Canterbury library
Beaney Institute museum and library re-development
The Beaney, House of Art & Knowledge will re-open in
September 2012. As part of the celebrations you can take part
in the Children's
writing competition (PDF, 1.4mb).
The Heritage Lottery Fund has allocated £6.5 million to the
project led by Kent County Council and Canterbury City Council
to conserve and enhance the late Victorian building, provide a
brand new extension, and transform the range and quality of
displays and services which it offers. Access will also be improved
throughout the building and a central lift will give people better
access to upper floors.
The work will transform the Beaney into an exciting cultural hub
for Canterbury and will herald a new era for the first publicly
funded library in Great Britain.
Canterbury Library was originally funded through innovative
interpretation of the Museums Act 1845 provision for a museum of
arts and science.
For regular news go to the Beaney Facebook page.
Library
During the work
Canterbury library continues to provide a lending service from
a temporary site at 35 Pound Lane, formerly known as Ede's Garage,
which includes:
- books for adults
- children's books
- books for teenagers
- computer facilities
- a selection of DVDs, CDs and Talking Books
- a small reference collection
As well as continuing with our regular Baby Bounce and Rhyme
sessions for children, the library aims to run a varied programme
of events for all members of the community.
Whilst at the temporary site a FREE reservation service is on
offer, waiving the current 35p charge and allowing access to the
wider Kent stock.
The Credit Union advisory sessions normally held in the
library have moved to Canterbury Citizens Advice Bureau.
Museum
Collections have been transferred to the Museum of Canterbury in
Stour Street where as many exhibits as possible will continue to be
on view. The Buffs collections have been transferred to the
National Army Museum for conservation work during the Beaney
closure period.
