One of Brighton’s community libraries re-opens next week after a modernisation – and it will be open seven days a week.
Westdene Library had been closed for alterations to create a new classroom for Westdene Primary School next door.
Everyone is welcome on November 29 from 9am when the facility reopens. A celebratory ‘Baby Boogie’ takes place from 10.15 to 10.45 – music and rhyme for pre-school children.
Youngsters from the primary school will also visit the new facility.
Under the council’s Libraries Extra initiative it will be open seven days a week, staffed on Tuesdays. On other days library members can enter with their library card and PIN number. Facilities include a range of books, electronic media, computers, printing and free wifi. There is also a new public toilet.
The library will also be on the lookout for volunteers. For information on this or any other aspects of the library visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/libraries or call 01273 290800.
Opening hours
Monday - 9am to 7pm (Libraries Extra)
Tuesday - 9am to 5pm
Wednesday - 9am to 7pm (Libraries Extra)
Thursday - 9am to 5pm (Libraries Extra)
Friday - 9am to 5pm (Libraries Extra)
Saturday - 9.30am to 5pm (Libraries Extra)
Sunday - 11am to 5pm (Libraries Extra)
Deputy chair of the economic development and culture committee Cllr Julie Cattell said: “It’s great for Westdene to get its library back in a spruced-up condition and a real asset to have it open every day. We’re bucking a national trend, where access to libraries is shrinking due to budget cuts. We’re using new ways of working to make up what we lack in funding.”
Most Brighton & Hove community libraries are now operating ‘Libraries Extra’ to open between five and seven days a week. The scheme offers:
- a dedicated phone helpline
- easy-to-use self-service kiosks to borrow and return items
- volunteer help on some days
- constant monitoring by a security company with CCTV and live audio
- a dedicated intercom to the security company in case of emergency
To use Libraries Extra, members need to upgrade their membership card for free at their local library. They must bring two proofs of identity, one with an address, and agree to new terms and conditions of membership.