Reading & Libraries
Inspire Libraries awarded microgrant to deliver nature-focused 'Places to Connect' programme
Inspire Libraries has been awarded a £6k grant by Natural England and Libraries Connected to delive…
Published 4th July 2023
Kirkby-in-Ashfield Library and Learning Centre is thrilled to announce an inspiring ‘Day of Discovery’ on Saturday 15 July 2023, 9:30am – 12:30pm. This special celebratory event marks the completion of refurbishment works and we invite the community to experience the exciting progress we have made.
Local residents will be able to drop in throughout the morning, meet our friendly library and learning team and have a look around. There’s even opportunity to have a go at some of the courses that will be available over the summer and a chance to win £50 worth of supermarket vouchers.
The Kirkby-in-Ashfield Library and Learning Centre is one of two projects in Ashfield made possible following a £62.6 million investment for Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield as part of the Government’s Towns Fund.
An inspiring new learning and meeting space has been created on the upper floor providing digital access and access to technology for the whole community. Inspire’s Adult Learning team have created a brand new programme of adult and family learning courses for summer with a focus on entry level digital skills.
An updated library layout accommodates the same amount of book stock, children’s library and all the usual favourite activities such as Rhyme, Rattle, Roll, Craft and Chatter, Reading Groups and Places of Welcome.
There’s a job seeker/employability hub, and information, advice and guidance services, as well as the chance for local people to get involved in community led activity through Inspire’s ‘Community Makers’ programme. There’s even a meeting space for local businesses!
Local residents are invited to enjoy a morning of discovery and take a look around their newly refurbished library and learning space in the centre of Kirkby-in-Ashfield precinct. There will be a range of fun activities on offer with the chance to win prizes and more;
- Meet the library team – find out about regular library events and activities, including our Summer Reading Challenge.
- Meet the tutors – find out about the summer programme of courses running through August. Courses include IT and digital skills, cupcake decoration and geometric paper crafts.
- Win grocery items.
- Have a go – let our tutors guide you through immersive, hands-on free sessions and demonstrations. Get online, create a short animation or decorate cupcakes.
- Children’s activities – indoor games and colouring activities.
- Have your say – let us know what you’d like to see at your newly refurbished library and learning centre and be in with the chance to win a £50 Morrison’s voucher.
Take a look at improvements, including before and after images here.
“A library should be a real focal point in the community and it’s great to see that Kirkby Library has recently undergone a fantastic refurbishment. I would really encourage people come along to the Open Day on 15 July, bring the family, have a look around and join in with some of the free activities.”
“Our commitment to providing the very best library services in the country continues with the opening of the newly refurbished Library and Learning Centre in Kirkby-in-Ashfield."
“Whether you’re a first-time library user or a regular library member, there’s something for all the family and the Discovery Day is the perfect opportunity to have some fun and find out more about the brand new programme of adult and family learning courses on offer.”
“This day of discovery at Kirkby-in-Ashfield Library and Learning Centre represents the culmination of many weeks hard work and dedication from both our staff and our partners, and a shared vision for fostering a love of learning, libraries and community connection. We hope the people of Kirkby-in-Ashfield will join us, enjoy the refurbished spaces created and find out more about our inspiring programme of courses running throughout August.”
