Temple Hill Library and Cranbrook Library temporarily closed at the end of last year so work could take place to create space for Family Hubs and other services designed to meet the needs of the community.
At Temple Hill, the library has been given a new look with a refreshed layout and furniture. New rooms have also been created for Family Hub services to move into.
Mary Lawes, Deputy Cabinet Member for Communities, Ben Fryer, Member for Dartford North East, and Paul Webb, KCC's Cabinet Member for Community and Regularity Services, visited Temple Hill to see how the transformation has made the library a more comfortable and flexible space.
Cranbrook Library has also had a refit making use of previous office space. Upgrades include changes to the children’s library incorporating new shelving and furniture with a woodland theme. While the libraries are now open, Family Hub services will move in next month.
“It’s fantastic to see both Temple Hill and Cranbrook libraries reopen. They look bright, airy and very welcoming.”
Paul Webb, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, said: “It’s fantastic to see both Temple Hill and Cranbrook libraries reopen. They look bright, airy and very welcoming.
“We are also incorporating Family Hub units into a lot of our libraries. We've got brand-new spaces for them to move into, along with consultation rooms, which will open to the public soon. I look forward to seeing the benefits these enhanced services will bring to residents in their local areas.”
“By having these services in one place, it just makes things simpler and more familiar for the families who need them.”
Chris Palmer, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services, added: “The move to bring Family Hub services into our library spaces is a really positive step in how we support children, young people, and their families. By having these services in one place, it just makes things simpler and more familiar for the families who need them.
"It’s great to see how things are coming together at Temple Hill and Cranbrook, and I’m really looking forward to the Family Hub teams settling in next month.”
“Kent libraries are safe, welcoming places open to everyone. It makes them the perfect location to offer a range of services, including trusted health advice.”
Diane Morton, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “Kent libraries are safe, welcoming places open to everyone. It makes them the perfect location to offer a range of services, including trusted health advice, and reach people who don’t use traditional healthcare.
“I'm very excited to see how making support more accessible in this way will make a difference to our communities who need it most.”
The children's section at Cranbrook Library has a new woodland theme
Queenborough Library, and Cliftonville Library, will also benefit from upgrades and will close at the end of the day on Saturday 31 January. As well as Family Hub services, the libraries will be getting new facilities to make the buildings a more comfortable and flexible space for reading, studying, registering a birth or death, and community activities.
Queenborough Library will reopen at the end of April, and Cliftonville will follow in May.
Sittingbourne Library is currently undergoing works to integrate services and is due to reopen in the Spring.
