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Our values and culture

Learn about our values as the charity that runs the county's library service.

Our vision

We believe that libraries have an important role to play in making lives better for people and improving their wellbeing. We have seen how, as community services at a local level have been reduced, the importance of the library service as a community hub has increased.

Suffolk Libraries aims to provide safe, fun and inspiring places that:

  • Expand knowledge

  • Connect people

  • Stimulate creativity

  • Foster a sense of community

We continue to challenge ourselves to build upon these four important aspects of our vision.

Welcome and helpful

We welcome anyone and everyone. We are compassionate, friendly, and we have a willingness to help anyone to the best of our ability.

“The librarians themselves are unfailingly well-informed and so helpful, as well as being extremely patient, at the same time also being incredibly quick and efficient. They're always making those who visit the library feel there is ample time to discuss books – and no one feels under pressure.”

A library staff member helping a customer to use a computer

Knowledgeable

We have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and come from diverse backgrounds with some amazing skills. If there’s something we don’t know, we can find out and signpost people to get the help, advice and information they need.

“They have produced some excellent online content for families, bringing the community together as well as providing some kind of education through singing and reading.”

Young children enjoying an interactive Wordplay session in the library.

Passionate and dedicated

We care passionately about our community, the library service and each other. We go above and beyond to make lives better for people.

“The manager is as always going above and beyond for her library and their community. She is working to provide food parcels to those in the community who are in most need. Her and her staff are ringing people to check on their wellbeing. She goes above and beyond what is essential... she’s doing all this through her passionate, caring nature.”

Empathetic

We put ourselves in the shoes of customers in order to fully understand what they need and how we can best help them.

“My local librarian has always been supportive to me. I find her dedicated to her work above duty. She has continually phoned me to see if I’m alright, to help on work matters and have a chat. I know she has done this to most of our staff and I just find it very kind and makes me smile.”

Creative

Creativity and an innovative spirit means that we can adapt to new challenges and seize new opportunities. We are resourceful and imaginative in all that we do.

“Setting up a Manga Club with the support of the library has increased my confidence immensely and helped me improve my organisational skills. I also get to work with the Thurston community and encourage children and young adults to be more creative and express themselves though art."

A mother reading to a child in the library.

Resilient

We have an inner strength to cope with challenging situations, and the resolve to do the right thing for our customers and each other.

“The team are incredibly determined to help all the customers and all the staff. No question ever unanswered, no request ever ignored. Always with a friendly smile and the most amazing listening skills. Always there to support and helping the community. I am so lucky to be part of a wonderful team.”