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For the latest news, events and offers going on in Hertfordshire Libraries. Those who visit the library are able to do this in person. You don't have to donate.

Donate to Hertfordshire Libraries

It’s now easy to donate online to the library service by visiting our website. We are often offered donations of money by users who wish to show their appreciation for the service. Now you can also support the library service by donating online. Hertfordshire Libraries are a universal and free service to the community. Your decision to donate is an entirely voluntary one. We ask that you donate only as much as you feel comfortable with. You may want to consider either a one-off payment or more frequently.

100% of each donation goes directly to Hertfordshire Libraries and is used to maintain and enhance our services. https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/librarydonations

01/11/2026

Winter Reads is back! 🎉 With bestselling authors, exciting challenges and great books, there's something for every reader this winter.

Find out more on our website - www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/WinterReads

31/10/2026

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Winter Reads!

Why not attend one of our family author events. Your first chance will be with award-winning children’s author Piers Torday as he shares his latest story, Books According to Dog and Owl, with stunning illustrations from Tim Smart. Join him at:

🐕 Welwyn Garden City Library, 28 November, 1.30-2.30pm
🦉 Hitchin Library, 28 November, 3.45-4.45pm

Tickets for the above events can be found at - www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/WinterReads

Half price tickets are available using Herts Card. Find out more about Herts Card here - Herts Card for those who receive free school meals | Hertfordshire County Council

30/10/2026

"The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day, 'Your Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay.' "

This November return to the deep dark wood and join libraries across Hertfordshire for some very special Gruffalo Granny Storytimes, celebrating the National Year of Reading. These fun 30-minute session will feature 'Gruffalo Granny' and other stories, songs and rhymes, an activity, plus a chance to take part in our Storytelling Trail prize draw. Sessions are free, donations welcome.

Find details of all our Gruffalo Granny Storytimes here: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/gruffalo

A big thank you to Macmillan and BookTrust for providing these wonderful books and resources in celebration of the National Year of Reading.

BookTrust Macmillan Children's Books

29/10/2026

📚 Join us for a special digital event with bestselling thriller author David Baldacci!

📽 Streamed at North Watford Library, join us on Wednesday 4 November at 6.30pm for one of the world’s most widely read thriller authors, David Baldacci, as he dives into the suspense, characters and high-stakes storytelling behind his latest release, Hope Rises.

📖 In this exclusive online event in partnership with BorrowBox, David shares insights into his latest work, his writing process, and the ideas and influences that shape his storytelling.

☕Refreshments are also included.

🎫 Visit our website to book your ticket.

https://tinyurl.com/DavidBaldacciWatchParty

29/10/2026

We love ‘The Pumpkin Thief’, the latest title in the ‘Leaf Thief’ picture book series by Alice Hemming and Nicola Slater (our My First Library Adventure featured author and illustrator). Squirrel and Bird are back, and this time they have worked together to grow some pumpkins, but they are disappearing. Can Squirrel work out who the thief is? Reserve a copy today: https://tinyurl.com/mbn8exx2 or borrow the eBook on BorrowBox: https://tinyurl.com/2s37vh4t

Plus check out our Halloween edition of our Children’s book blog for our Q&A with Alice and Nicola discussing their new book, favourite autumn traditions and their library memories: https://tinyurl.com/2s5t2t2h

There is still time for Reception children to take part in My First Library Adventure, 50 Reception children will win a personalised, signed book from Alice and Nicola (with 2 lucky winners winning a special event with them for their whole class). Bring their My First Library Adventure bookmark (which came home from school) into the library to take part.

28/10/2026

Adventure, activism and hope for the future. These brilliant YA reads explore environmental issues through exciting stories and inspiring characters, encouraging young people to think critically, ask questions and imagine a greener world.

🌍 How to Change Everything by Naomi Klein - This book explains why the planet desperately needs our help and how you can use your power to change the world through climate activism. https://herts.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/OPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=1293195
🌍 Where the River Runs Gold by Sita Brahmachari - A powerful children's/YA crossover set in a future where nature is tightly controlled. https://herts.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/OPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=1176559
🌍 Green Rising by Wren James - A fast-paced climate thriller in which young people discover an extraordinary connection to nature and become part of a global movement to protect the planet. https://herts.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/OPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=1910460
🌍 The Last Wild by Piers Torday - An exciting adventure story about a boy who can communicate with animals, highlighting the importance of biodiversity and the natural world. https://herts.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/OPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=1768905

27/10/2026

It’s almost Halloween. We have put together a list of some of favourite Halloween themed picture books and board books full of fun, laughter, and just the right amount of eerie excitement. Perfect for a spook-tacular storytime: https://tinyurl.com/bdzhjcys

Or if you prefer the colours, wonder and warmth of the season, check out our autumn-themed list: https://tinyurl.com/4c2f6dsb packed full of cosy books to snuggle up together with.

27/10/2026

Thrillers, literary fiction, memoirs and more! Meet some of the fantastic authors featured in this year's Winter Reads events programme.

Find out how to enter the challenge and see some of these incredible authors in our libraries via our website - www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/WinterReads

26/10/2026

Big ideas for young minds! These fun, engaging books help children learn about protecting the planet, reducing waste and making a positive difference. Discover how small actions can have a big impact this Green Libraries Week.

🌍 The Last Straw by Susan Hood - An engaging and empowering guide that helps young readers understand the impact of plastic pollution and discover practical ways to make a positive difference for the environment.https://herts.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/OPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=1178036
🌍 Don’t Panic by James Campbell - A hands-on and hilarious guide to saving the world is for you for kids of all ages. https://herts.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/OPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=2669587
🌍 101 Ways to Change the World by Aubre Andrus - Practical ideas for environmentally minded young people. https://herts.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/OPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=1278421
🌍 Hilda and the Black Hound by Luke Pearson – While not overtly about climate science, this beautiful graphic novel encourages exploration of nature, habitats and our connection to the environment. https://herts.spydus.co.uk/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/OPAC/BIBENQ?SETLVL=&BRN=1117438

26/10/2026

Are you looking for something fun to do this half term? Enjoy our Storytelling Trail on your next visit, there are lots of wonderful Gruffalo books to be won. Find out more by visiting: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/gruffalo

BookTrust Macmillan Children's Books

(Text on image reads: Storytelling Trail. From Monday 26 October until Monday 30 November, take a stroll around the library and find five characters from The Gruffalo. Enter our prize draw for your chance to win a Gruffalo book. Each child will need a library card to enter. They can join for free if not already a member.)

Address

Welwyn Garden City
AL71HT

Telephone

+443001234049

Website

http://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/libraries

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