Free West Sussex discovery days as part of 'love your local library' campaign

The ‘Love Your Local Library’ campaign aims to pull back the curtain on West Sussex libraries and let residents see the endless possibilities on offer.

From family-friendly toddler time to board games and author evenings, plus free ancestry history meetings and digital subscriptions, West Sussex County Council is emphasising that the library is a shared social space for all to enjoy.

There are five Discovery Days running throughout August and September which are absolutely free to attend:

Saturday August 20 at Crawley Library Wednesday August 24 at Haywards Heath Library Saturday August 27 at Worthing Library Wednesday August 31 at Bognor Regis Library Saturday September 3 at Horsham Library

All events will be running between 11am and 3pm and are open to everybody.

The first Discovery Day event taking place at Crawley Library will have a range of activities, including Bollywood dancing, a steel band, face painting, a visit from the local fire engine, sensory items and displays, free business development meetings, a cinema room and much more. Just turn up, relax and enjoy.

Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue, said: “There is a common misconception that libraries are silent spaces just for reading, but this couldn’t be further from the truth and our library staff and volunteers already do a lot to make sure visitors have a fun and enjoyable time; but our visitor numbers are not yet back to pre-pandemic levels.

“By holding these Discovery Days across the county, we would love everyone to come along, have some fun and be confident that the library is both a safe and sociable environment. Whether you’re a resident, just passing through, or you’re a fully fledged user of one of our libraries, we want you to come along, see beyond the books and expect the unexpected.”

All 36 West Sussex County Council owned libraries are free to join for those who live, work and study in the area. There are also plenty of digital options for members to enjoy 24/7, 365 days a year, choose from books, magazines, audiobooks, comics and newspapers to read and listen to on the go.