Sittingbourne Library on Central Avenue will close starting Monday, 3 November. Kent County Council (KCC) is shutting the doors to start a major building upgrade and turn the site into a modern Family Hub. The closure will last through the winter, with plans to reopen in early 2026.
The work is a big investment in the community. KCC wants to make the building better and more flexible for local residents in the Swale area. During the temporary closure, people will need to use other library branches or the library’s online services.
New Look, New Purpose
The main reason for the closing is to mix the library service with important community support. KCC is creating a new Family Hub inside the building. This makes the library a central spot for both books and essential services.
A Hub for Families
The new Family Hub will make it easier for parents and carers to get help. Instead of going to several different places, they can visit the library for advice and support.
This includes joining group activities for children and attending appointments with health visitors. The council believes putting these services in a place everyone knows will help more families get the support they need quickly.
Councillor Chris Palmer, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Integrated Children’s Services, said this change will simplify things for residents.
“Bringing Family Hub services into Sittingbourne Library means families will be able to access support in a familiar, friendly setting,” Councillor Palmer stated. He explained that having advice and activities in one place makes things much more accessible. “It’s a great example of how we’re making services work better for local communities.”
What’s Changing Inside
The renovation covers a full internal refresh. KCC will bring in new furniture to make the space more comfortable for reading, studying, or just spending time.
The layout will also change completely. This new design will make the library flexible enough to handle the Family Hub services alongside its traditional roles. It will create better areas for community activities and quiet spots for study.
The building will also continue to be the place where people can complete civic tasks, such as registering a birth or death.
Council Explains the Investment
KCC says this project is a crucial investment to keep the library serving the town well into the future. Because of the size and type of work—which includes construction and new installations—the building must be completely closed.
Councillor Paul Webb, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, is positive about the plan.
“This is a really exciting and positive project for the people of Sittingbourne that will make a real difference for local people, enabling them to access more services they need from one building,” Councillor Webb said.
He believes the new look will significantly improve things for visitors: “The new layout and furniture will make the space more welcoming and easier to use – whether you’re popping in to borrow a book, find a quiet spot to study, or take part in a local activity.”
The council is merging services to make public buildings more efficient and valuable to the community. This blending of functions helps justify the major spending needed to upgrade the library.
How to Access Services During the Closure
KCC has set up plans to help people while the Sittingbourne branch is shut. They are focusing on both nearby libraries and online options.
Teynham Library will Open More
The main physical alternative is the Teynham Library. KCC is giving this branch much longer opening hours for the duration of the project.
Starting in November, Teynham Library will be open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. This extended schedule will help handle the people who usually visit the Sittingbourne branch. It means residents still have a place nearby to borrow books and get help.
Use Digital Library Services
KCC strongly encourages all members to use its extensive digital services. These tools are available 24 hours a day and are a perfect way to keep reading and learning during the closure.
Members can download thousands of eBooks and audiobooks to their devices for free. The digital library also provides access to online learning courses, newspapers, and academic journals. This wealth of online resources will ensure local readers have what they need until the new, improved library opens in early 2026.
