Ryde Children's Library To Get Page-Turning Makeover

Ryde Library is set to get a fresh new look following a successful application to the Arts Council England’s Libraries Improvement Fund.

The grant will facilitate the refurbishment of the children’s library and the addition of an accessible toilet, with work starting on Monday, 24 February. The project is expected to be completed by the end of March.

During the revamp, the main library will remain open except for a brief closure on Thursday, 20 February, Friday 21 and Saturday, 22 February, to allow staff to relocate books from the affected areas.

From Monday 24 February, the library will operate with slightly reduced hours, closing between 12.30pm and 1.30pm. The revised opening times are as follows:

• Monday: 9am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5pm
• Tuesday: 9am to 12.30pm and 1.30 pm to 5pm
• Wednesday: 9am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5pm
• Thursday: Closed
• Friday: 9am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5pm
• Saturday: 9am to 12 noon

The library’s Help Centre, Citizens Advice Bureau, and Information Support Service will continue to operate within these hours. On completion of the works in late March, the library will close briefly to return books to their original locations.

During the refurbishment, children’s books will be relocated within the main library.

However, due to space constraints, activities such as Rhyme Time and adult group sessions will be temporarily suspended. Public computers, printing, and photocopying facilities will remain available.

Cowes Library will also benefit from the Libraries Improvement Fund, with work scheduled to begin in mid-March. Further information will be released in due course.

Councillor Julie Jones Evans, Cabinet member responsible for libraries, said:

"Although there may be some temporary inconvenience due to construction work, the end result will be worth it.

"Residents will still be able to use all the usual online library services while building works take place.

"We’d also like to remind and encourage residents to visit the other libraries across the Island, which are open as normal.

"I am deeply grateful for the support from Arts Council England.

"Their continued investment in the island not only empowers us to bring innovative and inspiring projects to life but also strengthens the cultural fabric of our community.”

For more information on the library’s online services, please visit the Isle of Wight Council libraries website.