEO, The Chernobyl Relief Foundation in the UK.
View a video about the competition on YouTube by following this link.
Saturday 27 June 11.30am to 12.30pm at Stony Stratford Library
TRAIN TOGETHER, COMPETE TOGETHER, SUCCEED TOGETHER.
Teamwork never looked this fun! Join Alistair Patrick-Heselton (QPR and Team GB Paralympics 2012) for a morning of fun team building and communication. You’ll share:
It’s a FREE session, but places must be booked in advance as numbers are limited. Book by visiting Stony Stratford Library or phoning 01908 562562.
Suitable for ages 6 to 13 years. Parents must stay with their children throughout the session.
6 to 20 June 2026 at Central Library
As part of Bucks Art Weeks, this exhibition showcases the talent of the artists, Prajakta and Jyoti. Experience storytelling through detailed paintings and illustration. Turning pain into purpose, and purpose into art.
Visit the Prajakta Art website for more information about the artists and their art.
This year, BookTrust are celebrating Pyjamarama on 12 June. Here at Milton Keynes Libraries we’ll be delivering Pyjamarama Storytimes all week - we hope to see you in your pyjamas at your local library! Check when and where our storytimes are by visiting the Storytime web page.
The Book of Ideas
Ursula White and Rachel Wright with a team of artists are inviting people who live and work in MK to take part in a ‘Book of Ideas’.
They are hosting several pop-up events including two at libraries:
There will be lots of activities designed to inspire creativity and conversation and everyone is welcome.Everything created will be added to the Book of Ideas, capturing what MK means to the people who work here and call it home – its stories, hopes, imagination and identity.
Special Request … if you have a favourite family recipe to add to city recipe chapter of the Book of Ideas, please bring it along and pop it in the big cooking pot.
To read more about the UK City of Culture 2029 Bid and to get involved visit the Destination Milton Keynes website.
Shape a landmark sculpture for Bletchley by taking part in workshops with award-winning artist Nick Ryan.
Nick will be at the library to celebrate the legacy of Alan Turing in a landmark sculpture commissioned by Milton Keynes Council - and he needs your help to build it!
Come along and speak with A1, an intelligent conversation machine that maps human emotions. Your individual conversation will be transformed into a unique shape using Turing's mathematical formulas. These shapes will become layers of the sculpture - stacked together to ‘grow’ the physical form of this permanent public artwork for the town.
This is your chance to get involved before the sculpture is built. No need to book, just drop in!
We’re now recruiting volunteers aged 13-19 to help with the Summer Reading Challenge over the summer holidays. Visit the Summer Reading Challenge web page to learn more and apply. Closing date is 21 June 2026.
Regular events and services for each library are also listed on the individual library information pages. New and one-off events are shown in the section above.
Please note that some activities are term time only.
English conversation club is for anyone who would like to practise and improve their English as a second language, gain better skills for study or employment, or just get on in everyday life.
The library offers many resources to help those who speak other languages and are looking to learn English as a second language (ESOL). The library also provides a range of material to help you improve your basic language and reading skills.
We offer Family History support from our volunteers:
FIRST STEPS OR PROGRESSING
If you'd like help to start your family tree or to progress your research, our volunteers are here to help.
Book your free session by emailing library.enquiries@milton-keynes.gov.uk or visiting the host Library.
EXPERT ADVICE
If you’re having difficulties with your research and need some advice, John will use his years of experience to help you at Central Library.
Book your free 30-minute session by emailing library.enquiries@milton-keynes.gov.uk or calling 01908 254050.
Friends Groups work in partnership with us and closely with local library teams to help support and enhance libraries in our local communities.
They provide an important contribution to support and maintain awareness of a library in a local community.
Folio - Olney Library
Folio (The Friends of the Library in Olney) run a programme of talks which are held 7.30-8.30pm at The Olney Centre, Room 4 and they request that you arrive at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Refreshments are served after each talk.
Tickets are £6 in advance and can be booked online at Ticketsource or by phoning Ticketsource on 0333 666 3366.
If you are no longer able to attend or have any questions, please email olneyfoliofriends@gmail.com.
FoSSL - Stony Stratford Library
FoSSL (The Friends of Stony Stratford Library) run regular talks at the library and details for booking tickets for these events will be released closer to the time. If you'd like to join the mailing list to receive news and updates from FoSSL, email fosslmk@gmail.com.
Bookings for the next talk will open on 28 April 2026. To book, visit the FOSSL website or visit/phone Stony Stratford Library 01908 562562.
Visit the FOSSL website for the latest news and information.
Click on the session links to see the dates when clubs are running.
You can subscribe to library newsletters to hear the latest news or follow us on our various social media pages.
Look Again is a guide to Central Milton Keynes’ unique modern heritage, art, architecture and design. Get off the beaten track and discover stories of how creativity is all around you.
Look Again was created by Milton Keynes City Council with the research and collections of the Archive partners. The trail is added to every month, helping to test stories and designs, and enabling everyone to explore our unique design heritage. Throughout the City Centre information panels and artwork plaques have been created with QR Codes that take people to the online information, with a handy Map to explore by area, theme or interest.
Help us expand the trail by giving feedback online - head to the LOOK AGAIN website.
Do you enjoy reading? Would you like to talk about what you have read? Would you like to share your views with an informal group? Then why not join a reading group.
We're excited to bring you the Summer Reading Challenge each year during the summer holidays.
We hope you'll consider joining our team here at the Milton Keynes Libraries. You'll find details of any current vacancies across our libraries on the library vacancies webpage.
Have you discovered the world of Geocaching? It's one of the fastest-growing hobbies in the UK and a fantastic way to get the whole family outdoors. After all, who doesn't love a treasure hunt?
Geocaching is a bit like a treasure hunt with a modern technological twist if you will! Read the beginner's guide to Geocaching and then download the app to start 'playing' and see what treasures you can find around Milton Keynes.
Milton Keynes Central Library, 555 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 3HL