Library to open after dark

Wednesday 12 February 2020

Jersey Library will be opening after dark from next month as part of a 12-month trial inspired by an Australian initiative that has seen libraries house everything from pilates classes to food tasting events.

Groups, clubs, event organisers and evening class providers are now being invited to use the book loan facility's meeting spaces for evening sessions.

From March, the Library will be open until 21:00 from Monday to Thursday, and until 17:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

In total, the new hours will give islanders access to the Library's resources and facilities for an extra 13 hours a week.

It is hoped they will give the community more opportunities to "use and enjoy" the facilities in the evenings. 

Among those facilities are two community meeting rooms which can each seat up to 35 people, as well as open spaces that can be used for anything from pop-up film events to opera performances. 

The trial has been inspired by ‘Libraries After Dark’, an Australian initiative where libraries have provided a home for activities ranging from yoga to food and drink tasting events.

"Whilst the Library will always have the provision of books and resources, study and reading spaces at its heart, our diverse building spaces also lends itself to a wide range of activities," Chief Librarian Ed Jewell explained.

"We’re keen to speak to anyone who would be interested in working with us to help create a dynamic evening offer for the Library, supporting our work to inspire lifelong learning, culture, enterprise and health and wellbeing throughout our community.”

Anyone who would like to use the space can email je.library@gov.je.