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Community Library Formally Opens In Shanklin

Shanklin Town Council have formally opened its new Community Library.

The site - at Falcon Cross Hall - was opened at a special ceremony, with the Island's Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon cutting the ribbon, supported by High Sheriff Caroline Peel and Town Mayor Steve Knight.

The opening, delayed due to the lockdown since March, follows years of planning, and considerable fundraising by the volunteers and the Town Council, and will include new IT facilities and other resources once guidance allows.

Shanklin Mayor, Steve Knight, said:

"We have been able to consolidate Falcon Cross Hall, the new Community Library, and state of the art Public Toilets, into one amenity, with a new Town Office to follow - and we are grateful that the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff have been able to take part in the opening."

The Lord Lieutenant officially unveiled the plans for the new £100,000+ library in 2019, in her first official engagement, and has closely followed the development since.

Mrs Sheldon added:

"In these difficult of times, it is heartening to see projects like this coming forward, within the guidance, and enabling local communities to access quality services - thanks to the efforts of countless volunteers, library users across the generations will be able to benefit from a fantastic facility."

The Community Library, relocated from the previous Victoria Avenue site, will include computers, childrens area, and a range of local and tourist information reflecting its new central home.

Library volunteer co-ordinator, Maria Darbon, said:

"Although we were disappointed that we couldn't opened as planned in late March this year, with a visit from Prince Edward, we are grateful that Tim and Ben our builders, went he extra mile to create a community resource for the benefit of current and future generations."

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