Official joint opening of Chantry Library and Hawthorn Children's Centre
The newly refurbished Chantry Library and the new Hawthorn Children's Centre celebrated their opening on Tuesday 22 July.
Suffolk County Council has led the development of this first joint library and children's centre in the county. Councillor Graham Newman (Portfolio Holder for Adult and Community Services) and Councillor Keith Rawlingson (Local Councillor for Chantry Ward) will both cut the ribbon to officially open the new facility.
Councillor Graham Newman, Portfolio Holder for Adult and Community Services said: "Modern, attractive buildings are so important and I welcome the transformation of Chantry Library. This represents Suffolk County Council's continuing commitment to a significant and ongoing capital programme for providing new libraries and modernising older ones. I'm particularly pleased to have such close links with the Hawthorn Children's Centre and the opportunities working together will bring to encourage reading, learning and library use from an early age."
The Library has been completely modernised: the exciting new space has been designed to be flexible and welcoming, providing activities for young children, families and learners of all ages. It will also have sessions for silver surfers, and weekly Top Time drop-in sessions for older customers offering activities, courses and socialising.
The Hawthorn Children's Centre was funded by a government grant from the Sure Start Unit via Suffolk County Council. It joins a growing network of children's centres in Suffolk providing health services, family support, a base for childminders, help into employment, free drop-in play sessions, and links with Jobcentre Plus and to care and education for 0-5 year olds.
The library and children's centre will share facilities including reception and accessible toilets. Children's Centre Manager / Coordinator, Lynda Handshaw said: "We took a unique opportunity to integrate the children's centre with Chantry Library and the result is a fantastic community resource for people of all ages."
Councillor Patricia O'Brien, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People said: "Hawthorn Children's Centre is one of many new projects designed to help improve services for children and families in the Chantry area."
For more information see our Chantry Library activities and events page.
Contact details and opening times of Chantry Library
