About Suffolk Libraries

Suffolk Libraries is a charity which has run Suffolk’s library service since August 2012.

We have kept all of Suffolk’s libraries open. There are even more libraries now than in 2012 with a 45th opening in 2022. In total there are 45 libraries, three mobile libraries covering hundreds of stops in rural areas and three pop-up weekly library sessions. This website is also packed with useful information and provides a gateway to our extensive free eLibrary service.  

All this means you’re never too far away from the library in Suffolk!

Our success story isn’t just about keeping libraries open – it’s about people.

Suffolk Libraries has worked hard to develop new and innovative services and activities at the heart of Suffolk’s communities. Library staff are empowered to identify what local people need and adapt what they offer to meet this.

Our main focus is to nurture children’s literacy, support vulnerable people and promote wellbeing across Suffolk. Everything we do is designed to further one of these three vital aims to make Suffolk a better place to live.  

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are at the heart of everything Suffolk Libraries does and there is also a large army of volunteers including our Member Groups who help to support what we do.  

What we do

Our libraries have come into their own during the cost of living crisis as warm and welcoming places. There is something for everyone and almost everything on offer is free and easy to access, so a visit to the library can make a real difference in easing the pressure on people’s pockets.

As well as the thousands of books on offer, you can get online for free in every library and thousands of people rely on this to get online to apply for jobs and benefits or simply to stay in touch with loved ones.  

Every library offers regular activities for young children which, as well as helping to develop literacy and social skills, also prove a vital lifeline for parents too.

There are sessions for over 55s offering a range of social activities which tackle isolation and offer an opportunity to meet new people.  

Everything Suffolk Libraries does is all about wellbeing and it is the first and only library service with a dedicated community mental health and wellbeing team.  Our wellbeing offer includes a period poverty service offering free menstrual items and the successful Menopause & Me project. Several libraries run drop-ins for people to talk about their wellbeing and make friends.

Our new Moving Minds project, including our free Jumpstart fitness sessions aims to help people’s physical and mental wellbeing.  

We also have a successful Arts Council-funded programme which provides accessible arts to inspire creativity and help people to engage with the arts across Suffolk.  

‍

For more information about our specific status as an organisation visit our legal information page.