In 2009 we asked you what you want from library services. You told us that you want improved layout, design or location of some libraries.
Over £13m has been allocated to improve libraries in Hastings, Newhaven and Seaford – a record amount of funding for libraries in the county. We've also opened new libraries in Rye and Wadhurst and refurbished libraries in Forest Row, Eastbourne, Bexhill over the past three years.
We are continuing to review other libraries in the county but the cuts in government funding and the squeeze on public finances mean that we've had to take a hard look at our priorities.
We've started work on Warwick House, a new £6 million development in Seaford which will include:
- a stunning new state-of-the-art library
- a day centre for older people
- supported living flats for people with learning disabilities.
We're building the new development on the site of the library in Sutton Park Road. We submitted two planning applications – one for Warwick House and one for temporary accommodation for the existing library during the redevelopment of the site. We hope to open the new building by the end of 2013.
You can view the planning applications online:
The application for a temporary library was approved at the Planning Committee on 16 November 2011.
The application for Warwick House, including the new library, was approved at the Planning Committee on 18 January 2012.
We're moving to our temporary library in January 2012.
- Saturday 28 January, 5pm Current Seaford Library closed
- Monday 30 January to Saturday 18 February Library closed while we move locations
- Monday 20 February, 9.30am Temporary Seaford Library opens.
Our new address will be:
Elm Court
Blatchington Road
Seaford BN25 2AD
Map showing temporary Seaford Library (see below for larger map)
Map showing location of Temporary Seaford Library
We're carrying out a multi-million pound project to improve library services in Hastings by developing the existing library in the Brassey Institute.
We are planning to buy 12 Claremont, the building next to Hastings Library, and will be submitting a planning application for it soon.
This is a great opportunity to bring the separate children's library and adult library together on the same site to create more space for a flexible, modern library in the heart of the town. There are also plans for a local history centre and possibly moving the Registration Service as well.
We'll be working closely with English Heritage, Hastings Borough Council, local organisations and residents during 2012.
For more information, please read:
We are continuing to work on plans for a new library in Newhaven.
Forest Row Library computers, shelves and seating
We've expanded Forest Row Library into the former Reading Room at the Community Centre. The library reopened on Thursday 5 October 2011.
In June we asked you for your views about the services you would like in the expanded library. See what you told us in Forest Row Library: your views.
Our improved services include:
- improved internal layout
- new lighting, painting, decorating and carpeting
- dedicated children's and teen areas
- reference and study areas
- more public access computers
- comfortable seating
- new books that you suggested
- new opening hours – now open Saturday morning instead of Tuesday afternoon.
New Rye Library and Community Help Point
Rye Library and the Community Help Point have moved to new premises in the High Street, where the former Woolworths building was located. The new library opened on Monday 24 January 2011.
This joint project between East Sussex County Council and Rother District Council includes:
- a dedicated public library space on the ground floor, almost three times the size of the existing library
- a community help point to help with issues such as housing, local planning, bus passes and blue badge questions
- a quiet area and comfortable seating
- study space and free public computers
- toilet facilities
- moveable furniture and shelving so that space can be used for author talks, local history events and community workshops.
You can see photos of the building work and new library online, as well as comments from people who have used the new Rye Library:
Rye Library reference section and computers
Inside Rye Library, view from front
Rye Library children's section
In July 2010, Wadhurst Library moved into the former village social club at the back of the Hall of Commemoration.
The new library is three times the size of the old facility and has been totally refurbished to create a bright and welcoming space for the people of Wadhurst. We now offer many more services including:
- opportunities for adult learning
- a wider choice of books
- six free public computers
- comfortable seating
- space to study, read and spend time with friends and family.
This project was carried out in partnership with the Wadhurst Institute Hall and Field Committee and Wadhurst Parish Council. Read our press release.
Opening the new library in Wadhurst
Other library buildings
We are improving the look and feel inside all our libraries, making the entrance areas more welcoming with clear floor plans and displays.
- Langney Library
In March 2011 we installed self-service machines at Langney Library which allow people to borrow, return and renew books and other items.
- Uckfield and Crowborough libraries
In early 2011 we installed self-service machines at Uckfield and Crowborough libraries. We also upgraded the reception and display areas to give a welcoming and modern appearance, and to allow greater display space for books and information.
- Eastbourne Library
£1 million refit and refurbishment completed in 2009.
- Bexhill Library
Half a million pound upgrade carried out in 2008. Watch our video to see what you thought about the Bexhill Library refurbishment.
Enquiries
For more information about these projects, please contact:
Valerie Wright
Assistant Head of Libraries – Capital Projects and Buildings
Phone: 01273 482129
Email: Valerie Wright
East Sussex County Council