By Isle of Wight Observer
Ryde Library has revealed its newly-renovated children’s section this weekend.
The IW Library service secured a £150,000 grant from Arts Council England’s libraries improvement fund, in 2023, which was shared with Cowes Library to improve facilities and accessibility at both locations.
Renovations at Ryde Library began at the end of February, and included the installation of a new accessible toilet, for library user groups, and a complete refurbishment of the children’s library. The Friends of Ryde Library funded new furniture and shelving.
Library supervisor, Jo Dodd, said: “We are so pleased with the new facilities, and can’t wait for children and families to start enjoying the newly-decorated children’s space, which looks absolutely fantastic with fresh, vibrant colours and funky new furniture.”
Ryde Library offers a variety of activities for children and families, including the weekly Rhyme Time for babies and toddlers every Monday at 10.30am.
The library is also launching a new family session, ‘Stay and Play,’ starting Wednesday, May 14, at 10.30am, where pre-school children can enjoy music, stories, and playtime with their families.
Meanwhile, Cowes Library is undergoing its own renovations and is currently closed to the public.
Library staff are providing a ‘pop-up’ library service from The Beckford Centre in Cowes, opposite the library site.
Opening times for this service are available on the library’s website. The main library at Cowes is expected to re-open in mid-May.
