Saltdean Library will be returning to the Saltdean Lido on Tuesday, February 13 following extensive refurbishment to the iconic Grade II listed Lido building.
The Brighton & Hove libraries service will welcome customers back to the Saltdean Lido building after two years of operating from a temporary cabin with a smaller selection of stock.
Saltdean residents can look forward to a lighter, brighter library space, updated to be fresh and modern, yet beautifully in-keeping with the building’s iconic listed status.
The library is equipped with new furniture and plenty of new books and resources for the visitors to borrow and enjoy. There is a quality library offer for families, which includes a great selection of new books and sensory and interactive elements in the space. Parents will also be welcomed to regular activity sessions that encourage play as well as reading for pleasure.
The restoration work begun in 2022 following major grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (£4.2million) and Historic England (£215,000) – supported by years of additional fundraising by the local community and £2.5million from Brighton & Hove City Council.
Originally built as a beacon of Saltdean’s fashionable resort status, the building is now set to become a vibrant community hub with a poolside café, restaurant, library, Art Deco ballroom, gym, shared workspace facilities and community rooms.
Councillor Leslie Pumm, chair of the Equalities, Community Safety & Human Rights Committee, said: “I am very excited to welcome everyone back in the new Saltdean Library and wholeheartedly thank all the staff and volunteers at Saltdean Lido CIC who dedicated their time to restoring this fantastic community hub.
“A thank you also goes to Saltdean residents for bearing with our libraries during the refurbishment.
“The restoration of the iconic Saltdean lido building is a true testament to the efforts of its community, and a proof that when people care about their surroundings, they can achieve wonderful things which will benefit generations.
“I am sure the new library will bring a lot of joy to the residents and we’re delighted to invite everyone to visit, have a look and browse between the shelves or meet up with a friend and take in the welcoming library atmosphere.”
