Staplehurst Library - a central hub
Staplehurst Parish Council Library Consultation Response 2022
I am writing on behalf of Staplehurst Parish Council (SPC).
SPC consider that our library is essential to our community and much loved by our residents. Since it opened fifty years ago, it has become the central hub for sharing information and offering a wide-range of services and activities. It is a base for our Community Warden and surgeries are held for the Borough, Parish, Police and Community Protection Team. Residents have access to computers with help from the staff or computer buddy if necessary. Social activities include Knit and Natter, Book Club, Story Rhyme Time and Staplehurst Library User Group (SLUG). A Poetry Group is planned for the near future.
Our library is not just about borrowing books and DVDs, but these services are vital, especially for our young children and our ageing population. New residents to our community feel part of village life after visiting this welcoming community asset. It is also vital to the well-being of lonely people who can find a safe place to sit and be with other people. Our staff are very supportive and friendly to all.
Staplehurst Neighbourhood Plan Policy C1 highlights the importance of the library service to the people of Staplehurst.
MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE THE PUBLIC LIBRARY BUILDING, INCLUDING ITS EXTENSION, IF NECESSARY, TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.
8.4 The Staplehurst Neighbourhood Plan supports the continued investment in the local library site. The library is located at the heart of the village in proximity to other local services that are equally important to the community. The library provides a vital service to village life and the surrounding rural areas.
8.5 The library supports the local community cohesion and supports education and learning for all age groups. Investment here must aim to maintain and enhance the library as a modern, flexible space offering the right range of services, including internet connections and an appropriate range of up-to-date books, that will allow the library to continue to connect communities within Staplehurst village and the wider parish.
8.6 The neighbourhood plan identifies this as a key service to be protected, maintained and enhanced. Through the planning obligations linked to future development in Staplehurst, an appropriate level of funding will be directed towards the library service to ensure it will meet the needs of a growing village.
The library is a vital resource in the heart of the village.
The Staplehurst Library has received funding from our recent residential developments. Staplehurst Library must be maintained to keep our residents connected and education has never been so vital after these most difficult times. The well-being of many residents is supported by our excellent library.
Councillor Joan Buller BEM