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Community Libraries

Bringing the joy of reading to every journey

Books bring joy, relaxation, and connection – and the daily commute is a great opportunity to make time for reading.

Harrogate International Festivals and Transdev’s Harrogate Bus Company are bringing the joy of reading to bus passengers creating mobile ‘libraries’ aboard the 36 buses. This innovative initiative has provided over 1,000 books to travellers along the Leeds-Harrogate-Ripon route, encouraging reading for pleasure and helping us to provide arts opportunities for all.

Passengers can take a book, leave one in return, and enjoy an ever-changing selection of novels, thrillers, memoirs, and more. know the joy and pleasure that comes from reading a good book – whether it’s a page-turning thriller, a gripping crime novel, or an inspiring memoir.

Books on the Bus

The health benefits of reading

Reading can make a huge difference to people’s well-being, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and heart-rate and preventing cognitive decline due to age. Books on the bus also provide a welcome opportunity to step away from the digital screen while you focus on your new read!

Explore HIF

A person DJing on the HIF main stage. There are multi-coloured strobe lights projecting onto the crowd.

Artist and Talent Development

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Three ladies sitting on the wall looking at the crime writing festival. They can see the beer tent and people milling around.

More ways to get involved

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The singer Laura Mvula takes the stage, singing into a microphone on a stand whilst holding a keytar (portable keyboard) over her shoulder.

See what’s on

Explore our full range of festivals and events across Harrogate, all year round!

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