Suffolk Libraries to celebrate tenth birthday on 1 August!
On Monday 1 August Suffolk Libraries will be celebrating ten years since being launched as the independent charity which runs the county’s library service.
Over this time Suffolk Libraries has kept all 44 libraries open, saved Suffolk taxpayers £25m and worked hard to develop new and innovative services and activities at the heart of our communities, all with the aim of making an impact on people’s wellbeing.
Suffolk Libraries will be celebrating by opening Suffolk’s 45th library at Moreton Hall near Bury St Edmunds on the morning of Monday 1 August and throughout August will be sharing messages of support from across the county and examples of the many ways it touches people’s lives.
Suffolk Libraries will reflect on what’s been achieved, how its staff and supporters have played a major role in this success, the huge range of services and activities it offers and how people’s wellbeing is such an important focus for the organisation.
Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries, said:
“We want to use our ten-year birthday to remind everyone of everything Suffolk Libraries does to make Suffolk a better place to live. I hear heart-warming examples of what we mean to people almost every day and we’re all very proud of what Suffolk Libraries has achieved over the past ten years.
“These achievements speak for themselves but it’s our impact on people’s lives across Suffolk that really counts. It’s not just about the stories that people borrow from us, it’s about the ones we help them create. It’s the stories about how Suffolk Libraries has reached people, supported them and changed their lives for the better.
“Suffolk Libraries is run by the community for the benefit of the community and that’s why almost everything we do is down to the amazing people who work and volunteer for our charity. This celebration is also about paying tribute to everyone who has played a role in our story; our staff, community groups and the many people who’ve supported our journey over the past ten years.”
Suffolk Libraries will be sharing video clips and feedback via its social media profiles throughout August. An example is this recent award-winning video which shows the many ways in which Suffolk Libraries helps people in the community.
Libraries will be getting involved in the celebrations too.
Chantry Library is running a Fun for Everyone event on Monday 1 August from 10AM to 5PM, featuring Wordplay singing for young children, a local community walk, BBQ, community pass the parcel, bingo buffet and a special ten year Suffolk Libraries birthday cake. There will also be a bouncy castle, music and a photo booth on site.
On Tuesday 2 August Leiston Library are also holding a special cuppa and cupcake event all day for people to drop in and share what they love about their local library.
Libraries have plenty of other activities on offer throughout the summer including the ever-popular Summer Reading Challenge, children’s author activities and interactive theatrical Moomins shows.