What's On in Your Library and Community
- Discovering MK App
- Animal Agents, Summer Reading Challenge 2017
- Heritage Open Days
- MK50 Events
- Digitalis Events
- Upcoming Events
- Summer Activities
- Family History Consultations
- FoSSL Events
- Discover MK Exhibitions
- Arts and Heritage
- Regular Children's Library Events
- Regular Library Events
- Community Events
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Keep active in Milton Keynes with a variety of activities for you to try with the new 'Keep Active MK' programme! Age doesn't matter - there's something for everyone! Visit the Hertsmere Leisure website for full details. AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES for the Autumn Term are now available for booking! |
Discovering MK
Have some summer fun with this free smartphone app that gives you the power to discover the hidden gems across Milton Keynes.
Inspired by the Pokémon Go craze, the Discovering MK app reveals an interactive trail that takes you out and about in Milton Keynes to unlock information about the development of our city, historic landmarks and buildings, public art, woodlands and parks. At each of 50 locations, you and your family can challenge yourselves to a mini quiz and upload a selfie to show how you're Discovering MK!
- After downloading the app from Apple Store or Google Play, select one of the zones to visit.
- Within each zone is a list of locations, pick any one that akes your fancy or pick a zone and work your way through them all.
- You won't be able to unlock a location until you're actually there, so get moving!
- Using geofencing (app location wizardry) the app will know when you're at a location. Once you're there and unlock it, you'll discover things you never knew about MK.
Follow Discovering MK for latest updates using the #DiscoveringMK tag for your chance to win prizes throughout the year.
- Facebook - DiscoveringMK
- Instagram - @DiscoveringMK
- Twitter - @DiscoveringMK
Animal Agents, Summer Reading Challenge 2017
It's FREE to join in with the Summer Reading Challenge! Sign up at any of the Milton Keynes Libraries and complete the challenge before 9 September!
Full details are on the Summer Reading Challenge web page.
Heritage Open Days 2017
2017 is the twelfth year that the Milton Keynes area will have celebrated Heritage Open Days. In 2006 there were 15 events held across MK - this year there are over 70 events to showcase our distinctive and world class heritage, arts and culture.
Several events are being held at Milton Keynes Libraries and we hope you'll join us.
The full event programme can be found on the Heritage Open Days website along with lots more information or you can download the programme now (PDF, 1.5MB).
Available throughout the Heritage Open Days weekend:
(during library opening hours)
- Young Heritage Hunters Trail at Central Library.
- Multi Faith Exhibition at Central Library.
- MK50 - Centre for Buckinghamshire Studies Exhibition at Wolverton Library.
- Magdalen Tower Exhibition at Stony Stratford Library.
Thursday, 7 September 2017
- Calligraphy Workshop for children at Central Library.
- Family History consultations at Wolverton Library.
- Meet the Keeper at Woburn Sands Library.
Friday, 8 September 2017
- Magdalen Tower Walk starting at Stony Stratford Library.
- Meet the Keeper at Stony Stratford Library.
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MK50 Events:
Milton Keynes was 50 on 23 January 2017!
We're celebrating with many events at Central Library throughout the year and we hope you'll join us.
You can visit our MK50 web page to see how we're celebrating.
Be sure to keep your eyes open for these MK50 activities:
- 50 Facts for 50 Years of History
- Top 50 Authors for Adults
- Top 50 Authors for Children
- Young Heritage Hunters Trail
- Art and Heritage Trail
- Discover MK Timeline Exhibition
Digitalis Events:
STORYLINES
Tuesday, 15 August ~ 11am-1pm at Central Library
Reveal the hidden stories of Milton Keynes and write some new ones, with The Mythographer, Phil Smith. See how the books you read can transform the landscapes you thought you knew. Take photos, collect artefacts, record sounds to define your own Storyline journey through the city and remap the city.
Book your place on this FREE activity (suitable for ages 16+) by visiting the Digitalis website.
PATTERNCRAFT
Wednesday, 16 August ~ 12noon-4pm at Central Library
Join artist Gemma Latham to explore how binary data is used to store images and create your very own 2D animation in Minecraft. Compose your own music using coding to program machines, tempos and sounds.
No booking is necessary for this FREE activity (suitable for ages 5+) - just stop by Central Library.
MADDIE & MANIHE: From Micro to Macro
Saturday, 19 August ~ 1-4pm at Central Library
It’s all a matter of scale!
There are 124 roundabouts in Milton Keynes. In a future of driverless cars and helicopter taxis what might we do to transform these traffic islands? Could they become urban farms, outdoor auditoria, digital libraries, running tracks, or even mini launch pads to space?
Let your design skills go crazy and help us create a future vision for Milton Keynes’ roundabouts! Together we can reimagine the city.
Watch your creations come to life as animated GIFs.
Book your place on this FREE activity (suitable for ages 12+) by visiting the Digitalis website.
MONSTERS OF MILTON KEYNES
Tuesday, 22 August ~ 10.30am-12.30pm and 2-4pm at Central Library
Using design and creative coding you can build a new set of mythological creatures for Milton Keynes. By learning basic programming and design techniques bring your creatures to life!
Book your place on this FREE activity (suitable for ages 10+) by visiting the Digitalis website.
LIVE CODING LAB
Thursday, 24 August ~ 4-7pm at Central Library
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For first time coders just come along and code with Emily Roderick and explore "livecodelab". Come along and create live coded visuals and sounds inspired by elements of Milton Keynes.
Book your place on this FREE activity (suitable for ages 10+) by visiting the Digitalis website.
GLITCH CITY
Friday, 25 August ~ 1-4pm at Central Library
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Glitches happen when computer coding goes wrong. But sometimes they can make interesting and fun images. Explore the multiple possibilities of the glitch with artist Antonio Roberts to make new images of Milton Keynes from the digital errors you would normally try to avoid. Experiment with commonly used software to disrupt the city to make a new unpredictable Milton Keynes! Bring your laptop if possible.
Book your place on this FREE activity (suitable for ages 10+) by visiting the Digitalis website.
SONIFICATION
Saturday, 26 August ~ 12noon-4pm at Central Library
What do sounds look like? What do pictures sound like?
With the right equipment any drawing, any picture can become sound. Create some visual spectrographs with artist Pete Ashton and become part of our collective “wall of sound” which anyone with a Smartphone can play back via their camera.
Book your place on this FREE activity (suitable for ages 16+) by visiting the Digitalis website.
Upcoming Events:
CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Thursday, 7 September 2017 ~ 3.30-5pm at Central Library
Get hands on with stylus and ink; activities by the Centre for Buckinghamshire Studies that bring historical handwriting to life.
This is a free event, suitable for ages 6-12, and you will need to book in advance by visiting the Enquiry Desk on the first floor at Central Library.
POP UP POP ART EXHIBITION
August 2017 at Central Library
You can visit this exhibition of artwork by learners and friends of Adult Education and MacIntyre on the first floor at Central Library.
As well as a beautiful series of watercolours depicting familiar scenes of MK, students have been busy producing panels for our MK50 Roundabout Quilt to mark this year’s 50th birthday of Milton Keynes.
MULTI FAITH EXHIBITION
4-30 September 2017 at Central Library
This exhibition was mounted as part of the 25th/50th Anniversary Celebrations of the Church of Christ the Cornerstone/Milton Keynes to show the part different faiths and cultures played in helping to create a city where all can live, work and play together.
MK50- CENTRE FOR BUCKINGHAMSHIRE STUDIES EXHIBITION
September 2017 at Wolverton Library
In 2017 Milton Keynes celebrates its fiftieth birthday. To help the city celebrate, the Centre for Buckinghamshire Studies has put together an exhibition using historic records to explore the history of the villages and towns in its footprint, and of course the new town itself, from 1323 through to the 1990s. There is also a blog that expands upon the content of the exhibition.
MAGDALEN TOWER EXHIBITION
September 2017 at Stony Stratford Library
This small exhibition shows the history of Magdalen Tower in Stony Stratford.
The church dates from as early as the 13th Century. It has seen the Plague, Medieval Fayres and Civil War. It was destroyed by fire in 1742. The fire originated in the Bull Hotel and went on to destroy much of the east side of Stony Stratford, including 146 houses, several famous inns and the Mary Magdalen Church of which only the tower now still stands.
MAGDALEN TOWER WALK
Friday, 8 September 2017 ~ 2pm
A guided walk that starts outside Stony Stratford Library and looks at places that feature in the Magdalen Tower story.
MEET THE KEEPER, Will Phillips, and his Mystery Objects
Will Phillips, Keeper of Social History at Bucks County Museum, has chosen ten mystery items from the Museum's collection that will have you scratching your head. Come along and see if you can guess what they are!
- Thursday, 7 September 2017 ~ 10am-2pm at Woburn Sands Library
- Friday, 8 September 2017 ~ 10am-2pm at Stony Stratford Library
LEGO and DUPLO CLUB at Olney Library
First Saturday of every month ~ 10.30am-11.30am
FREE Family Fun with this new brick building club at Olney Library brought to you by the Friends of the Library in Olney (FoLiO).
Everyone is welcome to join the fun.
Please note that parents/carers must remain with their children during this activity.
TRANSMISSION MEDITATION
Monthly events at Westcroft Library
Transmission Meditation is very simple but powerful group meditation and everyone is welcome to join these free sessions at Westcroft Library. Previous experience of meditation is not necessary so come along!
Sessions are 10.15-11.15 am on the following dates:
- 7 September 2017
- 5 October 2017
- 2 November 2017
- 7 December 2017
To learn more about these sessions speak to Tim or Pauline on 07515 710971 or read about transmission meditation online.
COMPUTER HELP SESSIONS
IT Buddies are waiting to help you
If you'd like a little guidance about about using computers, the internet, your iPad, tablet or phone, setting up emails or have any computer related questions you'd like answered, we have amazing volunteers called IT BUDDIES ready to help you.
We have drop-in sessions at several libraries (no appointment necessary) or you can book an appointment at Central Library by phoning 01908 254051 or emailing the reference library.
- Woburn Sands Library - Saturdays 10am-1pm
- Wolverton Library - Saturdays 10am-1pm
HOOKED ON BOOKS CLUB
11.30am - 12.30pm at Olney Library
If you are between 7-11 years old and love books this is the club for you! Lydia regularly visits Olney Library and has started this free monthly club with all kinds of book related fun with a different theme each month.
* Games and Puzzles * Reading and Reporting * Colouring and Crafts * Investigations * Character Dress-up * Sketching * ... and lots more!
We hope you'll join Lydia at one of the sessions:
- 8 July 2017 - Holly Webb
- [No meeting in August]
BRING YOUR OWN BOOK!
Monthly Book Chat Group at Newport Pagnell Library
Do you have a book that you would love to share with others? The Book Chat Group meets once a month on a Monday evening at 5.30pm. Everyone is welcome - just come along on the night and bring your favourite book! The next meeting dates are:
- 7 August 2017
- 4 September 2017
- 2 October 2017
- 6 November 2017
- 4 December 2017
For more information, please contact Newport Pagnell Library on 01908 610933. The library closes at 5pm and group members meet at the Riverside door at 5.30pm for entry.
We hope to see you soon!
Summer Activities
For a chronological listing of the Summer Activities across the Milton Keynes Libraries, pick up a leaflet at your nearest library or download a copy of the Summer Activities programme (PDF, 74KB).
POM-POM ANIMALS
Get creative with the Kingston Library Knit and Natter group.
- Thursday, 17 August ~ 10.30-11.30am at Kingston Library
- Thursday, 31 August ~ 10.30-11.30am at Kingston Library
This activity is suitable for ages 5+. Tickets £1 in advance from Kingston Library.
CODE BREAKING!
Try your hand at code breaking and get your hands on a real working Enigma machine from World War II. The sessions are led by Tom Briggs from Bletchley Park.
- Wednesday, 16 August ~ 11am-12noon at Westcroft Library
- Wednesday, 16 August ~ 2-3pm at Stony Stratford Library
This activity is suitable for children aged 8+. Tickets £1 in advance from the host library.
PAPER PLATE WEAVING - with the Kingston Library Knit and Natter group
- Thursday, 24 August ~ 10.30-11.30am at Kingston Library
This activity is suitable for ages 5+. Tickets £1 in advance from Kingston Library.
LEARN TO DRAW CARTOON ANIMALS
Learn techniques using pencils and coloured pens to produce cute and scary cartoons! (Funded by Woburn Sands Town Council)
- Thursday, 24 August ~ 10.30-11.30am at Woburn Sands Library
This activity is suitable for ages 6-13. Tickets £2 in advance from Woburn Sands Library.
PERILOUS PIRATES - stories, songs and rhymes
- Friday, 18 August ~ 11-11.30am at Newport Pagnell Library
This activity is suitable for children aged 4+ and we hope you'll come dressed as a pirate! FREE tickets in advance from Newport Pagnell Library.
UNDER THE SEA - come and get creative with this craft session by Emma
- Tuesday, 22 August ~ 10.30am-12noon at Stony Stratford Library
This activity is suitable for children aged 5-8. Tickets £1 in advance from Stony Stratford Library.
LEARN TO KNIT with the Newport Pagnell Knit and Natter group
- Wednesday, 23 August ~ 2-2.45pm at Newport Pagnell Library
This activity is suitable for children aged 5+. Tickets £1 in advance from Newport Pagnell Library.
Family History Consultations:
Expert John Hanson is offering free 30 minute consultations to help you with research into your Family History. Sessions need to be booked in advance by phoning 01908 254051 or emailing the Family History department at Central Library.
- Thursday, 21 September 2017 ~ 4.15-7.30pm
- Thursday, 19 October 2017 ~ 4.15-7.30pm
- Thursday, 16 November 2017 ~ 4.15-7.30pm
These sessions prove very popular and we would recommend booking early!
FAMILY HISTORY CONSULTATIONS at Wolverton Library
Thursday, 7 September 2017 ~ 10.30am-2.30pm
As part of the Heritage Open Days, expert John Hanson is offering free 20 minute consultations to help you with research into your Family History.
Sessions need to be booked in advance by emailing Wolverton Library or phoning 01908 312812.
FoSSL Events at Stony Stratford Library:
The Friends of Stony Stratford Library bring a variety of activities and events to Stony Stratford Library. Watch this space for the latest updates. More details to follow for these events - save the dates!
FAITHFUL SERVANTS
Tuesday, 14 November 2017
A talk by Rob Gifford looking at some Shakespeare plays through the eyes of characters such as Enobarbus in Antony and Cleopatra and Kent in King Lear, who, although second-tier figures, provide the moral centre of the play.
CHARLES DICKENS AND THE INVENTION OF CHRISTMAS
December 2017
Discover MK Exhibitions:
More exhibitions coming soon ...
Arts and Heritage
Are you aged 4-14? Join the Heritage Hunt around Central Library and discover famous paintings and facts about the past in Milton Keynes.
Milton Keynes Libraries have worked in partnership with Living Archive and Milton Keynes Heritage Association to design this trail just for you. Full details are on the Young Heritage Hunters web page.
Self Guided Art and Heritage Trail
During opening hours at Central Library you can follow this Art and Heritage Trail that celebrates the Grade II Listed status of the building and introduces you to the many artworks we have in and around Central Library. Collect your guide and map and begin your tour.
Children's Library Events:
- Weekly Stories, Songs and Rhymetimes at various Libraries.
- Songs and Rhymetimes for the Under 2s four weekly at Central Library.
- Children's Hours at various Libraries (£2 per child).
- Monthly 'Hooked on Books Club' for 7-11 year olds at Olney Library.
- Weekly Music Bugs sessions on Fridays 10am and 11am at Central Library.
- LEGO and DUPLO CLUB - First Saturday of each month at Olney Library 10.30am-11.30am.
- Weekly Code Club for 8-12 year olds at Central Library during term time.
Regular Library Events:
- Weekly Knit and Natter sessions at Westcroft Library (Wednesday).
- Weekly Knit and Natter sessions at Kingston Library (Wednesday).
- Weekly Knit and Natter sessions at Bletchley Library (Wednesday).
- Weekly Knit and Natter sessions at Woburn Sands Library (Thursday).
- Weekly table top games and activities at Olney Library (Thursday afternoons).
- Weekly Knit and Natter sessions at Newport Pagnell Library (Wednesday).
- Monthly Knit and Natter and Stitch sessions at Wolverton Library (Tuesday).
- Monthly Reading Groups.
- Weekly Job Clubs at Central Library and Wolverton Library.
- Monthly informal Book Chat Group at Newport Pagnell Library - contact Newport Pagnell Library for details.
Community Events:
You might find the COIN Community Information Database useful when looking for local groups or support.
- Mondays (10.30am-12.30pm) IT support at Woburn Sands Library using your own devices and WiFi with Stef Muzz of 'Love Woburn Sands'.
- First Friday of the Month (10am-12.30pm) Action on Hearing Loss (RNID) Drop-in at Bletchley Library.
- Tuesdays (10am-12noon) Age UK Milton Keynes Drop-in at Woburn Sands Library.
- Second Tuesday of the Month (6-7pm) Art Hour at Woburn Sands Library.
- Wednesdays (10am-12noon) Senior Friends Get Together at Woburn Sands Library.
- Second Thursday of the month (7.30-9pm) Adult Storytelling evening at Woburn Sands Library.
- Saturdays (10am-1pm) IT Buddy Drop-in sessions at Wolverton Library offering help with your computer skills.
- Saturdays (10am-1pm) IT Buddy Drop-in sessions at Woburn Sands Library offering help with your computer skills.
Last Updated: 17 August 2017
