Chantry Library refurbishment

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 2008. 




Suffolk County Council has led the development of this first joint library and children's centre in the county. 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."

For more information see our Chantry Library activities and events page.

Chantry library and Children's Centre Opening Celebrations, Tuesday 22 July 2008

Over 60 people including local families celebrated the official opening. There were balloons, live music and Bookstart activities for children. Children's favourite Kipper was there to welcome everyone to the new library.