Events and a new loo celebrate library’s 60th anniversary

Rottingdean Library marks its 60th anniversary soon – with a special celebration  

The free event happens at the library at The Green on this coming Saturday, March 22, between 2.30-5.30pm.

There will be afternoon tea with special birthday cake, a photo display of the building’s history, craft activities for children and a quiz.

A new disabled-accessible toilet is also being built and should be open in a few weeks.

Councillor in charge of libraries Geoffrey Bowden said: It’s a wonderful historic place, well worth celebrating, but now getting facilities people reasonably expect in the 21st century.

 “This is part of a programme of improvements at libraries which reflects their continued importance.  We previously had no toilets there, so the council has funded these to make the library a more viable and pleasant place to visit – including for people with disabilities.”

Rottingdean Library offers computers and internet, a wide range of books and audio visual material for all ages, newspapers, magazines, pre-school activities, toddlers’ group, homework club and summer tea garden.

It is open Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays – check the council’s website for exact hours or call 01273 29 6918

The library and its computers are disabled–accessible, assistance dogs are welcome and there is a hearing loop

The library is housed in a former Georgian vicarage called The Grange, built in 1740.  It became a library in 1954, having previously been a WW2 officers’ mess and the home of downland artist Sir William Nicholson, between 1909-14.

The building also houses Rottingdean Museum, The Grange Art Gallery and a display about the author Rudyard Kipling, who lived in a nearby house called The Elms between 1897 and 1902.