Not one...but two SIDCUP STORYTELLER NEW LIBRARIES

Thamesmead Library At The Nest

In February, the old Thamesmead Library in a temporary building in Binsey Walk closed for the last time as the library team prepared to move over to The Nest, the brand new library based in Cygnet Square.

The new library includes bright wide-open spaces and an impressive and eye-catching design, with views across Southmere Lake.

The space has been artfully laid out to encourage people to come along and enjoy somewhere to read, hold meetings, work using the free wifi or take part in a library activity.

Along with the library The Nest is home to Peabody Community spaces.

The new Sidcup Storyteller library and café opened its doors to the public at the end of last year. During the first month of opening over 6,000 people crossed the threshold, an increase of 43% in the same period as the old library in Hadlow Road.

The library boasts impressive working areas with free wifi and meeting room, as well as a children’s library, toilets and a Changing Places facility.

The new café is already extremely popular with library users and high street shoppers alike. A mixture of sweet and savoury snacks are available throughout library opening hours.

As the Magazine went to print works are continuing apace on the new three screen cinema that will be managed, like the café, by the Really Local Group.

The cinema will show blockbusters alongside old favourites and will offer a membership scheme with discounts and early bird offers.

“While so many other councils are closing libraries, we are delighted to have been able to open not one – but two amazing libraries in our borough over the last few months.

“They have been incredibly ambitious projects and some work is still ongoing as you would expect from new build, but within the next few weeks both will be established as a key part of their local communities.

“I look forward to seeing them full of life and fun throughout the summer holidays!”

We are organising special events to mark the opening of our new libraries

Keep an eye on www.bexley.gov.uk/news to find out more