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Event and activity information

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

 

New and upcoming events

String quintet Toscana Strings and ballerina Laura Power perform family favourites through storytelling, dance and music. Featuring mesmerising music, enchanting dance and audience participation to captivate young imaginations.

Tickets cost £3 each and must be booked online in advance as places are limited. The shows are suitable for adults and children aged 3+. 

Wednesday 22 July 2026 at Central Library

Monday 10 August 2026

Newport Pagnell, Kingston and Bletchley Libraries are closed to the public on Monday 10 August and are only open for these events.

Please ensure you arrive in time to settle before the show start times. Children must be accompanied by an adult who should remain with them throughout the performance.

MORE ABOUT THE PERFORMANCES:

Ferdinand the Bull - Bizet

This story is accompanied by music from Bizet’s Carmen. The audience learn a smelling the flowers mime, a strong bull dance and join in with waving flags at the bull fight. 

Sleeping Beauty - Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky’s first ballet condensed into 30 minutes, incorporating all the well-known tunes. The audience learn Carabosse’s evil spell mime, dance the flower waltz and four children are asked to be the princes.

Wind in the Willows - Elgar

Focussing on Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad’s adventures while accompanied by 13 different extracts from Elgar’s vast repertoire, all in 30 minutes! The audience join in rowing down the river and driving fast cars!

Peter and the Wolf - Prokofiev

Original music but scored for string quintet. The audience is divided into seven groups, each representing a character from the story. Each group learn a mime that represents their character and perform it in the finale.

CHILDREN'S SUMMER ACTIVITIES 2026

18 July 2026 to 29 August 2026

Welcome to our programme of children’s activities for the summer holidays. All events are FREE but some require booking in advance as places are limited.

Download the full programme here.

If you have booked a place for an activity and are unable to attend, please let us know by emailing: library.promotions@milton-keynes.gov.uk to allow your tickets to be reallocated. 

If your child has any additional needs you’d like us to know about, please email library.promotions@milton-keynes.gov.uk as we hope to make the experience fun for everyone.

Parents and carers must remain in the library throughout the sessions.

Regular Weekly Drop-In Activities

These sessions operate from 18 July 2026 to 29 August 2026.

  • 10-10.30am – Baby Songs and Rhyme Time at Central Library (under 2s)
  • 10.30-11.30am – Lego Club at Stony Stratford Library
  • 10.45-11.15am – Storytime for the under 7s at Central Library
  • 11.15-11.45am – Storytime for the under 7s at Woburn Sands Library
  • 2-3pm – Lego Club at Central Library
  • 2.30-4.30pm – Games Club at Olney Library
  • 3.30-4.30pm – Lego Club at Wolverton Library

  • 10-11.30am - Read and Play at Stony Stratford Library (under 6s)
  • 11-11.30am – Storytime at Olney Library
  • 3.30-4.30pm – Lego Club at Newport Pagnell Library

  • 2.30-4.30pm – Read and Play at Olney Library
  • 2.30-4.30pm – Games Club at Stony Stratford Library
  • 3.30-4.30pm – Lego Club at Bletchley Library
  • 3.30-4.30pm – Lego Club at Westcroft Library
  • 3.30-4.30pm - Games Club at Wolverton Library

  • 2-2.30pm - Storytime at Wolverton Library
  • 2.30-4.30pm – Games Club at Newport Pagnell Library
  • 2.30-4.30pm – Lego Club at Olney Library
  • 3.30-4.30pm – Lego Club at Kingston Library
  • 3.30-4.30pm – Lego Club at Woburn Sands Library

  • 10am-12pm – Lego Club at Central Library
  • 11am-12pm – Lego Club at Newport Pagnell Library
  • 11am-12pm – Lego Club at Stony Stratford Library

Activities that Require Booking

These summer activities require booking online in advance. Click on the link for the relevant activity and you’ll be taken to the booking form.

Join Alina Orchestra musicians as they perform two ‘Band in a Van’ interactive concerts.

Performing anything from Disney to classical music, the audiences are encouraged to shake instruments, sing along, take part in body percussion, and even conduct the group. It’s great fun, with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The band plays a range of music to enthuse, excite and entertain everyone in these interactive family friendly events.

You'll need to book your free place in advance for these events. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Click on the link to book your tickets:

Join Tiny Talk for British Sign Language signing sessions and learn to communicate with your babies before they can talk.

These baby sessions are for ages 0-2 but older siblings are welcome to attend alongside parents/carers.

Use the links below to book the session you’d like to attend. You only need to book a place for the adult, regardless of how many children will be attending.

Parents/carers must remain with their children throughout the sessions.

Four groups will be introduced Try out a brass instrument and learn to read and play some notes. Suitable for total beginners but you’re also welcome if you can already read music!

Funded by Woburn Sands Town Council.

Listen to the fantastic book ‘Carnival of the Animals’ by Michael Morpurgo, listen to music ‘Carnival of Animals’ by the Kanneh Masons and then do some animal-themed crafts including animal masks and creating your own animal movements.

The session is suitable for ages 3 and above and parents/carers will join the crafting fun! If you need support with English as a second language for this activity, please let us know in advance by emailing library.promotions@milton-keynes.gov.uk

Please note that the sessions are all the same so please do not book multiple sessions, as we’d like as many families as possible to be able to attend.

Join us for printing workshops using vibrant inks to create printed art around music-themed repeating images like microphones, keyboards, notes and instruments. Use colour temperature to suggest dynamic volume: red for loud and green for quiet. 

Use the links below to book on the session you’d like to attend. You’ll need to wear an apron or old clothes for this one!

Funded by Woburn Sands Town Council.

Storytimes with puppets, toys, bubbles and Lego.

These sessions are aimed at children/young people (ages 0-14) with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in a non-judgmental setting. The libraries where these sessions are held will remain closed to the public on the day and are open specifically for these pre-booked sessions.

Support staff are welcome. Please only book places for the children attending and not any accompanying adults or siblings (who are welcome to come along).

Join Explore Learning for this tailor-made song-writing adventure which ties in with the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat. 

This is a song-writing adventure that takes children on a journey into the Jungle. Here, participants will meet a number of animals that are getting ready to join The Jungle Jam. Through a series of puzzles and challenges, children will develop their song-writing skills and create a song that will be performed at The Jungle Jam.

To book your place, click on the relevant link below.

Please note that the sessions are all the same so please do not book multiple sessions, as we’d like as many families as possible to be able to attend.

Write a Rap or Riddle and set it to rhythm by crafting a simple percussive instrument to perform your poetry with.

Funded by Woburn Sands Town Council.

Activities that do NOT require booking

These summer activities are drop-in and require no booking - just come along on the day!

Saturday 25 July - 2pm to 4pm

Join children's author, Sabrina Shah in the children’s library on Saturday 25 July for a book reading followed by crafts. 

‘Music of the Mountains’ A Story in Pakistan is Sabrina’s beautiful children’s book and is aimed at children aged 4 to 7 years although everyone is welcome to drop-in for Sabrina’s visit and this family reading event.

SABRINA SHAH:

Sabrina Shah is a resident Milton Keynes children's author. After spending years working in the publishing industry, she now focusing on her own stories, with her debut picture book ‘Music of the Mountains’ published in 2025 with Barefoot Books. The book has since been chosen for 2026 libraries Summer Reading Challenge campaign ‘Read to the Beat’. 

Sabrina has also worked with Penguin Random House Children’s UK to adapt BBC Studios ‘HEY DUGGEE’ stories into board books. Her middle-grade horror novel in progress won The Golden Egg Academy award and made the finals of the Write Mentor Novel awards. She hopes to publish this soon.

You’ll find Sabrina on Instagram, X, Facebook and Bluesky.

Storytimes are all free drop-in sessions with no booking necessary. 

These weekly Storytimes continue over the summer:

Tuesday

Wednesday

Friday

These stories, songs and rhymes are in addition to the weekly Storytimes listed above:

  • Thursday 23 July (10-10.30am) - Stony Stratford Library
    Read to the Beat Storytime to introduce the Summer Reading Challenge with special guests ‘Stony Music Makers’ - bring along your jokes and riddles! (under 12s)
  • Friday 24 July (10-10.30am) - Newport Pagnell Library
    Seaside Storytime (under 5s)
  • Friday 24 July (10-10.30am) - Westcroft Library
    Seaside Storytime (under 8s)
  • Saturday 25 July (11-11.30am) – Olney Library
    Summer Storytime with Folio volunteers (under 7s)
  • Tuesday 28 July (11-11.15am) – Woburn Sands Library
    Community Police Special Storytime with Tracey and Tia - you’ll also be able to explore police gadgets and uniforms (under 7s)
  • Thursday 30 July (10-10.30am) – Stony Stratford Library
    Community Police Special Storytime - Summer Safety and Online Safety (under 7s)
  • Friday 31 July (10-10.30am) - Westcroft Library
    Summer Storytime (under 8s)
  • Thursday 6 August (10-10.30am) - Kingston Library
    Summer Storytime (under 7s)
  • Friday 7 August (10-10.30am) - Westcroft Library
    Summer Storytime (under 8s)
  • Thursday 13 August (10.30-11.30am) - Bletchley Library
    Summer Storytime (under 5s)
  • Friday 14 August (10-10.30am) - Newport Pagnell Library
    Community Police Special Storytime (under 5s)
  • Friday 21 August (10-10.30am) - Newport Pagnell Library
    Summer Storytime (under 5s)
  • Friday 28 August (10-10.30am) - Newport Pagnell Library
    Teddy Bear’s Picnic Storytime - don’t forget to bring your teddies! (under 5s)
  • Saturday 29 August (11-11.30am) - Olney Library
    Summer Storytime with Folio volunteers (under 7s)
  • Thursday 21 August (10-10.30am) – Kingston Library
    Storytime: The Jungle (under 5s)
  • Friday 22 August (10-10.30am) – Newport Pagnell Library
    Teddy Bear’s Picnic Storytime (under 5s)
  • Tuesday 26 August (11.15-11.45am) – Woburn Sands Library
    Community Police Special Storytime (under 7s)
  • Saturday 30 August (11-11.30am) – Olney Library
    Summer Storytime with Folio volunteers (under 7s)

These Lego and Duplo Clubs run weekly throughout the summer.

Tuesday

  • 10.30-11.30am at Stony Stratford Library
  • 2-3pm at Central Library
  • 3.30-4.30pm at Wolverton Library

Wednesday

  • 3.30-4.30pm at Newport Pagnell Library

Thursday

  • 3.30-4.30pm at Bletchley Library
  • 3.30-4.30pm at Westcroft Library

Friday

  • 2.30-4.30pm at Olney Library
  • 3.30-4.30pm at Kingston Library
  • 3.30-4.30pm at Woburn Sands Library

Saturday 

  • 10am-12pm at Central Library
  • 11am-12pm at Newport Pagnell Library
  • 11am-12pm at Stony Stratford Library

 

These are extra summer sessions in addition to the weekly Lego Clubs listed above:

  • Thursday 30 July (10.30-11.30am) – Newport Pagnell Library
  • Saturday 1 August (10.30-12.30am) – Olney Library
  • Thursday 13 August (10.30-11.30am) - Newport Pagnell Library
  • Thursday 27 August (10.30-11.30am) - Newport Pagnell Library

 

Board games for everyone to enjoy - why not bring along your favourite to share. These clubs run every week during the summer:

  • Tuesday (10.30am-12pm) at Newport Pagnell Library
  • Tuesday (2.30-4.30pm) at Olney Library
  • Thursday (2.30-4.30pm) at Stony Stratford Library
  • Thursday (3.30-4.30pm) at Wolverton Library
  • Friday (2.30-4.30pm) at Newport Pagnell Library

You’ll find toys to play with and books to read with your children – drop-in sessions!

  • Every Wednesday (10-11.30am) at Stony Stratford Library
  • Every Thursday (2.30-4.30pm) at Olney Library

 

  • Thursday 23 July (10.30-11.30am) at Newport Pagnell Library
  • Thursday 6 August (10.30-11.30am) at Newport Pagnell Library
  • Thursday 20 August (10.30-11.30am) at Newport Pagnell Library
  • Thursday 3 September (10.30-11.30am) at Newport Pagnell Library

Choose from the adult and children’s design sheets and colour away! These sessions are all drop-in and everyone is welcome.

  • Tuesday 21 July (2.30-4pm) at Newport Pagnell Library
  • Wednesday 22 July (10am-12pm) at Wolverton Library
  • Wednesday 22 July (11am-12.30pm) at Westcroft Library
  • Thursday 23 July (10am-12pm) at Kingston Library
  • Friday 24 July (10am-12pm) at Bletchley Library
  • Friday 24 July (3-5pm) at Central Library
  • Wednesday 29 July (11am-12.30pm) at Westcroft Library
  • Thursday 30 July (10am-12pm) at Kingston Library
  • Thursday 30 July (10.30am-12.30pm) at Olney Library
  • Friday 31 July (10am-12pm) at Central Library
  • Friday 31 July (2-4pm) at Stony Stratford Library
  • Tuesday 4 August (2.30-4pm) at Bletchley Library
  • Wednesday 5 August (11am-12.30pm) at Westcroft Library
  • Friday 7 August (3-5pm) at Central Library
  • Tuesday 11 August (2.30-4pm) at Newport Pagnell Library
  • Wednesday 12 August (11am-12.30pm) at Westcroft Library
  • Wednesday 12 August (2-4pm) at Wolverton Library
  • Thursday 13 August (10am-12pm) at Kingston Library
  • Friday 14 August (10am-12pm) at Central Library
  • Friday 14 August (10am-12pm) at Stony Stratford Library
  • Saturday 15 August (10.30am-12.30pm) at Olney Library
  • Wednesday 19 August (11am-12.30pm) at Westcroft Library
  • Thursday 20 August (10am-12pm) at Kingston Library
  • Thursday 20 August (10am-12pm) at Wolverton Library
  • Friday 21 August (3-5pm) at Central Library
  • Wednesday 26 August (10.30-11.30am) at Newport Pagnell Library
  • Wednesday 26 August (11am-12.40pm) at Westcroft Library
  • Thursday 27 August (10am-12pm) at Bletchley Library
  • Thursday 27 August (10am-12pm) at Kingston Library
  • Friday 28 August (10am-12pm) at Central Library

Regular activities

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.

  • COMPUTER HELP SESSIONS WITH OUR IT BUDDIES
    • Sessions are held at several libraries and offer one-to-one help with your devices (phones, laptops, tablets) and online processes like setting up an email or shopping. Visit the Digital Help web page for full details.
  • GAMES CLUB - (all ages) at Newport Pagnell Library - Friday 2.30-4.30pm (drop-in)
  • GAMES CLUB - (all ages) at Olney Library - Tuesday 2.30-4.30pm (drop-in)
  • GAMES CLUB - (all ages) at Stony Stratford Library - Thursday 3.45-4.45pm (drop-in)
    Between 18 July and 30 August 2026 this club changes to Thursday 2.30-3.30pm.
  • GAMES CLUB - (adults only) at Westcroft Library - Thursday 11am-1pm (drop-in)
  • GARDENING CLUB - Stony Stratford Library (contact Stony Stratford Library for dates).
  • KNIT AND NATTER sessions at various libraries
  • LIBRARY COFFEE MORNINGS at Stony Stratford Library with FoSSL on the first and third Wednesdays each month 10-11am. Free to attend, just stop by for tea, coffee, homemade cake and conversation.
  • LIBRARY READING GROUPS at various libraries
  • SOCIAL SCRABBLE at Bletchley Library on Tuesdays 10.30-11.30am.

Please note that some activities are term time only.

  • CODE CLUB (ages 9-13) at Central Library - Monday 4-5pm
  • CRAFT CLUB (ages 4-8) at Olney Library - third Saturday each month 10.30-11.30am
    Restarting in September 2026.
  • GAMES CLUB - (all ages) at Newport Pagnell Library - Friday 2.30-4.30pm (drop-in)
  • GAMES CLUB - (all ages) at Olney Library - Tuesday 2.30-4.30pm (drop-in)
  • GAMES CLUB - (all ages) at Stony Stratford Library - Thursday 3.45-4.45pm (drop-in)
    Between 18 July and 30 August 2026 this club changes to Thursday 2.30-3.30pm.
  • GAMES CLUB - (children only) at Wolverton Library - Thursday 3.30-4.30pm (drop-in)
  • LEGO AND DUPLO CLUBS at various libraries
  • READ AND PLAY sessions at Olney Library - Thursday 2.30-4.30pm
  • STAY AND PLAY sessions at Bletchley Library - Tuesday 10.30-11.30am (term time only)
  • STAY AND PLAY sessions at Central Library - Wednesday 1.30-2.30pm (term time only)
  • STAY AND PLAY sessions at Newport Pagnell Library - Thursday 10.30-11.30am (term time only)
  • STAY AND PLAY sessions at Kingston Library - Friday 10.30-11.30am (term time only)
  • STONY MUSIC MAKERS at Stony Stratford Library - Wednesday 9.30-10.15am
  • STORIES, SONGS AND RHYMES at various libraries

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.

Sessions at Central Library

  • Everyone is welcome to join us on the day and you don't need to register.
  • Conversation club sessions are held at Central Library on Thursday mornings 11am-12pm.
  • If you'd like to know more you can phone 01908 254050 or speak to library staff.

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.

Sessions between July 2026 and October 2026

During the refurbishment of Central Library, the first floor will be closed. The English Conversation Club sessions will continue between 11am and 12pm but with a few changes to the location within Central Library.

  • 16 July – Community Learning classroom on the ground floor
  • 23 July – session is cancelled
  • 30 July – Community Learning classroom on the ground floor
  • 6 Aug – Community Learning classroom on the ground floor
  • 13 Aug – Community Learning classroom on the ground floor
  • 20 Aug – Community Learning classroom on the ground floor
  • 27 Aug – session is cancelled
  • 3 Sep – Community Learning classroom on the ground floor
  • 10 Sep – Children’s Library on the ground floor
  • 17 Sep – Children’s Library on the ground floor
  • 24 Sep – Children’s Library on the ground floor
  • 1 Oct – Children’s Library on the ground floor
  • 8 Oct – Children’s Library on the ground floor (if the first floor remains closed)

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.

  • at Wolverton Library on the last Wednesday of each month - 2pm to 4pm
  • at Newport Pagnell Library on the first Tuesday of each month - 2pm to 4pm

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.

  • Dates to be announced

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.

  • 7 September 2026 - Health and Wellness with Aloe Vera - Philippa Symes
  • 5 October 2026 - The Exciting World of Tea - Mark Lawson and Giles Oakley, Two Spoons

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.

  • 15 July 2026 (7pm) - "The Rageing and Dreadful Fire" - Stony Stratford's Historic Fires - Gary Marshall
  • 22 August 2026 (2pm) - Concealed Shoes - Rebecca Shawcross
  • 14 September 2026 (1pm) - Lunchtime talk on Robert Hooke and Willen Church

Bookings for the next talk will open on 23 June 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.

  • Several libraries host Knit and Natter groups.
  • Beginners and experts are all welcome.
  • Admission is free.

  • Free all-round fun with Lego/Duplo clubs at several of our libraries.
  • We provide the bricks and you provide the imagination.
  • Everyone regardless of age is invited to join the fun.
  • Parents and carers are responsible for their child's safety.
  • Parents and carers must remain with their children throughout the sessions.

Click on the session links to see the dates when clubs are running.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 

These are the summer holiday club times and some sessions will change in September so please check the website for the regular days and times.

Click on the session links to see the dates when clubs are running.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 

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.

  • We welcome volunteers at nine of our libraries (excluding Woughton Library).
  • There are many interesting opportunities for volunteers within the Milton Keynes libraries and there's bound to be something that suits you.
  • Volunteers need to be at least 13 years old.

 

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 City Council Libraries contact information

Milton Keynes Central Library, 555 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 3HL

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