Kingston Library and Heritage Service wish all our readers and visitors a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Opening and closing times for the festive period

All Kingston Libraries will be closed from 4pm Friday 24 December to Tuesday 28 December inclusive, re-opening at their usual times from Wednesday 29 December. Branches will close at 5pm on Friday 31 December and will be closed on Saturday 1 January and Monday 3 January 2011.

Local libraries remain popular with children

A recent survery has found that 88% of children and young people rate Kingston Libraries as ‘good’, the highest rating. The three yearly CIPFA survey conducted by the Kingston Library and Heritage Service in October identified a 2% improvement on the result achieved in 2007. 

The Library Service also saw a rise in satisfaction with:

• opening hours
• under fives activities 
• the library as a safe place for children
• cheerfulness of the library interior
• ease of access to the library.

Since the last survey in 2007 there has been an increase in opening hours at some branches, and improvements in facilities for parents and children through library refurbishments. In 2009 in response to requests from parents, a new children’s toilet with baby changing facilities was added to Kingston Children’s Library and in 2010 the library was redecorated with new flooring and furnishings to create an attractive, child-friendly environment. 

Most children said they used libraries because they liked to read, make friends, join and try new things, and to learn and find things out. The number of Under Fives and their carers who responded has risen, and more are saying they attend library activities and holiday events. 

Mike Treacy, Reading and Literacy Manager for Kingston Libraries, said that the survey was an excellent result and demonstrates how much children and parents value their local library and children in the borough see libraries as exciting places of discovery and learning. The Library Service will also be learning from the survey and will be making improvements in response to comments and requests from parents and children. This ranges from improving board book provision to more child friendly furnishings at some branches.

Christmas events at Kingston Children's Library

The children's library at Kingston has remained open during building works.  Here are the Christmas events planned:

Thursday 16 December Santa's visit
Thursday 23 December Christmas stories
Thursday 30 December Pirate stories
Thursday 6 January Time Themed



Each is a free event with tickets on the day, limited on a first come basis.

Visit the library in Wheatfield Road, Kingston

Kingston Library closure - update

The external roof repairs are now almost complete and the internal work to rebuild the ceilings will commence on Friday 10^th December.  Due to the ongoing severe weather conditions, and the extensive internal damage to the roof structure caused by the thefts, it has taken a long time for the damaged areas to thoroughly dry out.

As soon as the ceilings have been repaired we will then be able to replace all the damaged areas of carpeting.  Substantial areas of woodwork also need to be repaired and repainted.

All of the computer equipment has been stored for safety reasons and these will need to be returned to their normal positions and fully tested.

The last task will be to clean the library and restore the library stock.  Some of the stock is on site and wrapped against any possible damage whilst other branches are holding quantities of Kingston stock that will need to be restored for public access.

Rest assured that everything is being done as quickly as possible to re-instate the library and restore our normal services to the public.

We aim to re-open on

Monday 10^th January 2011

Thank you for your patience

We apologise for any inconvenience caused

Kingston Children’s Library is operating normal opening hours.

There is a selection of adult stock available

including ‘Quick Choice’ Adult Fiction and DVDs.

Stock can be returned as normal to this branch.

Santa comes to Tolworth Library

Festive story and rhymetime with Father Christmas visit

Wednesday 15 December 10.30 - 11.15

Christmas Craft Activity

Tuesday 22 December 10am - 4pm. Drop-in sessions for 5 - 12 year olds.

Visit the branch in The Broadway, Tolworth.

Christmas events at Tudor Drive Library

Rhymetime Christmas Party

Tuesday 14 December, 2.15 - 2.45
Held in Tudor Drive Hall with refreshments and play session until 3.15pm. For babies and toddlers. No need to book, just turn up! Donations towards Wallace & Gromit's Childrens Foundation welcomed.

Christmas Storytime

Monday 20 December 2.15 - 2.45

Father Christmas comes to Surbiton Library!!

Monday 13 December, 2.15 - 3.15pm
Visit the library for festive stories and craft with Father Christmas making a special visit for under 5's.  Card making for family and friends.  Pre-book tickets are just £1.50

Tuesday 14 December, 10.15 - 11.15am
Dress up as your favourite Christmas character and come and sing your favourite seasonal tunes.  Free event for children.

Surbiton Library is in Ewell Road, Surbiton.

Scandinavian Christmas Craft at Tudor Drive Hall

Saturday 11 December, 2.30 - 4pm

Come along and make Scandinavian hanging decorations, reindeer masks, stained glass window cards. For children of all ages. Young children may need some help. Tickets are £1.50 and are available in advance from the library in Tudor Drive, Kingston.
Tickets may be available on the day but often sell out.