News
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.
Suffolk Community Libraries
Suffolk Community Libraries officially began operating on June 1, 2025, when the Suffolk Library service transitioned from an independent charity to Suffolk County Council management under its new name. The service previously operated as an independent not-for-profit organisation called Suffolk Libraries from August 2012 until May 2025.
News
Ipswich pupils star in film celebrating reading
Students from Stoke High School and Hillside Primary School got their movie moment at a mini film premiere after collaborating with a professional filmmaker to create a short film championing the National Year of Reading.
News
New Wolsey Theatre and Ipswich library share £1m government grant
Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre and Ipswich County Library have been awarded a combined £1,029,340 in government funding to upgrade their buildings and improve accessibility for local communities.
News
Blank Page Project returns to Suffolk libraries with free Easter workshops
Young people eligible for free school meals can attend creative workshops at nine Suffolk libraries for free this Easter, as the popular Blank Page Project returns for another year.
News
Suffolk councillor backs National Year of Reading
A Suffolk County Council cabinet member has pledged her support for the National Year of Reading and visited a local library on World Book Day to join a session for babies and toddlers.
News
Suffolk libraries waive fines in two-month amnesty to boost reading
Suffolk Community Libraries is launching a two-month amnesty on library fines to encourage more people to borrow books as part of the National Year of Reading 2026 campaign.
News
Free creative workshops for young people return to Suffolk libraries this Christmas
Suffolk Community Libraries is running 19 free Blank Page creative workshops across nine libraries from 22 December to 2 January, offering young people the chance to learn typography, mosaic art, illustration and upcycling skills.
Long Reads
What's on in Ipswich this Christmas: Your guide to festive shows
From traditional pantomimes at the Regent and New Wolsey Theatre to dance adaptations of classic tales and cinema screenings, Ipswich venues are offering entertainment for all ages throughout the festive season.
News
Eight paid music roles open to young people as local project tackles 'tough' job hunt
Suffolk Community Libraries is offering eight paid Junior Assistant Producer positions to 18-25 year olds as part of a new project bringing live music gigs to libraries in Ipswich and Haverhill.
News
Soul legend Geno Washington exhibition opens at Ipswich library
A new exhibition celebrating former US airman and soul music icon Geno Washington has opened at Ipswich County Library, showcasing five striking portraits of the star whose singing career began in the town in the early 1960s.
News
Struggling with the NHS app? Free Ipswich library sessions can help
People who find technology challenging can get friendly, one-to-one support using the NHS app at drop-in sessions launching at Ipswich County Library and other locations across Suffolk this month.
News
Black British Ballet exhibition reveals 60 years of hidden history at Ipswich library
Almost 30 images, posters and news articles spanning six decades will showcase the untold stories of Black dancers who blazed a trail through British ballet, as part of a National Lottery-funded project to bring their contributions into the light.