New library unveiled

The new library, on the site of the old facility in South-down Road, Southwick, will be open for business at 9.30am, writes Sam Woodman.

A meetings and activity room is part of the new development, while the main library area has comfortable sofas and a selection of newspapers and magazines.

A special children's area, with a computer set-up for the under-fives, with fun, educational software, also features.

Area librarian Helen Stevenson said: "We are absolutely thrilled with the new building. It is bigger, lighter and far more modern than the old one, which was built in 1965."

Work started on the new building last May. It is made of a heavily insulated, timber-framed construction, with underfloor gas heating.

County council deputy leader Mike Coleman, responsible for the library service, said the library would offer easy access to everyone.

"All the facilities are on the ground floor and it is a bright and airy open space," he said.

"We have a total stock of around 15,000 books, DVDs, CDs and audio books, so there is something for everyone.

"There is also a dedicated IT and reference area, local studies books and a study space which has been built into the design. Six computers will give the public access to the internet," Mr Coleman added.

After consultation with residents, the library's opening hours have been expanded.

It will open from 9.30am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, from 9.30am to 1pm on Wednesdays and from 9.30am to 6pm on Thursdays.

Special children's activities will be held at the library, with "baby rhyme time" sessions fortnightly from Tuesday, at 11am, and a story time for two to five-year-olds every Thursday, at 11am.

At the end of its first week the library will host a special open day, from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, January 27.

Free tea and coffee will be available to visitors and special stories, crafts and activities will be on offer to children until noon.

The new facility, built in partnership with PMP Health Developments, will house the relocated Manor Practice doctors' surgery next door.