New learning centre inspires more people to read

A new learning centre in Folkestone is encouraging more people to read, figures suggest.

The Folkestone Library and Community Learning Centre opened on 26 May and, offering books, local history resources and adult education facilities, has since welcomed 10,648 visits in June.

Book issues also rose from 2,507 in June 2022 to 4,811 in June, a demonstrating a 92% increase in people wanting to read.

Kent County Council's (KCC) deputy leader Brian Collins said: "In just a short time, the new library and Community Learning Centre has become a vibrant hub for residents of all ages."

He said: "The significant increase in both visits and book borrowing demonstrates the continued importance of library services and shows that people value having accessible, welcoming community spaces at the heart of their town."

The centre's previous site was in Grace Hill library, and its move to Sandgate Road marked the return of library services to Folkestone town centre for the first time in three years.

It also forms part of KCC's commitment to provide "modern, accessible services that meet the needs of residents", a council spokesperson says.

"While it is still early days, the figures provide a strong indication of the positive impact of bringing library, community learning and other public services together in a modern, accessible location," they say.

Richard Palmer, cabinet member for community and regulatory services, said, "This centre is helping people connect, learn and thrive, and I look forward to seeing even more residents benefit from everything it has to offer."

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