Sittingbourne Library and Family Hub to reopen after revamp

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“A colourful children’s library area with bright green carpet, low bookshelves filled with books, and playful tree and farm-themed wall decorations. Small tables and chairs in various colours are arranged in the centre.”

Sittingbourne Library and Family Hub is preparing to reopen following renovations to bring in a wider range of support for families and residents in one place.

After closing in November, the building in Central Avenue has been transformed into a bright and welcoming shared space where people can read, study, take part in community activities, register birth and deaths, and access support for children and young people.

The refreshed space will reopen on Monday 23 March at 10am with new furniture and a flexible layout designed to make it comfortable and easy to use.

Family Hub services to complement those already offered in the area will move in from Wednesday 22 April.

A bright computer room with two rows of desks holding desktop computers. White chairs with coloured seats are arranged around the tables, and sunlight falls across the grey‑carpeted floor.

The new computer study area at Sittingbourne Library and Family Hub

Once up and running, they will enable parents to drop in to find support, advice and group activities for children, alongside Health Visiting appointments.

As part of the upgrades, the space has a new re-designed children's library, celebrating nature and Sittingbourne's local history and surroundings such as the apple orchards, farms and sailing barges. There are bright colours, reading nooks, and lots for young readers to explore, along with Family Hub groups where families can play, learn, and spend time together.

Improvements have also been made to increase the study space and seating throughout the building. There has also been a huge restock of exciting new books across different age ranges.

Paul Webb is smiling for his headshot photo in front of the county hall steps

“The refreshed layout, new study areas and children’s space reflect our commitment to creating places that inspire learning.”

Paul Webb Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services

Paul Webb, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, said: “It’s so good to see Sittingbourne Library back open as a vibrant and welcoming shared space with Family Hubs.

“The refreshed layout, new study areas and children’s space reflect our commitment to creating places that inspire learning. We look forward to welcoming residents back from Monday.”

Christine Palmer is smiling for his headshot photo in front of the county hall steps

“Having Family Hubs and libraries as a co-location means both services can support each other under one roof.”

Chris Palmer Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services
A small ceremony-style room with rows of red chairs facing a desk at the front. The walls have a white and red floral pattern, and a tall arrangement of flowers stands on a metal stand to the right

The ceremony room at Sittingbourne Library and Family Hub has been given a refresh

Chris Palmer, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services, added: “Having Family Hubs and libraries as a co-location means both services can support each other under one roof. I hope this will make it easier for children, young people and their families to access the help, activities and opportunities they need.”

Sittingbourne Library is one of seven libraries in Kent to be transformed into co-locations with Family Hub services.