Suffolk Libraries
Suffolk Libraries was a charity that ran Suffolk’s library service between August 2012 and June 2025, when library services were controversially taken back in-house by Suffolk County Council.
Feature
The African American airmen who found freedom in Suffolk's pubs
In the smoky pubs of 1960s Ipswich, a young American airman stationed at RAF Bentwaters was discovering he could sing – really sing. His name was Geno Washington, and his voice would soon captivate audiences across Britain.by
Oliver Rouane-Williams
News
End of an era as 'impactful and cherished' Suffolk Libraries prepares for council return
After 12 years and nine months of charitable management, Suffolk's library service is returning to county council control having been transformed from the service that was inherited in 2012.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Volunteers needed for Suffolk's summer Reading Quest programme
Suffolk Libraries is looking for helpers to support its summer literacy campaign, which runs from 19 July to 31 August across the county.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Council rejects opposition's bid to scrutinise libraries decision
Suffolk County Council has rejected attempts by opposition councillors to "call in" the Cabinet's decision to bring the county's library service back in-house.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Award-winning authors headline Suffolk's DiscoveReads book festival
Six acclaimed writers, including bestselling H Is for Hawk author Helen Macdonald, will speak at Ipswich's The Hold during a two-day literary event in May.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
'We are all devastated' – Suffolk Libraries CEO responds to council takeover decision
Bruce Leeke has expressed his dismay at the decision to return libraries to council control despite "overwhelming opposition" from the community, refuting "much of what the county council is saying."byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Suffolk County Council votes to take back control of libraries despite widespread opposition
Suffolk's 45 libraries will return to council management from June 2025, ending 12 years of successful operation by Suffolk Libraries after the underperforming services were divested from council management in 2012.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Suffolk Libraries CEO requests county council 'listen to reason' as takeover decision looms
With over 22,000 petition signatures opposing the plan, the library charity makes its final appeal before today's cabinet meeting.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Suffolk library dispute: Charity says council misrepresenting management costs
Suffolk Libraries claims its back office costs are 21.4% of the total budget—not 33% as claimed by Suffolk County Council, whose CEO urges councillors not to "make a big decision based on flawed figures."byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Council responds to public criticism with 'bright future' plan for Suffolk's libraries
As public opposition grows to its library takeover plans, Suffolk County Council has outlined how it intends to enhance and modernise services if the decision is approved on March 18.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Suffolk Libraries hits back at council's "inaccurate statements" in takeover row
The charity managing Suffolk's libraries has released data claiming the council used flawed figures to justify ending their 13-year partnership.byOliver Rouane-Williams
Feature
More than heat: The warm spaces providing support and connection in Ipswich
As winter draws to a close, we speak to the warm spaces in Ipswich that have been tackling isolation and offering vital support in the heart of our community over the winter monthsby
Elouise Lavington
Load more content
