Library of the month
Each month we will feature a different library that is embracing the Love Libraries campaign. Our current library of the month is Lewes Library, East Sussex.
Lewes Library
Styles Field
Friars Walk
Lewes BN7 2LZ
www.eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries/find/lewes
Opening hours:
Monday, Thursday 9.30-7.00
Tuesday 10.30-5.00
Wednesday 9.30-1.00
Friday, Saturday 9.30-5.00
Sunday Closed
“A lovely place to be the centre of our community.”
“Very good, why can’t all libraries be like this!”
“This is wonderful, great value for money, an enormous asset to the town.”
“I believe this building will be a wonderful place for young and old. Where everyone can enjoy a beautiful library together.”
“Wow! Its amazing, ultra modern, so clean and bright... Fantastic. Thank you so much its a home from home! Great atmosphere too!”
About Lewes Library
The brand new Lewes Public Library, designed by architects McMorran & Gatehouse, opened in
August 2005. This new, specially designed building brought together under one roof the old library
in Albion Street, which had long suffered from a lack of space, and the Music Library. Located within
the historic town centre of Lewes, the open plan building houses a ground floor lending library with
areas for children and teenagers, and a mezzanine floor with music, reference and Sussex
collections. There are 16 study places, 20 computer terminals and 61,000 stock items in the new
library, which is also adjoined by an open public space where cultural events are held.
The local community was closely involved in the project, raising over £70,000 through an Appeal
Fund which purchased a host of extras ranging from sofas to microfilm. An art installation called
‘Align,’ comprising a mass of dynamic linear marks similar to glassy sheets of water traversing a
weir, directs visitors to the front entrance. The work was undertake by local artist Esther Rollinson
with funding from the Arts Council.
What are the best things about the new library?
£130,000 of new stock for the opening.
The building is a real town library at the heart of the community, unique but not burdened with having to be a “statement building”.
The new library offers a real enhancement of the service both in layout and location. This has broadened the readership with many more families, older people and working people (including commuters) able to come to the library. This was reflected in the surge in members, issues and income.
The layout has made the library much more conducive to a range of events including the presentation ceremony for the East Sussex County Council Web Poetry competition, the Reading Groups Open Day, an author launch event for Grace Nichols and many children’s events.
Have you introduced new services in the new building?
Sibelius music computer; image projector; coffee machine; teenage area; events and meetings
facilities; outside piazza suitable for outside events and audiences; public toilets and a lift. The
building is DDA compliant.
Do you work with other service providers in the community?
Local deaf association
Do you support the Love Libraries campaign?
Yes we do support the Love Libraries campaign. When Lewes Library opened, Friends of Lewes
and library staff distributed publicity from the Love Libraries campaign both in the library and
around the town. Similarly the anniversary open day used the materials.
If you think your local library deserves to be featured as our ‘library of the month’ we want to hear from you! Contact the Love Libraries campaign on 020 7273 1432 or email info@lovelibraries.co.uk
View previous libraries of the month:
Essex Libraries
Lewes Library, Lewes
Handsworth Community Library, Birmingham
Hoddesdon Library, Hertfordshire
