Kesgrave Library

Congratulations to all our young readers who completed this year’s Wild World Heroes Summer Reading Challenge. This year we had nearly 300 children sign up which is a fantastic number. The staff would like to thank the eighteen volunteers who gave up their time over the summer to help with the running of the challenge.

Current Guidelines

Following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions on July 19, the library no longer has a limit on the number of customers who are allowed in at any one time. However, if we are especially busy at any time, we may ask customers to wait before entering for their safety and to avoid overcrowding. Masks are no longer mandatory but staff do request, if possible, that you wear one unless exempt.

Covid-19 Self-Test (Rapid Antigen Tests)

Did you know that your local library is a collection point for these tests?

Please just pop along and ask staff for however many boxes you or your family require.

Sunday Crafts

Sunday crafts are gradually being reintroduced.

We have been issuing craft bags to customers throughout September and from Sunday 12th October, customers can ring and book their children into our weekly craft sessions. In October we are making:

  • Sunday 3rd – Autumn is here, and the hedgehogs are beginning to hibernate. Why not collect a craft bag and make your own hedgehog to decorate your room?
  • Sunday 10th – Create an autumn owl picture. Don’t forget, from this Sunday, you can phone up and book your place at the crafts sessions?
  • Sunday 17th – Make a scarecrow from a paper plate. What colour hat will yours have?
  • Sunday 24th – Design a sea turtle to celebrate Beach Bonkers being at the library today.
  • Sunday 31st – We are making a Halloween inspired noughts and crosses game in today’s craft session.

Activities are free. Parents must stay with under eights.

Word Play Sessions

These sessions are being held at the Kesgrave Community Centre on a Wednesday, with Tot Rock at 9.45 – 10.15 a.m. and Baby Bounce at 10.45 – 11.15a.m.

With the relaxation of covid restrictions, these sessions are no longer bookable, but some guidelines do still apply. If you would like to attend, please pop along to the community centre.

Story Time

Story Time will continue every Friday outside in the library garden, weather permitting, for as long as possible 9.45 – 10.15 a.m. Booking is no longer necessary – please pop along – we look forward to seeing you.

Beach Bonkers

Sunday 24th October 10.00 – 12.00 noon at the library – free activity. Have you ever held a woolly mammoth’s tooth? Can you find the treasures hidden in the shingle beach? Plus, a plastic-free sea creature themed craft! Pop along – we look forward to seeing you.

Half-term events

We are currently planning an event for half-term. More details to follow. Please look out for posters and social media posts.

Lego Club

This is beginning again on Tuesday 12th October. Please ring to book a place – numbers are currently limited I’m afraid.

Book Club

The library’s book clubs are returning this month. If you are interested in returning or joining, please do give us a ring. We currently have an afternoon and evening club. We hope to see you soon.

Facebook and Instagram

To keep up to date with all that is going on at the library, please like and follow our Facebook page (Kesgrave Library) and our Instagram Account (@kesgravelibrary).

Opening Hours

  •  Monday - 9.00 – 12.00 noon
  •  Tuesday - 9.00 – 12.00 noon / 2.30 – 5.00 p.m.
  •  Wednesday - 2.30 – 6.00 p.m.
  •  Thursday - 2.30 – 8.00 p.m.
  •  Friday - 9.00 – 12.00 noon / 2.30 – 6.00 p.m.
  •  Saturday - 10.00 – 5.00 p.m.
  •  Sunday - 10.00 – 3.00 p.m.
Location
Contact

Introduction (pre-covid)

Kesgrave Library

Normal Opening Times
  •  Monday: 9.00am-noon
  •  Tuesday: 9.00am-noon, 2.30pm-5.00pm
  •  Wednesday: 2.30pm-6.00pm
  •  Thursday: 2.30pm-8.00pm
  •  Friday: 9.00am-noon, 2.30pm-6.00pm
  •  Saturday: 10.00am-5.00pm
  •  Sunday: 10.00am-3.00pm
Location
Contact
Further Details
Don't have a Library Card?

If you would like a library card, please call in and speak to a member of staff. You just need to bring in some form of ID which has your name and address on it. Children can also have a card from any age but need to be with their parent/guardian at the time of signing up.

Last updated: 10 September 2021

Weekly Events

Lego Club

Every Tuesday afternoon from 3.00-4.30pm.

What will you design? Parents must stay with under eights.

Knit and Natter

1st and 3rd Wednesday of month from 2.30pm

£1 donation with tea, coffee and biscuits provided. New members very welcome. You don't need to knit, just pop along for a cup of tea and a natter.

Word Play Sessions

Every Thursday

These are free activities for pre-school children and their parents or carers.

Why not come along every Thursday for songs, rhymes and stories?

If you are interested in joining please ring or speak to a member of staff.

  • Tot Rock: action rhymes, songs and stories for toddlers, 9.45-10.15am
  • BabyBounce: songs and rhymes for babies, 10.30-11am
Afternoon Book Club

One Thursday a month 2.45pm

If you are interested in joining the group, please ring or speak to a member of staff.

Evening Book Club

2nd Thursday of month 7pm.

If you are interested in joining the group, please ring or speak to a member of staff.

Story Time Sessions

Every Friday 9.45-10.15am

These sessions combine stories and rhymes. All welcome. Why not pop along?

Activities are free.

Sunday Crafts

Most Sundays 10am-noon.

Activities are free. Parents must stay with under eights. There's no need to book—just turn up and have a go.

Last updated: 10 September 2021

Reading Challenge

Introduction

Since 2005 the library usually runs a reading challenge over the summer holidays. The first year it was called Reading Rollercoaster. The following year there is a nautical theme, where everyone who registered was given their own personal Ship’s Reading Log, packed with puzzles and challenges to complete.

Basically children of any age can join in, even the very young can take part, as mums, dads and others can help as much as they like. All they have to do is choose any book from the library, read it and talk about it when they bring it back. They will be given a sheet of stickers to go in their Reading Log for every book they read, and there is also bookmarks, fortune-tellers and activity sheets to collect along the way.

At the end of the summer holiday, those who have read six books will be given a medal and certificate at a special presentation ceremony. It runs from around 24th July to the 4th September and you can register in advance in mid July.

Last updated: 10 September 2021

IT Help Sessions

Introduction

Are you having trouble getting to grips with a new piece of technology? Or would you like help downloading ebooks to your e-reader?

A member of staff at the library; will be offering help sessions to all customers who would like some support using their iPads, smart phones, tablets, e-books, computers or need some general guidance using the internet.

Drop in IT Session

Held every 3rd Monday morning once a month. 

Just pop along to this help session and speak to a member of staff.

Get Connect IT Session

Held last Saturday of the month.

Please contact the Library to book a place.

Kesgrave Library Community Group

Introduction

Kesgrave Library Community Group supports the library with regular family events, fund-raising and clubs for all ages, with the aim of making the library an attractive area and resource to be enjoyed by all the community.

Further details

Contact the library manager for more information.

100 Club

Introduction

Our community group's 100 Club is now starting its second year. For just £1 per month, you could enter and have a chance of winning a cash prize, plus knowing you are supporting your local library.

Hire the Library Outside Opening Hours

Space within library
  • Capacity: 15 people
  • Cost: £10 per hour for community/charity/private bookings, £15 per hour for commercial/statutory bookings
  • Availability: Outside library opening hours only.
To Book

To book contact the library or pop in.

Other Libraries and Services

Ipswich County Library
Day Hours
Monday 0900 – 1800
Tuesday 0900 – 1900
Wednesday 0900 – 1800
Thursday 0900 – 1800
Friday 0900 – 1900
Saturday 0830 – 1700
Sunday 1000 – 1600
Other Suffolk Libraries

Libraries in Suffolk: locations, opening times etc

eLibrary

Download and stream eBooks, eAudio, MP3s and magazines for free using your library card

Home Library Service

If health or mobility issues are preventing you getting to a branch or mobile library, volunteers from Suffolk Libraries home library service may be able to help.

The service is free and available from most libraries.

Volunteers will visit you in your own home, help you decide which books will interest you and order books from the library for you. They will collect the books from the library and deliver them to your door.   If you would like to receive this service, please eithe:

Become a volunteer - Our volunteers work with library staff to regularly visit customers, providing social interaction and delivering library stock. The minimum volunteers contribute is a morning or afternoon each month. They need access to a car, driving themselves or pairing up with another volunteer. For more information, contact:

Mobile Library- Nearby

The mobile library stops at Blacdkown Avenue, Rusmere St Andrew every Thursday 0935-1005. for more details visit:

Further details of Mobile Library routes can be found at:


Last updated: 10 September 2021