Ipswich library to get first refurb in 40 years
Ipswich County Library is set for an almost £900,000 transformation – its first major refurbishment in more than four decades – with work expected to start towards the end of 2026.
Why it matters: The library is one of Suffolk's busiest community and cultural spaces, and the refurbishment will include a completely refurbished children's library alongside improvements to make the building more modern, welcoming and accessible for people of all ages.
The details: The plans have been shaped by feedback from library users. More information about the designs will be shared in the coming months, and some disruption to services is expected once work gets underway.
The near-£900,000 project combines:
- £500,000 from the Government's Libraries Improvement Fund
- Further investment from The Clore Duffield Foundation and The Wolfson Foundation
- Local developer contributions
For context: Suffolk Community Libraries is one of just 28 library services across England to receive money from the Libraries Improvement Fund, which forms part of the Government's wider £1.5 billion Arts Everywhere Fund. The fund is managed by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Photos of Ipswich County Library as it is now (Photos: Oliver Rouane-Williams/Ipswich.co.uk)
What they're saying: Krystal Vittles, Head of Library Service at Suffolk Community Libraries, said: "I am delighted that our funding bid has been successful. Ipswich County Library is already one of our most popular libraries, this funding will allow us to make it even more accessible to existing users and enticing to those who haven't discovered the library yet. We're especially excited about the new children's library as we know that will be transformative for so many local families."
Cllr June Mummery, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for coastal affairs, communities and public health, said: "This is an exciting new chapter for one of Suffolk's biggest and best-known libraries. Every day, people of all ages use Ipswich County Library to read, learn, meet others and take part in activities.
"I recently visited the library and saw the plans for myself. It's exciting to see the vision for the future. This refurbishment will breathe new life into the building and ensure it continues to serve the people of Ipswich for many years to come."
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott said he was "delighted that this major refurbishment – underpinned by Government funding – will give new life to the iconic Ipswich County Library."
"Libraries remain at the heart of our communities in Ipswich and Suffolk, and this redevelopment will allow Ipswich County Library to become a more modern, accessible and inclusive space that supports learning, opportunity and digital inclusion for everyone in our town," he added.
He praised the Government's Libraries Improvement Fund, saying: "It will not only help protect this cherished building and its services, but it transforms it for the future too."
What's next: Work is expected to begin towards the end of 2026, with further details on the disruption to services shared closer to the start of the project.
The bottom line: After four decades without major investment, Ipswich County Library is set for a significant makeover – with a new children's library at its heart – funded through a mix of Government, charitable and local money.
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