Hertfordshire Libraries is 100

Hertfordshire Libraries Service is 100!

We're excited to celebrate 100 years of Hertfordshire Libraries this year and everyone in Hertfordshire is invited to join us!

28 February 2025 marks 100 years since a countywide library service opened.

Whether you're a regular library visitor, a user of our many online resources, or someone who hasn’t thought about a library in a long time, join in the celebrations and discover more about what our modern library service has to offer.

Browse upcoming Libraries Centenary events

Featured events

In conversation with Rosie Andrews

Thurs 3 July 2025, 7 – 8.30pm

Hitchin Library

We are delighted to welcome Rosie Andrews, author of The Leviathan and The Puzzle Wood.

In conversation with Rosie Andrews read more and book

How to be Disabled and Proud

Sat 19 July 2025, 2.30 – 4pm

Hitchin Library

We're excited to welcome back Cathy Reay. Drawing on the author’s experience of growing up disabled, Disabled and Proud helps disabled children embrace (or at least feel OK with) their identity.

How to be Disabled and Proud: Cathy Reay – read more and book

An afternoon with best-selling author Clare Pooley

Thurs 31 July 2025, 2 – 3.30pm

Berkhamsted Library

Clare Pooley is the author of several books, including 'How to Age Disgracefully' and 'The Authenticity Project'

An afternoon with Clare Pooley read more and book

See all Centenary events

June is National Crime Reading Month!

In conversation with Katy Watson

Tues 15 July 2025, 7–8.30pm

Ware Library

Katy Watson, author of the Three Dahlias series, joins us to celebrate the publication of her new novel A Deadly Night in the Theatre.

In conversation with Katy Watson – read more and book

Herts Big Read

Celebrating books and reading for pleasure will be a highlight of our centenary year. Each month our libraries will be sharing 10 titles from which you can choose your favourite and cast your vote.

Choose your favourite from June's recommended reads.

The favourite book chosen by Hertfordshire residents in May was Circe, the 2018 novel from Madeline Miller.

May winner

Reminisce with us

We know how much people value looking back at the past and sharing memories. So we're excited to share a 'Through the Decades' short film and an exciting exhibition charting the changes to our library service over 100 years, as well as the threads that have remained the same.

The exhibition will tour from March to the end of the year, with host locations till December now available.

Have your say…

We always want to hear what library users and Hertfordshire residents have to say about their library service, and especially so during our centenary year.

We'll be filming and interviewing library visitors at different libraries throughout the year. We'll confirm dates soon.

Alternatively, please do share your thoughts:

Our thanks to Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant funding for enabling us to host a yearlong Centenary celebration of reading and creativity in Hertfordshire.