Libraries for life

It's free to join a library and anyone can come to read books, magazines, newspapers or to send an email. Find out basic details about how to join and get started.

Once you are a member of the library you can borrow books, CDs, videos, DVDs, talking books and console games. There's lots more if you:

News and events

Binnacle Road access to Thomas Aveling School and Community Library
We've been notified that the Binnacle Road entrance to the public library in Thomas Aveling school will be closed mid-August. The entrance on Arethusa Road is open as normal.

Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge this year is called Team Read and runs over the school holidays. It's for four to 12-year-olds, and they are invited to read six books. For every book they read, they get a reward. When they have read six, they'll receive a medal and certificate. Find out more through the contact details below.

Summer drumming
Wednesday, 20 August, 10am to 12noon, Lordswood library
For eight-year-olds and older, £2 per family, book in advance by phoning 862096.

Jewellery workshop
Wednesday, 20 August, 2 to 4pm, Chatham library
For eight-year-olds and older, book in advance by phoning 337799.

Craft and stories
Thursday, 21 August, 2 to 3pm, Gillingham library
Free, but book.in advance by phoning 337340.

Wii sports drop-in
Friday, 22 August, 2.30 to 4.30pm, Gillingham library
Free.

Craft and stories
Thursday, 28 August, 2 to 3pm, Gillingham library
Free, but book in advance by phoning 337340.

Sports performance poetry with Justin Rhyme
Friday, 29 August, 2 to 3pm
For six to 12-year-olds, free. Strood library 11am to 12noon (phone 335890), and Gillingham library 2 to 3pm (phone 337340).

Ups and Downs in Kent - a talk by Pete Golding
Wednesday, 10 September, 7.30pm, Chatham library
Free, but book in advance by phoning 337799.

Manga art and books at the Will Adams Festival
Saturday, 13 September, 11am to 4.30pm, Black Lion Leisure Centre
Learn about Manga drawing and animation, free.

Drop-in treasure hunt and medal award ceremony for the Team Read participants
Saturday, 20 September, 10am to 3pm
All ages, free. Riverside Country Park. Find out more by phoning Gillingham library on 337799.

Events at Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre
Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre has a number of exhibitions and events throughout the year. Find out more about the history of Medway.

Mobile library
The mobile library has a two-week rota. Contact Strood library on 01634 335890 to find out which rota the mobile library is following.

There are 16 libraries in Medway, with staff waiting to help you, as well as the mobile library service. Most libraries have disabled access and there are special services for people with a disability.

For more information about Medway events, check out the events page in the leisure section.

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