The refurbished building, which combines library and family support services under one roof, has drawn more than 28,000 visits since reopening at the end of March.
Sittingbourne’s new Library and Family Hub had its official opening on Friday 24 July, with residents, community partners and local representatives turning out to mark the occasion. Kent County Council cabinet members Richard Palmer and Paul Webb led speeches and a ribbon-cutting ceremony — Palmer joined by a young library user for the snip.
Not that the building needed much of a launch. It’s been open since the end of March, and had already clocked up more than 28,000 visits before anyone cut a ribbon. On the day itself, families packed the space: children signed up for the Summer Reading Challenge, parents and toddlers joined a Rhyme Time session, and residents stopped at the Family Hub stall to find out what support was on offer.
Richard Palmer, Cabinet Member for Communities and Regulatory Services, said: “It was wonderful to officially open Sittingbourne Library and Family Hub and see so many people celebrating this fantastic community facility. Libraries are trusted spaces where people can read, learn, connect and access information.”
Paul Webb, Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services, also took part. The hub pulls library services and family support together under one roof, bringing together reading, learning and family support services in a single community space.
The 28,000-plus visits since March is a figure KCC is pointing to as proof there is genuine appetite for the place. Reading, learning, wellbeing, a bit of company. Apparently that still counts for something.
Sittingbourne Library and Family Hub holds official opening after 28,000 visits Quiz
5 questions