Library to move to historic building in Needham Market

Needham Market Library will be moving to a new, bigger building.

Funded by Mid-Suffolk District Council, the new library building will have more space for library events and activities, as well as bookable meeting rooms. The library will based at the newly-created Teachers Close which can be found on the old middle school site just off School Street.

It will also feature a children’s area that is separate from the main library, with a special sensory wall and more dedicated space for children’s events and activities, such as Wordplay sessions and storytimes.

Bruce Leeke, Chief Executive of Suffolk Libraries, said:

“This will be the third new library to open in Suffolk this year! Local people will benefit from an improved home for the many wonders on offer inside Needham Market library. We’re very grateful to Mid Suffolk District Council and everyone involved in the redevelopment of the site for creating an exciting and inspiring space for the local community.

> The new site will provide a more modern and larger library with a dedicated area for the events and activities which local families already enjoy. It marks another significant step on our journey to make life better for people across Suffolk by supporting them at the heart of their community.”

Cllr Peter Gould, cabinet member for assets and investments at Mid Suffolk District Council added:

“The new library is part of our development of the former middle school site which will see 41 affordable homes delivered for the town. The former Victorian school building is being converted to accommodate a new library as well as a flexible space for range of events and activities and demonstrates our continued commitment to providing the infrastructure needed for our communities to thrive.”

>“This latest development also supports our wider vision for Needham Market to be an attractive, successful and connected place for people to work and live in. We look forward to welcoming all to enjoy the new space when it officially opens later this year.”

The previously publicised opening date of 9 November has been delayed and Suffolk Libraries aims to confirm the new move dates in the near future. This is likely to be in the new year.

Once the current library closes there will be a few days when the library is unavailable to allow staff to move to the new location. During this period, customers will be able to use the out-of-hours book return to return their loans. They can also access library services through the nearby Stowmarket Library or any other library branch.

Existing loans for Needham Market Library customers have had their due dates extended to account for the time that the library will be closed.

For any queries about loans during this time, you can contact customer service on 01473 351249 or email help@suffolklibraries.co.uk.